tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83978425966928957262024-03-13T06:31:58.285+02:00poppy viewPoppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08980323586402386609noreply@blogger.comBlogger258125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397842596692895726.post-66659106038650119512018-02-27T02:26:00.000+02:002018-02-27T21:53:27.972+02:00Up for a walk? Wear comfy shoes, cause this is a doozy!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<img border="0" data-original-height="452" data-original-width="800" height="361" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL_swEKWaksF9pLa-VbTXmEvXow6v9wc6bVVVy09zNgqYXkIRNjf29w4NGy0ejOUOwiJY3xR-Yo_OA4bJI_EyIHeZNn9OfdoMYDvKBIJwEq4cRMHxfGvHsI-PhI0wT5IQu3lyOHUSonas/s640/almpend.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Hello everyone, it's been a while - <i>again</i>. I've missed you!<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span>I'm glad you're here<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> -</span> if you haven't completely abandoned me, already<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> - </span>since <i>I'm</i> not here as often as I <i>used</i> to be. But, more on<i> that</i>, later. Let's walk, shall we?</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We'll start from my house; that way,</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> you'll know where it is, next time you come.</span></span></span></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="714" data-original-width="687" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVmmwXSlah5ec-65wpxYSw_F6G9fYrYKnhMh7Jy-uFhvN6t3LyHHGC5jqqDW-T6N26G1fsXLlHa0atvxON2LBGVWzVrtqNdCMLIwQlsY2qGcg-NTzX9E1caDrnycioZ_jx2KruWGyqRvY/s640/almondbok.jpg" width="615" /> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #e06666;">If you've visited me on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/poppyview/">Instagram</a>, lately, you'll know </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #e06666;">that almond blossoms are everywhere, right now. </span></span></span></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="566" data-original-width="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggSBLplPHqxR_skyalyHdSoZp-S2gGpmqBqrllXcmAZfYt1XuQ5qqh0ozpFrJkcLt1gTtLrJDjXK329PxfX5jqpP3tNVsMVo4P5HoBpiPQr9uaU7p0jm3D7pfitM0o1SL4d0fiAhq0J_k/s1600/almond3.jpg" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #e06666;">Their sweet, honey-like scent fills </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #e06666;">the air with the promise of spring.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I never tire of this particular spot, near our home. I have taken its picture many times throughout my years of blogging, where bare grapevines take centre stage, while silver leaved trees beaded with olives and bobbles of oranges beaming from another, act as a chorus, harmoniously illustrating how a variety of very different produce thrives so well, in such close proximity to one another, on this island.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="639" data-original-width="800" height="511" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimOKUsVIJv1HEZemJl_Q0gJLbmQGBiliw6WNHXvbHo1qqefVeYFvgdVOUUAIL413fjlfysMqsqoAC1P2aD0jqQ0IfSJ7pM93QiiEubwxJ90Uqx90wCXdpDgoRGhec3gNDbw1vNsjhDXIo/s640/vywm.jpg" width="640" /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In contrast, white mustard, (yes, it's yellow!), has invaded winter vineyards, all on its own. The adorable flowers add cheery colour to the fruitless vines, and every time I walk by<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span>this one, I want to merrily run<i> </i>through it, like a little girl, without a care in the world. </span></span></span></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="521" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA40zDroWGjWf2_HNUzgwkpCHwBoYDKELGMR9R6On5cNxRjv4rhMrGNr2wDVIdKLlhiIPFP1GQ_d21dmHYj5BLBHX7lt9HVxNnyYqdqgS8cz5-mipi1AbzwhYbofUg-UWAeuE7wF-Z7a8/s640/al2.jpg" width="416" /></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Heading out towards the next village, t</span>his beautiful <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">branch</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> of </span>almond blossoms in the distance, beckoned me </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">to bestow its allure from up close, </span></span></span></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="716" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga7OzXy_4DFpR67zpRMyscGK7J8tGn7t3_iriDxPB6yD8Ggrn8vV5YtXq-krs3MDYO7MokJZyMPhBY0kkOvf07mod4LTMcDV7rGv9nGklb8xXFywFipRyVeVh6dRrwddewJDng7_3VBlk/s640/almsarch.jpg" width="572" /></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">thus forcing me to take a new path, deeper into the </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Cretan countryside, one which I had never explored before.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span></span><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqM_HbX_ep3ZNqtPyx87rbc26f2NxsHaiNf1LcxcQAG3Z38n7XbRcp_I6ohWU5yU_cXnq4cHgoqRGQgbFMBbibtPSVxaVn4vnHA2yqLmBOf9LtfUzXknBlZjIfCE90HUBUT3zSHAOBbkc/s640/whitemustard2.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Do you see where I'm going with all this? </span></span></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="633" data-original-width="800" height="506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN9fjYDYhE4rKupQ-ElhW1wxeMtQ06Pkra0E77THcok9jEbQIWN-E81keZcVOnLudLXQ1Mudg6NiioCE-0fMZGz1TUhuA77uhUfMi9xxoHewp1-eSDtvmTD_o0eN-_ErQc0fmdTqzfm-E/s640/vilav.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #bf9000;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; display: inline ! important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 18px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Fields of aloe vera, vineyards, fruit and olive groves form the width of the countryside surrounding our village, while the mountains in the background soar to magnificent heights.</span></span></span></span></b></i></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">There are many reasons, my friends, that have been keeping me from posting as often as I'd like, but I won't bore you with what they are. Besides, we probably have a lot of them in common. Just like the rows upon rows of aloe vera in the pic above, most days, my long list of 'to dos' seems endless, so that the components of composing a blog post, i.e., writing a theme oriented (as <i>I</i> tend to do), piece of prose, photographing 'subjects', </span></span></span><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">formatting its text and pics, </span></span></span>editing, editing<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> and </span>editing,😓 somehow, gets pushed to the bottom of the priority pile, and thus, days turn into weeks and weeks morph into months!🗓😲 Anyway, it's not like there's a rule that dictates how often one should post, but if you're like me, and <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">re<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ally</span></span> need to reach your creativity quota every few days or so, you <i>could</i> have a problem.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Or <span style="font-family: inherit;">not</span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">. Enter Instagram! <span style="font-family: inherit;">It allows me to post random pics<span style="font-family: inherit;">, (a<span style="font-family: inherit;">lthough<i> I</i> <span style="font-family: inherit;">tend to <span style="font-family: inherit;">do</span> triplets<span style="font-family: inherit;"> with a bit of text</span>), in a <span style="font-family: inherit;">few <span style="font-family: inherit;">minutes<span style="font-family: inherit;">.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;">I really appreciate the frequent interaction <span style="font-family: inherit;">with</span> my followers<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">, too</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">; </span>even just popping by to say '<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hi!<span style="font-family: inherit;">'<span style="font-family: inherit;">,</span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">😊<span style="font-family: inherit;"> is always a sweet gesture</span>!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> As I've <span style="font-family: inherit;">pointed out in a previous blog post, <span style="font-family: inherit;">Instagram</span> will <i>never </i>replace<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> my</span></span> blog </span>process, as I <span style="font-family: inherit;">really enjoy<span style="font-family: inherit;"> being challenged by <span style="font-family: inherit;">what a blog post involves, </span></span></span>but it <i>is</i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> more a<span style="font-family: inherit;">ch<span style="font-family: inherit;">ievable</span></span>, for <i>me</i><span style="font-family: inherit;">, for <i>now</i>, <span style="font-family: inherit;">regarding time<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span>and effort<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">.</span></i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></i></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Interestingly, this seems to be a timely topic, since recently, I've come across several bloggers who are dealing with similar questions as to why they, too, are not posting as often. Some have explained that they don't have
anything to report, or no new pics to share, they are not feeling inspired, or are too bombarded by deadlines in the real world. All good and valid
reasons, wouldn't you agree? </span></span></span><br />
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<img border="0" data-original-height="538" data-original-width="552" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilsx2uHzdhNkPoqPjurcEbrQS2dvfJIOvKM5F9-iNfCRGF2JeRlMZKM_SqUDfV53LV4_oARFu31mreUoCwHDd3aS0XM5ydLnMX2zbenz7Ypvafy6L_Ub0VC94xXa-_QGcEM0Gz7NMi4RA/s1600/oranges.jpg" /></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Unfortunately, I've lost a few followers the last few months, which I <i>assume </i>is due to the inconsistency of my posts - driving readers away because I've become </span></span></span><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="vmod">blasé</span> is too scary a thought! On the contrary, there are blogs that still grace my sidebar which haven't been updated in years, but that doesn't mean that they never will, and when they do, I will dash over to read them and say 'hello' to their authors and tell them how much I missed them and how happy I am that they're back. But if they don't ever appear at the top of my list, as blogs do when a new post is published, I will continue to keep their thumbnails there, like I do old photos, to remind me of their creators and their wonderful worlds.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Well, this blogger's all talked out </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">and you are, no doubt, all <i>walked</i> out, </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">so I'll say goodbye for now. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">But before we part ways, </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">tell me, are you, too, </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">going through a phase </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> of unintentional delays, causing</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> you 'blogger mystery' malaise?</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As always, </span></span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">thanks for visiting!</span></span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">xx</span></span></i></span><br />
<i><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #990000;">Poppy</span>💟</span></span></span></i></div>
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Poppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08980323586402386609noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397842596692895726.post-65684413269889030342018-01-02T22:25:00.001+02:002018-01-02T23:29:39.408+02:00Happy 2018!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><i> </i></b><b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Happy New Year, dear readers!</span></span></i></b><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">You may remember the Greek tradition of</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">baking a <a href="http://poppyview.blogspot.gr/2015/01/cookies-cakes-and-caves-new-year.html" style="color: #1155cc;">St. Basil's cake</a>, to ring in the new year.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As always, our 2018 'vasilopita', or St. Basil's cake, scented </span></span></span><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">the entire house with a sweet, lemon-y aroma, and </span></span></span><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">added a serving of holiday cheer to the open </span></span></span><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">shelving </span></span></span><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">in the kitchen, </span></span></span><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">which was </span><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">fittingly and festively dressed </span><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">in all its Christmas cuteness.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thank goodness, just a few days earlier, Liberty and I had gone on </span></span></span><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">a long walk uphill, through vineyards and olive groves, to the next village over, </span></span><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">a kind of </span></span><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">preventative </span></span><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">measure</span></span><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> against expected calorie damage,</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">since aside from the </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">St. Basil's cake, there were other seasonal sweets</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> that were enjoyed at Christmas teas </span></span></span><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">and gatherings. Above, </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">we enjoyed a Greek brew amid the spectacular views of the sky, sea and valley below - </span></span></span><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">a lovely break before all the busyness that was in store!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And, although we didn't hike, but <i>drove</i><b><i>, </i></b>up to a beautiful, mountainous village, inland, to celebrate 2018 with our annual </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">New Year's day lunch, at one of our favourite restaurants,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">we made sure to feast on healthy fare, amid </span></span></span><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">some richer dishes. Doesn't this Cretan winter salad look </span><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">divine? It was drizzled with an olive oil/honey/balsamic </span><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">dressing, and featured farmer's cheese, dried figs, BBQ mushrooms<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> and sweet </span>peppers, a sprinkling of pomegranate seeds and </span><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">a few honeyed sesame cubes... so refreshing and delicious!</span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzA2mW3AX5XdH_zWPzYVWpF1KFtwbwYxBDnUs3aP46CLWwiM1r2z1_yA3LytCCEZf66NPEte48JP2ZsDd9ejw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span>Hope you enjoy this short video of our exhilarating hike</span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"> to that heavenly village in the sky. </span><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">May 2018 be filled </span><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">with </span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">happy
horizons of clear, bright light, for you and yours!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>Thanks for visiting!</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>xx</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>Poppy</i></span></div>
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Poppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08980323586402386609noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397842596692895726.post-68330222786777288682017-12-24T16:37:00.000+02:002017-12-26T15:25:15.919+02:00Merry Christmas!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;">Happy Holidays, everyone! </span></span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;">Hope you're still here! I haven't been able to post as </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;">regularly as I've wanted to this past year and as I scroll</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;">back, for the most part, it was about once a month.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Needless to say, it's been a busy year.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;">I <i>finally </i>got around to styling our credenza for this </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;">Christmas. If you'd like to see how it was decorated </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;">in previous years, have a look <b><i><a href="http://poppyview.blogspot.gr/2013/12/in-merry-measure.html">here </a></i></b>and <b><i><a href="http://poppyview.blogspot.gr/2014/12/christmas-credenza-santas-and-snowmen.html">here</a></i></b>. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;">The mantel, with only one 'shelf', is always a little easier</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"> to accessorize. If you're curious as to how <b><i>it</i></b> looked in </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;">Christmases past, click <a href="http://poppyview.blogspot.gr/2013/12/fireside-with-frostys-friends.html"><span id="goog_1566517205"></span><b><i>here</i></b><span id="goog_1566517206"></span> </a>and <a href="http://poppyview.blogspot.gr/2014/12/merry-minis.html"><b><i>here</i></b></a>. </span></span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;">But, the more, the merrier, no?</span></span></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span></span></i><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Thanks for visiting, everyone.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;">Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas! </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;">Poppy </span></span></span><i><br /></i></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><i>Sharing at:</i></span></div>
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<a href="http://mariaelenasdecor.blogspot.gr/2017/12/tuesdays-at-our-home-237-features.html"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i>Tuesdays at Our Home</i></span></a></div>
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Poppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08980323586402386609noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397842596692895726.post-44949892392605600002017-11-02T22:12:00.000+02:002017-11-03T22:52:23.709+02:00My Fruity, Fall Mantel<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I <i>finally </i>got around to decorating our mantel for autumn. I know<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">...</span> but better late than never<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">, right?</span> Besides, we still have about a month and a half before the first day of winter. </span></span></span><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This seasonal display is an eclectic accumulation of sorts. For starters, Liberty brought the traditional, red bellows back from Norway this summer, while the black, metal rooster was a sweet gift from a friend, who lives in England, a few years ago.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Looking to Mother Nature for inspiration, I browsed her 'wares' and came home with some pretty vine </span></span></span><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">leaves from a neighbouring vineyard. </span></span></span>They remind me of the fiery, fall maple leaves back home. After soaking in the sink to keep them hydrated, their spent scent filled the air and I was instantly transported to my childhood of rainy, autumn morning walks to school. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I also shopped the house and snatched fruit themed prints off the walls, candlesticks from the dining room, and cute, ceramic pitchers from the kitchen cupboard. The bunches of sage were collected from my husband's village and the marigolds, still holding up well, despite a few blustery days, were picked from our flowerpots on the patio, while the pomegranates,<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span>finally ripe enough to eat, and the walnuts, both came from our trees.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We enjoy afternoon tea in the living room, when the sun visits the space and sits a spell, covering us in a warm blanket of light, as we cozily sit by the mantel, chatting or reading or napping, to recharge, after the last chores of the day are completed, leaving only dinner to prepare.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Have you decorated your mantel <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">this</span> autumn?</span></span></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thanks for visiting, everyone.</span></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Happy weekend! </span></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">xx</span></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Poppy </span></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sharing at:</span></span></span></span></i></div>
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<i><a href="http://www.frenchcountrycottage.net/2017/11/feathered-nest-friday.html"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Feathered Nest Friday </span></span></span></span></a></i></div>
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<a href="http://www.create-with-joy.com/2017/11/friendship-friday-blog-party-social-media-boost-301.html"><i><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">F<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">rien<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">dship Friday</span></span> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span></span> </i></a></div>
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<a href="http://sparks/"><span style="color: #990000;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Saturday Sparks</span></span></i></span></a></div>
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Poppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08980323586402386609noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397842596692895726.post-61901053248025107642017-10-20T00:00:00.001+03:002017-11-03T22:53:08.110+02:00Fig Jam, Infused with Cinnamon & Vanilla<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span title="Edited">A burst of bright pink bougainvillea is a
stunning showstopper on this otherwise </span></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span title="Edited"><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span title="Edited">low key street, </span></span></i></span>in the village of Lefkes, on the island of Paros, Greece. </span></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Hello <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">everyone</span>, <b><i><span style="color: #b45f06;">H<span style="color: yellow;">a</span><span style="color: orange;">p</span><span style="color: #cc0000;">p</span><span style="color: #f6b26b;">y</span> <span style="color: #cc0000;">F</span><span style="color: #ffd966;">a</span><span style="color: #cc0000;">l</span>l</span></i></b>!</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It's been a while since my last post </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">- it was an extra busy summer.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">For those of you who are still <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">here, </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">thanks for <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">sticking </span>around; I <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">appreciate it!</span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span title="Edited">After a refreshing swim, a golden sunset
saturates the sky and illuminates the sea at Agios Prokopios, on the
island of Naxos. This was taken waiting at the bus stop for our ride
back to Chora. </span></span></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Soon after Liberty returned from Norway, we set out </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">for the islands of Naxos and Paros, which were idyllic </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">in every way. If you follow me on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/poppyview/">Instagram</a>, you've</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">already seen the charming beauty of these places.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR6wAgfV-ca_4nvyJEAByCljhUDEpsRnQcdECkBJZ9zaZzBorrDgkACxd6sQQdQz_6uVfQQhDMcs5qh_d3YvCYSZ-7PWqcTD1jrw1pDN9agzxH1405QMb5t5N7wRU1yczxJ6_6TfAokdI/s1600/figj6.jpg" /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">But, today's post is about jam, fig jam, to be precise. If</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">you remember, in my <a href="http://poppyview.blogspot.gr/2017/08/august-harvest.html">last</a> post, we had a wonderful</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">harvest of this fruit, and so I decided to try my hand</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">at cooking, sterilizing and canning the sweet stuff, as</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">a surprise welcome home gift for Libby, who loves it! </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I admit, I was somewhat nervous about the sterilization</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> and canning process - boiling the glass jars, then heating </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">them in the oven - <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">yikes! B</span>ut now, after having experienced </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">these two stages in practice, I'm more confident.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span title="Edited">Rich
and jewel toned, this recipe for
fig jam, infused with vanilla essence and aromatic cinnamon, is a
treat for the taste buds. Its orange sapphire glow is pure eye candy,
while its sweet and spicy scent is irresistibly appetizing. <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> fig jam is so versatile; it<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">s <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">unique flavour <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">complements<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span>both sweet and savoury <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">dishes<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">. I <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">especially<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span>like to <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">spread it on two <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">slices of </span>sourdough bread<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> that <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">are</span> then topped<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span>with a slice<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> of low fat Gouda and shavings of <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">smoked, honey glazed ham.<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span title="Edited"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Two<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span>minutes in the panini press and presto!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span title="Edited"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> - <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">you have <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">the<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> perfect</span> comfort food sandwich!</span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span title="Edited"><b>Fig Jam</b></span></span></i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span title="Edited"><b></b></span></span></i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span title="Edited"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2BZDmdRaFqteuIfkA3Jo2AIxVO0HIbD9kvn1iAJAn8ftsYgu99FVlQFXXoiJg_6RDuEVDG1Co-xa75UHsYG6AC6ZPIPsSKZSe7lR8zs-Pfda8gUcVqDsI67ji24XadzYRpkycdBKgvvk/s1600/clres.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="76" data-original-width="95" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2BZDmdRaFqteuIfkA3Jo2AIxVO0HIbD9kvn1iAJAn8ftsYgu99FVlQFXXoiJg_6RDuEVDG1Co-xa75UHsYG6AC6ZPIPsSKZSe7lR8zs-Pfda8gUcVqDsI67ji24XadzYRpkycdBKgvvk/s1600/clres.png" /></a></b></span></span></i></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #e69138;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span title="Edited"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Ingredients:</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i></b></span></u><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span title="Edited"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">2 lbs f<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">igs, <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">peeled </span>and cut into<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> bite sized <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">pieces </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span title="Edited"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">2 1/4 cups sugar</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span title="Edited"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">1 1/4 </span>cup water</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span title="Edited"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">pinch of salt </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> 1 tsp. vanilla essence </span></i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></i><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">1 cinnamon stick </span></i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2BZDmdRaFqteuIfkA3Jo2AIxVO0HIbD9kvn1iAJAn8ftsYgu99FVlQFXXoiJg_6RDuEVDG1Co-xa75UHsYG6AC6ZPIPsSKZSe7lR8zs-Pfda8gUcVqDsI67ji24XadzYRpkycdBKgvvk/s1600/clres.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="76" data-original-width="95" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2BZDmdRaFqteuIfkA3Jo2AIxVO0HIbD9kvn1iAJAn8ftsYgu99FVlQFXXoiJg_6RDuEVDG1Co-xa75UHsYG6AC6ZPIPsSKZSe7lR8zs-Pfda8gUcVqDsI67ji24XadzYRpkycdBKgvvk/s1600/clres.png" /></a></span></i></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Directions: </b></span></i></span></span></u><br />
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<span style="color: red;"></span><span style="color: #e69138;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="510" data-original-width="659" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhREzzE9NQBq4BBPaqpaqFD-idRRZ5xpGiiDMFjbAM94_SuwwQvfacHCUM6jlx53zNnUiGPrMRE4Eli0kC7p9DjGx_25OhMUHWhlLFFSC0cenupEOXSgTRf8_Oqv2SnttWq0Wo7VBGyisY/s400/figj1.jpg" width="400" /></span></i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Peel the figs into a large saucepan, and add the remaining ingredients.</span></i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #e69138;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="473" data-original-width="481" height="393" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSBDTRy864ohb_HAXL8uQ6xZeQ6vdS4nGJmPon80JXxuFED02IqPhUhOMGtMnqw-TSKCv7yBPda3ZM0nSdNTCSHtp8ZfTm4Jp7l4WSgiRgs-NeZ2FJRjFabWdx6Yb-9lccAVlBxJZkbKM/s400/figj2.jpg" width="400" /></span></span></span></span></i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Bring to a boil until sugar dissolves, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to medium low and cook<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">,</span> uncovered, continuing to stir occasionally for about an hour, or until the liquid is thick<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span>and sticky and drops heavily f<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ro</span>m the ladle. Remove from heat and discard cinnamon stick.</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><u>Sterilization and Canning: </u></b></span></i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="st"><b>NOTE</b>:
Start sterilizing jars and lids when your jam is about 20 minutes away</span></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="st"> from being ready, since the jam needs to be hot when placed in the hot
jars. </span></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">After you've checked that there are no chips or dents in your jars and lids,<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span>wash them in hot, soapy water, rinsing well. Turn upside down on a clean tea towel<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span>that has been placed in a baking pan. Place jars and lids in a pan of very hot water. Gently boil them for 20 minutes.<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span>Do not boil on high, as they may bang into<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span>each other and break! </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></i></span><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="599" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL9drkcJlE6GQJzv2q0G8WqvSkYkgGcV_TrEqaX9Yejd2DrKl9CpxA5VzPZ5QksWmjeXmsUIR2o46Bg-HTjM4ukVbir6cDyznrgO_w-hfGSDSM2dyp5278FDIQ1iHmWil0Ohy4Jyv2r2I/s400/figj4.jpg" width="298" /></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Remove with tongs and place upside down on clean tea towel <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span>linin<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">g</span></span> a baking pan. </span></i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="799" data-original-width="661" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfB-GvSIr3yR8fDt28w2hifHVA5VgrybHRgCsKCtkZezutfQGt7XwK5jnFQBlHBtM6h_hJ92gGaIaUJChwkry5nwZ6ohyphenhyphen6EiNHI6NWG7VmnxQ7mlM6giwhJ-IrbttGHZ6wBPfkRDEP8kk/s400/figj5.jpg" width="330" /></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Place pan with jars<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">,</span> lids<b> and </b>tea tow<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">el </span>in oven, set to </span></i></span><span style="color: #e69138;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="st"><span style="font-size: small;">212ºF and heat for 15 minutes. <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Don't worry; <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">the tea towel won't burn. </span></span>Immediately after removing the jars and lids from the oven, fill with hot jam, leaving about 1/8 of an inch of space from the top. Be careful when pouring jam into jars. If any gets on the rims, this could cause bacteria, as well as not allowing the lids from<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span>sealing properly. Always fill hot jars with hot ingredients and cold jars with cold<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span>ingredients, since filling a hot jar with a cold ingredient<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> may cause</span> it to shatter.<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span>Close tightly, turn upside down and bring to room temperature.<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Turn <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">right side up, and s</span></span>tore in<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight for up to one year. Once opened, <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">keep in the <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">fridge for up to one month<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i></span></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="877" data-original-width="814" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsrKFVq_l5jTkd8T238OKhcwjHkkIGfTq-nWDT4b0vuC3jaG9WiO0glRwkyCGCAnkx5w3pGdof8KM9tSl7XJmoHv0acjfrnv3MR5Z_-6KGM66D_41Dhmk5MjFmbuquwKsuvsXhIuCW1Pw/s640/figjlast.jpg" width="594" /></div>
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<span style="color: orange;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span></i><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Next summer, when figs are in season once again</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">and readily available, please give this recipe a try.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It really is scrumptious!</span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVRMT9VILWRvQPCj_TeEaQ88KhNgPOtTVlrkh5XaZfg9SlmOY245eYiuGVhTHrdJ0PyM2vY_EGrBQaoaXafAxIQSjIpGRkImGQlKaVftl-3bg3FCz_4yMxF1qIWy8ljbweJOm_Reu7EeI/s1600/iPiccy-collageFigjam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="528" data-original-width="1600" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVRMT9VILWRvQPCj_TeEaQ88KhNgPOtTVlrkh5XaZfg9SlmOY245eYiuGVhTHrdJ0PyM2vY_EGrBQaoaXafAxIQSjIpGRkImGQlKaVftl-3bg3FCz_4yMxF1qIWy8ljbweJOm_Reu7EeI/s640/iPiccy-collageFigjam.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thanks for visiting! </span></span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">xo</span></span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ea9999;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><b>Poppy </b></span></span></span></i></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sharing at:</span></span></span></i></div>
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<a href="https://normandylife.blogspot.gr/2017/10/mosaic-monday-58-fall-foliage-fungi.html"><i><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Mosaic Monday</span></span></span></i></a></div>
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<i><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://mariaelenasdecor.blogspot.gr/2017/10/tuesdays-at-our-home-228-features.html">T<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">uesdays at <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Our Home</span></span></a></span></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.frenchcountrycottage.net/2017/11/feathered-nest-friday.html"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Feather<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ed Nest Friday</span> </span></span></a></span></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.create-with-joy.com/2017/11/friendship-friday-blog-party-social-media-boost-301.html"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">F<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">riendship Friday</span> </span></span></a></span></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://piecedpastimes.blogspot.gr/2017/11/saturday-sparks-link-party-244.html"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Saturday Sparks </span></span></a> </span></span></span></i></div>
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Poppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08980323586402386609noreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397842596692895726.post-55117195650471369902017-08-17T23:49:00.001+03:002017-11-02T22:30:38.502+02:00August Harvest<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Well, it's been <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">almost a month and a half </span>since I last posted,<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span>and,<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span>in that time, there's been <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">a host of hearty harvests</span> that have graced </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">our ta<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ble<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">, </span></span>like the platter of sweet<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">, <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">precious</span></span> figs, above, </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="613" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQyz1arF-obgeYVKpKvRUTFtwUmfAtPZ0wDN4RJTh3aUV7H_HwRV3Q45LFqjo83_ExpzNxWYD6s80SrpVlcwc9H4KALEOlJwwXWY6MuEWuqCoSHT7DtKJpHq6R1vEBt0VlVTwBkkOVAT0/s1600/figs5.jpg" /><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">from our one and only fig tree, <span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">planted by my </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">hus<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">band's father</span></span>,</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> who w<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">as </span>a farmer, over sixty years ago<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">, <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">on the outskirts </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">of</span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">the village<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">in which he was born<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> and grew up.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span></span><img border="0" data-original-height="665" data-original-width="800" height="532" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPvmjMPrT5K6v8G5ztK4ZL1H8y50vrjRJ8NruqjitECQkHY5AvFMg17goe6blK9p2s-fPJmXgEaBNJhZo89_PoKT7aLGumLanD3sZusKR83i-MuB8mpiNZVLxfS4f6VX40IRbsB5f9UHU/s640/figs2.jpg" width="640" /><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">T</span>he 'fruits of his labour',<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> we are still enjoying, today.</span></span></span><br />
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<img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPF8u-R8AXdwZrFFElvjy6kottEMReqMgTjDi9pB_qnMz5xXION6vNdmujRK1WV4Pgqjm2Ha6QOqCbFWux4kFNKiaQKspUB-R8ALe9tb_D13CpNsN-gAqWPp8IvJVUvrfRCrYWf9AGiTI/s1600/figs3.jpg" /></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It was very hot, the day we picked the figs, and looking </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">up towards the sun to pluck each one from its stem, was</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">stressful on the eyes, but worth the effort, in the end.</span></span></span></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWvI_3se8NirA2I84Oth8hAMl_bQxFRUJzbgNfzXkqWbj6sGQctWz00cHgfuE37dqTkM587ke-1bcagjtkxQUfB6yAA10vXI0RCCK0MU1Pib421ZhpK2Wn-qmHp5WWBw_wARRgSGF5PlU/s1600/figs.jpg" /></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> What proved to be more of a challenge, for me, </span></span></span><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">was the rough</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> and rocky road back to the car, as I <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">struggled to keep my b<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">alance, fearing a flip with every little slip<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">, </span></span></span></span>unlike my husband, whose<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span>footsteps<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span>seemed to fit perfectly between each <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">pebbl</span>y </span>crack and cranny! </span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Earlier, we had stopped by the three loaded <br />walnut trees, to give them a good watering, in</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> preparation for their collection, next month. </span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfPxelovX0EloUTQohjiSTRvLLOCsEQtx0GFt1cyMimLWt_hrdC8EeGeJG_QFZ9e-eJlPniuUZQMqXr64XjLN9xc3EcKAaYopK87SqSN00fSKrcOo9qgw_h6WPdohYI9n5FSjrR_RP8Hg/s1600/walnuts1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="604" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfPxelovX0EloUTQohjiSTRvLLOCsEQtx0GFt1cyMimLWt_hrdC8EeGeJG_QFZ9e-eJlPniuUZQMqXr64XjLN9xc3EcKAaYopK87SqSN00fSKrcOo9qgw_h6WPdohYI9n5FSjrR_RP8Hg/s400/walnuts1.jpg" width="301" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It's the obvious difference in the shape of their leaves </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">that assists in the distinction of each, since from afar, </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">these two golden green globes look almost identical!</span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="487" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidfaVFwBmu7ahJ-Al8lNKyArQ_RRZ7Qbj6TmiDfwvickpExoLiN_cS6GpOgUobCZId36SG4lWbciUn3pLtsfd-wdYm-Jj1cNWpn9Hh56y3Wz8v9n_2hOHisN4Y1RWIs42NAnWqKVllabE/s1600/veggienorth.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #bf9000;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="color: #7f6000;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Facing north, towards the sea, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, zucchini and cucumbers</span></span></i></span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Meanwhile, back at the ranch, our veggie </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">garden is finally in full swing, after a late start.</span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYi4gMIVPRytZCi_xdZ88yMQfs3v1diSQ1rQ7AJ4S_fLn0RxAVl-Kaq9fpaZfVjeIuITN-KNC5dd5iGJeCzS0OXeTfSiqJ5Y0Wf3KHu7e3U2NHtd5mXSzVAjo7kdEl2Xugm4ICstibudk/s1600/veggiesouth.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #7f6000;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Facing south, a variety of tomatoes</span></span></i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Due to our neighbour's towering Leyland Cypresses,</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">an entire side of our garden, unfortunately, does not</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">get enough sunlight for veggies <i>or</i> flowers to thrive,</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">so we planted in the field across the cement wall, </span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_yqqSBM54E_hNUfNdM6i2u6LryyBQu2dRngt04Mozmj_uOpVK9sgA0XdkRGS8rFzO0ziPMW0Ccg_PudBuTOsSpniZEQlKborlcUNOJJpqdES-7jCOs35_5TgMOAxaMdxq-5HUBbS0bc8/s1600/churchveggies.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #7f6000;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In the background, just before all the dry weeds begin, </span></span></i></span><span style="color: #7f6000;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">green onions, most of which </span></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #7f6000;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">will be yanked to dry in the sun, then roughly braided and used as cooking onions.</span></span></i></span></div>
<span style="color: #7f6000;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></span></i></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">where our little chapel of St. Irene can be found,</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> overlooking all the pretty produce in progress. </span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="584" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNFMSckZeOlp6RPaDWvr9typp8K7dZM60W72KtB4AxlQ5aEU9ZJeW47DMN-jVbM22AR3ZPCCDpwSXVYAy_ozJGZL2iYABM8XyyvReFZ6MCqEe4Fu2CplW1F5AzIZ01TxpjkcPKAzkXizA/s1600/veggiecollage.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #7f6000;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Clockwise, from top left: lemons, plums, pomegranates and tomatoes</span></span></i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Our fruit trees are also flourishing! And, since </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">tomatoes are technically considered fruit, I </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">included them in the collage above. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="738" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWOpxZvAojl9dvKdEvK_5qtVf-wvNpV2NN7fZPjFj8_xw9Do1yhYD2vBmGyC0At2K8yAMGkDpmycwLOeU30gnACkLbjJ3Yylnw4upjGCQmXbOdsz22RlGgL2AMmR287OnlRO2i6h-01LQ/s640/newlemons.jpg" width="590" /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Our lemon tree did not disappoint; a second series of blossoms</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> a little while ago, freshly scented the breeze and now the fruit </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">provides tangy, citrus accents in roasts, cakes and cookies.</span></span></span></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="711" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg73rDQaZeLmyWTSTHxvu0FdtGViaJxu4_83d6noo2w4Uqz9bKcdqkfBzEpgPm_fZxXpL9wZLC_ympOlN6RyTSCrAHKQiqEH_P6Nusoy0rCTw0kvbBySTnDfdz7bN2EbpVQMRDvBDzpBJg/s1600/bowl.jpg" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I hope you've enjoyed reading about our August harvest, this year. We are blessed to have such healthy, organic fare at our fingertips, although, I admit, my husband deserves all the credit for digging, planting, watering, weeding <i>and </i>worrying about it! I merely whip up a dish with whatever bundle of beautiful, earthy goodness he gathers.</span></span></span></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigulGHrdYLEVvJpgRVijB74fxM4HPK4HsKXHQNMUDvyC5_JYFbZ81W6dOGTm8Tcfy8ZIXHJqK1Li-FKwvxXCaw5vOPQySXHqbP0Tx63ajG9134irjixwKPvWwf5XGBSIdlECXNuJMt30s/s1600/figs4.jpg" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Simple, seasonal, local food (and you can't get any more </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">local than your own garden), is, by far, the most exquisite.</span></span></span></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="571" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUKXxitAYhZJpUueRdOHjgqsBufTUJo0a8jA4a9mU5Sv7bBmCC8qPpfF-RS2xDttkygn49pVfcgKD0pWI3yt16YA6Or74PZvfLhBedQMDzlAXmyuU01_whRTMP_0bzYRxuqVe7eP8navs/s1600/plumwindow.jpg" /></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">What's growing in <i>your </i>garden?</span></span></span></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="179" data-original-width="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsob62ETcMFrA0qqMVJRKXBghtUn5ayhohLs99c2EXYtnT6wwMa6sKdY-fpgrfp2TKS8xrITVcapn5q7SEIyjvSVDdFAKtwo5JvsXivA_PcL0B39QJVNUKg7Iv6dojZIeanHLdvq2tJlM/s1600/14849845537806c.png" /></div>
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<i><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thanks for visiting!</span></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">xo</span></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Poppy </span></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">S<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">haring at:</span></span></span></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://piecedpastimes.blogspot.gr/2017/08/saturday-sparks-link-party-234.html"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Saturday Sparks </span></span></a></span></span></span></i></div>
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<a href="http://strangersandpilgrimsonearth.blogspot.gr/2017/08/the-art-of-home-making-mondays-please_28.html"><i><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Art of Home-<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">M</span>aking Mondays</span> </span></span></span></span></span></i></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.frenchcountrycottage.net/2017/11/feathered-nest-friday.html"><i><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Feath<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">e<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">red Nest Friday</span></span> </span></span> </span></span></span></i></a></div>
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<i><a href="http://www.create-with-joy.com/2017/11/friendship-friday-blog-party-social-media-boost-301.html">Friendship Friday</a></i></div>
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Poppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08980323586402386609noreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397842596692895726.post-82303751352849622322017-07-04T17:27:00.000+03:002017-11-03T22:54:00.185+02:00The Pisces in Me<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="640" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnBMlKzpAh_cxDwG0Qnq2FVa30zFTO6WkQRkE4WVNGuKjYJUeWs-bJqWfbJNXYrM2QV4v_5-tnnVNo9OMeVp0_6VfdR4-tVsbRW-Zraq2JRkf4Hk4bXaHKeKrTPML8KIKWFa_qUWY25wA/s640/kyparissi-greece.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.greecetravel.com/peloponnesos/kyparissi/index.htm"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">source</span></span></i></span></a></td></tr>
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As a Pisces, I naturally long to live near water<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">.</span> </span></span></span><br />
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<img border="0" data-original-height="544" data-original-width="800" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyPN9N6IzFv7NuAakEQhFGYVzjL2klnb_7g8QQ0Zekn_HKq2nzNy4IzTLTuKQB7M6-ahttn1lQi09LDqpb4VhlzJDeeRm3-OLTsX4-q4cEwkDmSKTBAO_9GSFXDDIQ0DJQyLlFPXQJ0Sk/s640/index3.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A</span></span>fter all, it<span style="color: #6aa84f;"> <span style="color: #e69138;"></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><i>is</i></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span>the element that governs my zodia<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">c </span></span>sign.</span> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCpfLLh67koqBpDavIQSP-Uu0RvLj4ylEFUflk0wZ9c7FMTelVE7OFWHRNmMmFeJ-msx6Nfr8q7HDZ9IA78lxznQTii9oNRCYl4NqnBgMb4-Oa8x_UfHAES-BT509VKXxV0igZZjMIh_I/s1600/fblig.jpg" /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Whether it's the sea, a lake, river, pond or stream, </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I am always struck with a feeling of familiarity</span></span></span></span></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="478" data-original-width="637" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkbrixbLG5Rs2_SKYIryD4yfoaofUuNc1wjMZVtFfZ15ySMDH8KBrBvhNoyNWRgMM2u3IGoP7Rf9EOPMQ47gQ6XlO7XzGpWPaiV2ebQTzmrdrbOHp575luivO6ik5tD3nLupAdtDbPuvM/s1600/020last.jpg" /></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> when I am <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">frolicking </span>in</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span>a</span> wavy wonderland, </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXJ9q2l_jdI83m4l4U4u7_38NxE-CIf7DkXJDHGPrNyx6fZ7l7JZnPxA1LB4u_SUjbz3iMNBaYB78l46zGSvJidcT0aAcPNnyvrlkgMYrRrcIIrMFySx5YPEYAE4WC_L2r1uIi0Ig-v2s/s1600/021.jpg" /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">curiously exploring</span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">its</span> rocky <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">coast</span>, </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">or floating</span> in <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">the depths of its<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> cool f<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">luidity</span>.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6lBaWmIdpQhNU_YC-2iiVURzz329eWB7ZXpdtPo9vkn4Ib7HOtUOKOiNQ7uYGP2bYN_ekAHbHZOnm9DN2ovQqIbGSFwiRN0C7DQ_85Sd4FkL6sN0xC-AdSHBorJy4Exxr9_c6QTxEXnk/s1600/Aug2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="392" data-original-width="582" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6lBaWmIdpQhNU_YC-2iiVURzz329eWB7ZXpdtPo9vkn4Ib7HOtUOKOiNQ7uYGP2bYN_ekAHbHZOnm9DN2ovQqIbGSFwiRN0C7DQ_85Sd4FkL6sN0xC-AdSHBorJy4Exxr9_c6QTxEXnk/s1600/Aug2.jpg" /></a></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Upon d<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">escending</span> into<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> a <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">mirror of</span> aquamarines<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">,</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="470" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeSF86UpFpc0SMVAXkcEJlybhhHzYcCq0Neu6jhx27xHXJ7vR6Qt9HyjL9tQSUKIxMmyP6UKttuPf0YVwAAUgU4MV_UQ4M5dCZBOiXAuWU0c6FAnk6ubkSh9mMqnoWRF7gvCzQrB8tMyA/s1600/015.jpg" /></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> I am<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">, at times, still <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">amazed to find<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> that</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">the sea, my <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">favourite <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">to a large degree,</span></span></span> is</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> in fact, </span>a colourless, cr<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">y<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">stal clear oasis.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWP-jci0KK2taVX-zJ-j-DS1f7bxR_NDtbxOlnmsq0ohhkpD7_gr4dl94V4ZB80EXbhOdNtWQwFwdN0B7yMXAL5lS56II5FDuYj9rZISHPlmPuQjXFYQ3vFR0JrRYdODUZZuMs3QtKVuc/s640/Greece-Kefalonia-AssosBeach.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.thomascook.com/blog/holidays/3-greek-islands-keep-things-traditional/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">source</span></span></i></span></a></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Ideally, I would love to live in a pretty village by <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">its shores,</span> </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">but since I reside in the countryside,</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I made space for a little liquid luxury<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">,</span></span></span></span></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX6mnKSsSDuzDoJVX_mlXf2c-FVXoS0Bg-ada5XipVUmWvFtuDjILZsR51zO35SwENFGHF2RPNFOpKtwr7gxajYd2Pq_aBOA-WDiPyPVLt6X2TfjAoX4t4oa1uHAItZIKHqYjEMtVGsXg/s640/004%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> and that way, I don't feel like a fish out of water,</span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXrEP5jzXDtyljLAmW4Qm1LXD1yzzEmUWJef9YaBKHaKSiZ15YZXr2691Hw0SQ0-AmmWYjuFtk5f-XxzzeG5dZcwe_65OydgsV4C9G1C6pPNIeCJVm3f532-u9xNBrsbAixY6YTbbt6co/s1600/mer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXrEP5jzXDtyljLAmW4Qm1LXD1yzzEmUWJef9YaBKHaKSiZ15YZXr2691Hw0SQ0-AmmWYjuFtk5f-XxzzeG5dZcwe_65OydgsV4C9G1C6pPNIeCJVm3f532-u9xNBrsbAixY6YTbbt6co/s1600/mer.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://feminineastrology.com/emanations-of-the-divine-feminine-in-venus-4_502.html"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">source</span></span></i></span></a></td></tr>
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">but instead, just another fish in the sea.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And </span>th<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">at<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">, my friends, is </span>the Pisces in me.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="879" data-original-width="899" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidNs6cotug4itUsVHB-izbRoGeGaeIU_58eKuZeaRASfAQrItHS4DDPA6sxBjUNewAn9O5zReLooa3tnaVhJvmqjMhd1Hd0PLu92FgCz7s-pnJTlaO-ulmCSBS7lmswWrCxQeGG_OJWjg/s400/72000b47960bb59ebb71b5e7da9a05db.png" width="400" /></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">What about you? Is<span style="color: lime;"> </span><i><span style="color: lime;">your</span> </i>astrological element</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">a<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">n inherent</span> part of <i><span style="color: red;">your</span> </i>personality?</span></span></span></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="892" data-original-width="1190" height="479" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj81cd3pdTd3v3IJQhunzb4LlHL57hpULXq4vyY8mpKg9dk5i0aVjTh1b_PqCpQAvlNGvVfL5R1DEqBlVZICeYG7dvY3H2NzC3-KMNZ5NFjH2Wam5JTLuYHAzu39nrFgnrx5oNuNr3pMQU/s640/001.jpg" width="640" /><br />
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<i><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thanks for visiting,</span></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">xo</span></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Poppy</span></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sharing at:</span></span></span></span></i></div>
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<a href="https://normandylife.blogspot.gr/2017/07/mosaic-monday-47-island-spinalonga-crete.html"><i><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mosaic Monday</span></span></span></span></i></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.frenchcountrycottage.net/2017/11/feathered-nest-friday.html"><i><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Feathered Nest Friday </span></span></span></span></i></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.create-with-joy.com/2017/11/friendship-friday-blog-party-social-media-boost-301.html"><i>Friendship Friday</i></a></div>
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<i><a href="http://piecedpastimes.blogspot.gr/2017/11/saturday-sparks-link-party-244.html">Saturday Sparks </a></i></div>
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Poppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08980323586402386609noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397842596692895726.post-80973333648138748622017-06-21T23:48:00.000+03:002017-06-27T09:59:08.195+03:00Springtime Travels to the First Day of Summer<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<i><b><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Happy</span> <span style="color: #38761d;">1st </span><span style="color: #cc0000;">Day of Summer,</span></span></span></b></i></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">my friends!</span></span></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Honestly, it doesn't </span><span style="color: #38761d;"><i>really</i> </span><span style="color: #cc0000;">feel like summer, yet, on the island, as it's been very windy and cooler than usual for this time of year, but I don't mind at all since, the older I get, the less tolerance I have for heat</span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>,</i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i> </i></span>(both the meteorological <i>and</i> the menopausal types!)</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="584" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOKaEqJYcs2wGEhNCmZPDFY97AlvbM7Kc24CAR-SanWVqEWQ4kj7OVAiZLSuRGmb2milCJHSsMJ-8y-UT3f-hoHUcM8zi1St_ZssjgqFeepRJS9xhg1omemsJpJcAw3SHfuRFSXVBm1zI/s1600/fo.jpg" /> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: blue;">Blue </span><span style="color: magenta;">skies, cool breezes and late spring temps, suit me just fine, especially when I'm out on my <strike>daily</strike> walks, and <span style="color: red;"><i>sometimes</i></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="731" data-original-width="800" height="584" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj15RoUVq78ZZFWcGJKaYZtOGyyEtOrLdc-NHcu_cwB4mEN6W1oM_oj3CMAqv6izXrEPp-nq1t4yFLlUdWsQSEnUtnngSlZyi99OHbYIDZmCUd-uRFjndmYUtRjyOGz4eWbVOPWyjAo5xQ/s640/roses.jpg" width="640" /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">I need to exert myself, pushing my body weight up those steep country roads to capture the <span style="color: magenta;">pretties</span> perched on those pointy peaks!</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i>Many</i></span> times, I am greeted by lovely folks<span style="color: #e06666;"> <span style="color: #6aa84f;">who, having just witnessed my feverish climb to the floral finish line, suddenly sprint up from their seats to offer me a cool refreshment and something sweet - a hospitable gesture for taking such a<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> keen</span> interest in their village, and one greatly appreciated by the recipient of their generous reward!</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="556" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfGRxoEKEwmOXCKod0DuXdcusBWLbNrxo_oaCxqm4yEhUp5tQAjJ5F5ki-vDV7s4IjPpMbnqRn4din0DuWIu8M5ZJSAecNOAhAUs9S9_8uqYZIG2UjBopLq3UTbOw66L6rPs8yKJq1iw8/s1600/fo2.jpg" /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: magenta;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span style="color: #999999;">Other</span><span style="color: magenta;"> </span></i><span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">times, I prefer scouting my surroundings during</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">siesta,<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> since it's quiet and</span> I'm basically <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">the only one around,</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">the area absent of concerned grandmas gazing at me, </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">(<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">as <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I</span> risk</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> my life </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">trying to snap</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"> grapes </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">from a rooftop),</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">a</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">n<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">d th<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">us, having di<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">stracted them from their crochet!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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</span></span></span><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #bf9000;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #bf9000;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #bf9000;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i>That's</i></span> about the</span></span> <span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="color: #bf9000;">time</span><i><span style="color: #bf9000;"> </span></i><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #bf9000;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I</span> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #bf9000;">make my way downhill<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">, </span>to </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #bf9000;">safer<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">surfaces, much like th<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">e<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> <span style="color: #bf9000;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">serene scene</span></span></span></span> in the </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">video<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span>above, where<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span>amid</span> a </span>meadow of <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Queen Anne's Lace,<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #bf9000;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I lounged and lingered in <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">lovel<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">iness,</span></span> as I <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">joined the dainty<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> <span style="color: #bf9000;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">dwellers in <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">their midday </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #bf9000;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #bf9000;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">dance<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">, <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">to the rhy<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">th<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">m of</span></span></span></span> the breez<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">y<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">, <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">late spring beat.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibF4aD3xkOyyhHx0ajG0IMQEXRnOLXk3ge0voa8GTCyAhi96qWdefqtMOs9JuqUCtfvZjTxwLuwUk8wYCBnZCgweLz3jL3jbp3evexSzUfDhwMkr1BhBZO6tgjc8ACQSWBIIzgRp0O3wc/s1600/fodch.jpg" /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #e69138;">Thank you all for your continued prayers,<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> <span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">which are very</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">much appreciated. Hope you enjoyed<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">my spring<span style="color: red;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">time</span></i></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">adventures<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> on this first day of <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">summer! <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">What does <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">the </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">season look like and feel like in your neck of the woods? </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thanks f<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">o</span>r visiting!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">xoxo</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: red;"><i>Poppy</i></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: red;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Sharing at:</span></i></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://normandylife.blogspot.gr/2017/06/mosaic-monday-46-cerisy-sculpture-park.html"><span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: red;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Mosaic Monday</span></i></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: red;"><i> </i></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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Poppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08980323586402386609noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397842596692895726.post-82371556234123154932017-06-10T13:24:00.000+03:002017-06-10T22:33:39.339+03:00A Special Request<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Hello friends, hope you are all well. </span></span></span></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="785" data-original-width="800" height="628" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGEhBaO2yZQLMzmTw5ezYS_-JFwJXPe2aLslAblokEp4iAmSkjnRtIo2Ca8zjt9jK7zqlG4fOyjpraRj9vk0SujyKPOvWCdcfaWdR1wU0G55NVDHGjNK8-96buzUK-4W0Qq0AwEP0xgcU/s640/wheat.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">There are three people who mean the world to me,</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">facing some health challenges <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">at this time</span>. </span></span></span></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="794" height="483" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYaSxYKXGorm4Q48cJiLcYvcA0MeIJUbQDnrPNGmd19F6kk_yn-W9ZAurUdexlrO2Uaaq5LY7gNBat-Eeq0S3MqHVE-2fZYDZjwgfmsz30rKI28T3-e1QvAgLs5H3J3eOMAl31GKDgLrA/s640/boug.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I look up to the wide, spectacular sky,</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">asking God to give them strength,</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">and down to the flourishing earth, </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">where new growth grants me hope.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I believe in the power of prayer, positive energy </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">and good wishes, and I ask you to please keep </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">my three loved ones in your thoughts. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Thank you.</i></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Wishing you </i></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>a lovely weekend,</i></span></span></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">xo</span></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Poppy</span></span></span></i></div>
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Poppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08980323586402386609noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397842596692895726.post-69751230285148676812017-05-28T00:58:00.001+03:002017-05-29T16:05:06.784+03:00Spring Collection<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Hello friends,</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It has not been a typical spring here on the island this year. We've had a little more rain than usual, sun showers, really, which of course, are just as great for all my potted pretties as they are for me, since I can skip a watering session or two. The above bouquet, consisting of pink daisies, white carnations, scented and pink geraniums and everlasting flowers (</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Helichrysum siculum) came from my garden. Isn't it sweet? </span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="150" data-original-width="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRhyCSxaEZ7n-yAz9muRj1JN-E38iMbHINvltAbnBn-UmeeSo8qWDqDi9lcWaTZ3mKB85RN7t-8UDy6c4-69rOy_PL-4kO8mpIPB-gs0wjV_m4pZGpNhVLRxd0-Ava_2G9DimRjM8zOR4/s1600/ygm.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://alldennajazz.blogspot.gr/2010/01/har-just-satt-den-fantastiska-filmen.html"><span style="color: #38761d;">source</span></a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I wonder, do you think Kathleen Kelly<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">, </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">whose t<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">aste I admire greatly, would agree? </span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="657" data-original-width="800" height="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzaqXDCnCj7Hgfy4Kv1GgFQVON09YeUW76yAf_wIn3XB4bzmvb-uFUEkWqlM1QRYF73FqhB_zNDFtoiKjYZIqiqry9tl6rlplwVdwkvcl4ETxxmi2sLUXRAofE3HuCc5SYQfozAWg9AFI/s640/gar8.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Laurel in the background, and everlasting flowers in the foreground, border our garden.</span></span></i></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Surely, she'd light up at the sight of <i>these </i>cheery, yellow lovelies, </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">for they look like mini daisy trees, don't they? </span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1072" data-original-width="1600" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd06g1X_yjqv5EQrpAJuPg-YIXzYAWUm69BwooRbKz3n17ZJPsKHYKUJmJi5n4qVLHCXZotAMvniQUfMcx1ibGfgASewf7Wd1N1xLj-vrWCGsr8P6HoaT8CzXWkRLpRAzqNaOKwrvqzV4/s640/gardeniPiccy-collage1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"> Two weeks ago </span> <span style="color: #b45f06;">Now </span> </span></i></span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Here's how some flowers are doing at this time, about</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> two weeks after I planted them. I just happen to cut </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">a bunch of daisies for various vases around the house. </span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Two weeks ago Now </span></span></i></span> </td></tr>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The yellow marigolds have really taken off! They are bright</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">pom poms of sunshine, even on the gloomiest days.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span></span><img border="0" data-original-height="655" data-original-width="800" height="524" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZNYKxP5TB_Y7fxTcDSzvlA7rwzTFPN1nUPLLHvKgqy-E-uLDGqPvMxpHlEom-1tDg9ri5MC2IeYxEJHZi_rWc5lfXYB4krNT2OMhwsGKjkrO6A3hiH5wHy2reXj_AlELciMcCeEfxqVc/s640/gar6.jpg" width="640" /><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Some of you may recognize these bold, red beauties if you happen to live in a Mediterranean type climate <i><span style="color: red;">or</span> </i>if you follow me on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/poppyview/">Instagram</a>, where I posted this pic earlier in the week. Our tree is loaded with these twinkly bulbs at present. I find them to be some of the most exquisite blossoms that exist, and their fruit, which is ripe for harvest in the fall, is one of the world's super foods. Can you guess what they are? </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Yes! Pomegranates!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Next to the pomegranate tree stands the loquat tree, which, as you can see, is full of ripe fruit, ready for picking. I had never seen this exotic fruit until I came to Crete. I still prefer peaches, apricots and plums to loquats, but the Cretans love them, and so does Liberty!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span></span><img border="0" data-original-height="626" data-original-width="800" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg6MDD-xx7agF8Jk2MS3WWwFrkmu1SA5s9BnDKNm933gVdnGssEVgQU0lieJDQzeh-IqHTw_ECI_syRy7MypIhAIyqY9cTtKbayw89WV1rr824TN1AowBeAUQTqZ35SaAFeipSfnbTqE8/s640/gar9.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> The orange marigolds have also multiplied! They are the</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> 'sunset' to their yellow cousins' 'sunrise' slate of colours.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Although this is not my backyard, I wanted to show you the spectacular landscape where we collect our oregano every spring. It's on the outskirts of the mountainous village of Rogdia, which means 'pomegranate', as hundreds of trees bearing the fruit populate its space. The rocky terrain, above, is </span></span></span></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="511" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzIrBq_6wTA4hHbNIBwYdwW6SvpK46oFqqeyH6YP-ayGtNAA46fTHmTDAW3TBa9-97qOMRIhGS1B1OXfXjpAvEElMQ5qmbknFmhlhNKotZlaNhxK2uyVAXq4k2Ce3PB56ZHIbcgbFE0mg/s1600/gar13.jpg" /></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></span></span><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">also fortified with views to the sea and Panagia Bay. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The city of Heraklion can be seen in the far distance. </span></span></span><br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh09KKv_wIOhnacMIiA8z9XrEBYdlKdc_TYxJ0Ap9oZkDhg0Bc2moSkuJJZ_tFU7sK3LzZ2cWBuT7KGHw7BW4aQDyFaiMVtTQhriPBQWjeTrMPbggPi6fv3Wp8rDsLT856ybHg61gWAhmw/s1600/gar3.jpg" /></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Washed and ready to be separated and set down</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> flat to dry completely, this popular Mediterranean </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">herb will lend its unique aroma to many of our </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">favourite dishes throughout the year. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>What's growing in your garden?</i></span></span></span></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaacm5BKgJRP_ZCMdiJ8_O70B6rC3uzrIZjYXOy8OysyOhXTWrCnzmF2rogszbZ1CHmeU3Kf9ZYwMlayqEuTFPk6G-kyUkYn8igb3vcxLtoAFDWAL0AqzOydPpAZdDWRPGAjbfwjVsRew/s1600/gar4cr.jpg" /></div>
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<i><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I hope you enjoyed my 'spring collection'. </span></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thanks for visiting and have a wonderful weekend,</span></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">xo</span></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Poppy </span></span></span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sharing at:</span></span></i></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.dwellings-theheartofyourhome.com/2017/05/amaze-me-monday-216.html#more"><span style="color: #e06666;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Amaze Me Monday</span></span></i></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://normandylife.blogspot.gr/2017/05/mosaic-monday-42-deliciously-floral.html"><span style="color: #e06666;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Mosaic Monday</span></span></i></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.thededicatedhouse.com/2017/05/make-pretty-monday-week-215.html"><span style="color: #e06666;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Make it Pretty Mo<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">nday</span></span></span></i></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span> </span></span></i></span></div>
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Poppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08980323586402386609noreply@blogger.com41tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397842596692895726.post-44919332497409232212017-05-18T21:40:00.001+03:002017-05-29T16:08:49.478+03:00Updating, Celebrating and Recuperating!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigjfPgA4I5fUXoq7nPEyAJWlJJ9ciNI9rQuHps1x8WItL98TMkC-sLhyphenhyphenIFjkb5Rbgvx5H4O6XFpmNAkVjKUmhF-DcPj_vd8-TuQbPCSkuIIxWYjg870brpZg_yKWxtYR158uqedviAH_c/s1600/itinerary-header.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.nationalgeographicexpeditions.com/expeditions/norway-arctic-cruise/detail"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">source</span></span></i></span></a></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The pic above</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> is pure storybook, is it not: </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">cute, candy coloured cottages </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">nestled between the deep, blue sea </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">and hilly, gorgeous, greenery? </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Ah, and to add some mystery, </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">what hides, we wonder, behind</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">all that rough and rocky scenery?</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGh0lXAiAyUFN0O2N4Bi85F2iNZeKZFKFfXpkTkrJU2aGpvthDAQKGV_tHyIBh9S90qjK6_lrId-OoT0CuyX-W3DFrrL_wmtMc15sOZgm_WviUm40iGVKqIaKJ8KgDWDGef1bGaq3rk4A/s1600/01-noruega.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.exoticca.com/blog/2016/07/7-lugares-para-huir-del-calor/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">source</span></i></span></a></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Of course</span>, every story needs a leading lady,</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">and this one, set in the fjords of Norway,</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> features my darling daughter, Liberty,</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">who, by the way, is celebrating</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> her 28th birthday today! Yay! </span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfuttvcE0kl0ZehifQTw3MA5iAU8CnJYZ3k2evUS-N6RGpexVi8nLWbIbFi4mCw4dwW4ujbR2_lI-6YRsdLBcIOZfCFcJxQDO7c1xQyeIwuDBcwYFcQLJ7WBZK3D8g2y7UER_pFLUoYA4/s400/elfr.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="291" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: orange;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Happy Birthday, my love!</span></span></span></i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Helping Libby get ready for her</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">5 month</span> work and leisure holiday </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">is what kept me <a href="http://poppyview.blogspot.gr/2017/05/catching-up.html">super busy</a> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">(gathering documents, issuing a passport, </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">shopping, writing recipes, packing), </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">until April 30th, when she </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">spread her wings and flew away.</span></span></span></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixkHr4Y1LQa-2bvohRx-p4aj8OC_23S2EtoHZWa7hlmU3l9PwmEOjpYQWndfYRhbz7JVd27dtTf86a4SFulK020aIfPd9qb8aflyN5WhCWVa5m0fjgXxCFs00M7MFCeEcYcKg5_U4JWho/s1600/christian.jpg" /><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Luckily, my nephew, Christian, and his girlfriend, Erica,</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">were flying in from Canada within a week, so I needed to</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">get the house ready for their visit. It was a blessing, since</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">all the preparation for them kept me busy, again.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Spending 5 days together, (their first visit to Greece!),</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">was fun; I always enjoy introducing Crete to our guests. </span></span></span></div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJXWxOrG3fXA5QQc0k7tiotYk2Y589LO7goCeG9YbZzYoPm8Fax40ZC_A8-jaeTiDi2l29_pg8s9XOeKAm2BPxLLnQDPuq-LZocakI6jcq4KIl7Y3zs7U_4Zge9Oa-7uChHNPlNgkLB_Y/s640/vinesed.jpg" width="591" /><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The kids and I hiked to the village of Agios Myronas<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">(St. Myron)<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">, </span></span>which is about a 45 minute trek uphill, </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">but the gleaming glory of the young grapevines, </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">along the way, kept us steady and on track. </span></span></span><br />
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7XCenINYohj2mzaHIVnDC_lFItLSoXw2AuiwXLawGQXgoP18DT5gvefBRYOdT6-jbOSkTLVQpjRP5bOCR8-HLbxHl444D5eiWmpgOY3E5PnoWGqRFc-uPIjRGcR4viqpZ7RvxqrVKsY4/s640/am2.jpgcl.jpg" width="509" /></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The village is home to the church that bears its name. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Initially, an Early Christian basilica, Agios Myronas was </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">converted into a four-pillard, cross-in-square domed</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">church in the 11th-12th century. It was the seat of an</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Orthodox Diocese from the Early Byzantine era </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">to period of the Venetian rule.</span></span></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ilH9Q_MTGxvO5m2lHO_AzoBhBjXQhIGVd4lt5IB9TLVobhkdp4kBJsCN_TJfe0ACHq5uUEIh36u_go1pOBOa4mbjOM1SULp5dkJNU-cT7LeU-JyLvYc23rmMe1VAuSlgWflsRW2ZbCQ/s640/amyronas.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The chapel of Agios Myronas.</span></span></i></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The church is home to the tomb of St. Myron, where the saint</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> lived as a monk, and which now serves as a chapel. There, an</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> icon of the saint, which dates back to possibly the 16th century,</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> and thus considered miraculous, can be viewed. </span></span></span></div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeiRf4CLYYBffi2yUpFHYYI_CeDvbsJ97b_gYKJX8XKjvo05itlgzewNUOwC3dhH30GOyJ0fmIIOPLgg8DNaTJs30NO8MLoQbAzZDXaZuG6ZpNSEzMnTMh5QD-JqFJBfYBukA5GjqpJss/s640/18423733_10213462523106156_5373689452519248487_n.jpg.jpg" width="480" /><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">At Koules, or </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="st">"Castello a Mare" (1540)</span>, </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Heraklion's Venetian fortress,</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Christian claims his Greek roots! </span></span></span><br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk6oWuH4XTZbXH-VZ6E1I-7aiIyk1WdU24PNxOHA4bvI-qxH9wzm3Pi27CV5maH4hIyM92lRKXmCqIrBX27jC9ngr4XEpAq9gmEj9VYqHoiROLePvuX-iJMmcgZu16RS0_WsZY1zw-tk4/s1600/18447108_10213502094175408_6984797200011952032_n.jpged.jpg" /><br />
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Stunning Santorini! <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">P</span>aradise on the planet! The kids snapped </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">a sample of the signature architecture of this idyllic island</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">just north of us<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">, soon after they arrived<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">there.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZhWgB_mws-K_hcGFUdfn9rvaVyi5Uh5f9eaho_HcUmB48kQD8Myta36lpgSVYmSAbqALo5jgB6CBJmcbMUHeVS7fPEYj2XxQyo0P6zso7ZZGV_Otg5NVicfsRLcl7WBpCKd_DfzwyURg/s1600/18485307_10213502061494591_2019385035813288216_n.jpg.jpg" /><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Talk about a room with a view! Unbelievably beautiful, isn't it?</span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="475" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhbKSvW-MRsNkEXvAgMn6AAIGu8UhDYWgxYvku-HaIjNZ17uEY06Ch6ZNs0yNpwT7P7xOiu3x7N6nKKIF5evC59mb-Ghv-yI3B85xIRTlV4oE3WFIxkxv2jee2i40LAIyB2GaflZRe6Tk/s640/andrea.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A cheery and charming bunch of beauties welcome visitors at a house near the entrance of the village</span></span></i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And finally, on this 18th day of May, 2017, I am also celebrating Poppy View's 5th year anniversary! I would shout with joy, but I've been battling a bout of laryngitis.</span></span></span><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img alt="" data-goomoji="1f637" src="https://ssl.gstatic.com/mail/emoji/v7/png48/emoji_u1f637.png" style="height: 24px; margin: 0px 0.2ex; vertical-align: middle; width: 24px;" />It's been a pleasure getting to know each and every one of you. Thanks so much for your visits and comments and <span style="color: magenta;"><i><b>friendship</b></i></span>. This little blog has been my creative outlet and my connection to so many wonderful people across the globe. I am grateful for your readership and for your sweet emails; </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">they mean the world to me.</span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFN7LW5dman6GxAfpKC1Nfxux2d6Z4-vgesB-Pdn3D-HLWXm2ULfbNaXjSzQHI9fGyE_qGfRW9JONONI3YEyzT9-FkjcyQMnQKgPIzsxuXZNe_CTp1oCP0MaBr-by-WV7RTddZNZ_ZYmA/s1600/vilflcr.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Red and pink pretties playfully adorn the perimeters of another home's balcony</span></span></i></span></td></tr>
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<i><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> What's been keeping you busy, lately?</span></span></span></i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHBp4Pz3Ml8ota_2f0LKB9JECduMc1hu__9DNtYUlHrLmZeXAU-SUmrmFS2o1ldPsopcC3QejOxP7HHwgQj0g1Pr_NXpy4UmgSlLlB3ctjUXuIbqu82M66DhWGpgPhUhvBm-qpuSU7H-E/s1600/PicMonkey+Collagenorsant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHBp4Pz3Ml8ota_2f0LKB9JECduMc1hu__9DNtYUlHrLmZeXAU-SUmrmFS2o1ldPsopcC3QejOxP7HHwgQj0g1Pr_NXpy4UmgSlLlB3ctjUXuIbqu82M66DhWGpgPhUhvBm-qpuSU7H-E/s640/PicMonkey+Collagenorsant.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<i><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span></span></i>
<i><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thanks for visiting!</span></span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">xo</span></span></span></i><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Poppy</i></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Sharing at:</span></i></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.dwellings-theheartofyourhome.com/2017/05/amaze-me-monday-216.html#more">Amaze Me Monday </a></span></i></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.thededicatedhouse.com/2017/05/make-pretty-monday-week-215.html">Make it Pretty Monday </a></span></i></span></span></span><br />
<a href="https://normandylife.blogspot.gr/2017/05/mosaic-monday-41-saints-statues.html"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Mosaic Monday</span></i></span></span></span></a><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://strangersandpilgrimsonearth.blogspot.gr/2017/05/the-art-of-home-making-mondays-please_22.html"><i><span style="font-size: small;">The Art of Home-Making Mondays </span> </i></a></span></span></span><br />
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Poppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08980323586402386609noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397842596692895726.post-35457049933989410142017-05-09T17:57:00.000+03:002017-05-29T16:11:31.400+03:00 Catching Up!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOjKhQflURez9VvmDbluDXleNtSRpW3WJZOtFm6kCUVcDvRYppD0ob4OymzLpY7tsG2lwjJf1ZpYgx6P_PHB9_dg3SmtUzU5afCZKcbYvFcovwLQPlA8nBuV3RFeQU6kiexIqcbAI2EcA/s1600/frontresized.jpg" /></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #e06666;">Hello everyone! It's been a while, huh? Hope you are all well!<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span>I've been busier than usual the last three weeks<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> and haven't had the time or the energy to post<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span>at the end of each day,<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span>even <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">though</span> I<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span>kept <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">promising myself that</span> I would<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">!</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<img border="0" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAkyR_ZaIVjpfrz2Pf1KHP1MZ-22lOGKcQCV5wcsL9sBn1rV3Uk0WBQoHW8t4bEhbWN55IJaTjNp-V-l9LYCX1cTl7ox_TYo1aZIzYT_MtwxPJeEp1CSCOMJZxllvYYbE-Kcu-BHl1n9E/s640/kamares.jpg" width="640" /><br />
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> April 23rd is the feast day of St. George </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">in the Greek Orthodox church, and so we headed </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">south to a tiny chapel to attend church services.</span></span></span><br />
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbrpmuCLQkbbxoP3wHEaWZHxoaRoZ8FIKQ4C_Oq_DMw9FEOLIWcoHr-1kJeNCEZImamlJ4T22C5Tz5te-n9mqVMZ2NiBjvHqo07DxhocMmfjgbTAYk8I94t9hKox03If0WFkbINr97Gvg/s640/icon.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The icons were beautifully adorned with flowers </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">that members brought from their gardens. </span></span></span><br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfWV9yyA4D_wEoM7Z_HE6jKlnW-WxIBREevPWw-7YLc79TSv6bzc-9y4jgEBBRG-cr4gy3JVkMiHLXBu2FwMGR0pICTdaRCxmaha2_yXKhPbDG-uuTPlhK0KHRheYOPAHmuNFRqLyFXE0/s1600/bbqcr.jpg" /><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #e06666;"> </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #e06666;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #e06666;">After a wonderful BBQ lunch<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: #e06666;">, hosted by the congregation,</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigKJbXVwcias9Ga1O6Quve32hFysx-mn3m-8JUtQZoK2Cb6VP6zzTyaFc6-ygxqMQ60Fm9hl_CD98bXW6bvCRCmZo7nL9YHiAsjqo5ekTwVTsHdQyzNH49T_hByIQ2pZOd8ZsLIEierU0/s640/kamares2.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #e06666;">we picked pretty wildflowers<span style="color: #cc0000;"> <span style="color: #e06666;">i</span></span>n the gorgeous</span></span></span></span><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">landscape that surrounds the church.</span></span></span></div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixtw0_D5IgfBefjz5-Y1ksz4bdc4Wqqo1Vx6frudDtrh0Tu3tCOrfoXa7KmVgOJAM48F6SWWzRMcgc1etZOEHwKcSJFL8K7-lEemAAwZ6jPizKyqKLQeUlwh9ZSzK95e2KlAkHXBvDZZw/s640/signedsh.jpg" width="536" /></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Then, on the 27th, Liberty and I hosted the Ladies'</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Philanthropic Society monthly coffee meeting, so baking </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">and</span></span></span><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> cleaning were our top priorities for a few days. </span></span></span></div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHQQ3_j4dtAyWkLhMZ739RaMQHMnF0iBhqzSq2rbFjRul_2ACJjyxKgzrxt2V4sJJwS2OGtiOM25nUVYItqmE4JQ3kCd4qzV9HR4F_DxHeLVi99_9icb8n-ey8u2AwBm1QkY86r8alzEE/s640/buffetcl.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">From left: chocolate orange gateau, <a href="http://poppyview.blogspot.gr/2013/11/poppys-kitchen-bacon-up-storm.html">bacon onion tart</a>, </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">an assortment of orange, almond and cinnamon cookies</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">and a Victoria sponge were the featured sweet and savoury fare.</span></span></span></div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLe1sqT5Xbt22b6ajonXXLf2qaarDf6fkMMmBKOlr1SC1CLt8eFX3e0FdYjodsWySjhR2roMjUaR3x8AIHFIQ2Ox29dAaXq2WsX2EjhT2sqBzr2i5w2309K96nyskAJzYAC88I4dqML78/s640/bigpot.jpg" width="468" /></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Can you guess what followed?</span></span></span><br />
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfUA8yrg__23RGuoN4B4ur3VfKwN76D2hFEwLJFRaUcQ_M5k98nNGoyTQNS7TMiTFSP4_1TfWHpkqWM2s2by17D7vCQjfRD8NCQvg_f9t0YDuxfRU5YtNUlfBoxUAov2fPVaIoSCtUyIY/s640/roses.jpg" width="495" /></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Flowers, of course! </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;">Pots </span></span><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">and pots of newly planted petals now</span></span></span><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> decorate the patio and boxes beautify the balconies. Watering all of them takes time<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">. </span>I'm finding that quenching <i>their</i> thirst in the early morning instead of the early evening, is better for <i>my</i> skin - no mosquitoes on the prowl!</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Yesterday</span>, <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">my nephew an<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">d his gi<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">rlf<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">riend arriv<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ed fr</span>om Canada<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">. It's always <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">refreshing<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> (and a little nostalgic), <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">introducing Crete to <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">our guests</span>. The island's rich culture,<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span>culinary delights<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">,<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">s<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">pectacular <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">scenery, ancient history and </span></span>treasured </span>traditions impress <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">our</span> visitors and never cease to<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> amaze <b><i>me</i></b></span><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">, </span></i>too, every time I<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">have t<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">he pleas<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ure of<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> presenting it<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> to newbies.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And speaking of newbies, t</span>he camera icon against that bright rainbow is a logo that caught my attentio<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">n recently. I</span>ts <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">array of applications have </span>taken up a bit of my down time, lately, just <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">aft<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">er <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">dinner <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">dishes are done and <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">shortly before bedtime</span></span></span></span></span>!<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span>I'm definitely in the honeymoon stage, but I must admit, it's been a quick and easy way to be creative, make new friends and stay connected.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Most of all, though, it's convenient, since it only takes <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">a few</span> clicks to post a</span></span></span><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">few</span> pics every night. Nevertheless, it will not replace blogging, for me, since I thrive on reading and writing. Stunning photos are <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">sweet</span> eye candy, but <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">'hearty'</span> words are what <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I find most satisfying.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFnzpphlh9yOJldx4uDt0LX1JE29Xlj4TiA5oqzkIRIXTHbeftoCQRVXL5cRFfIRQzJtarYXoIMuZMNvC3LUj4xPTQ4ZyUlUm6AGuSWXAUQfRyE-v4Vjaa4EJq4-wk8_bcWmNDOl1B6NA/s640/lily.jpg" width="640" /></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Now, <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">just like thi<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">s<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> sole </span>lily, left <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">all alone, since I picked all it<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">s<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span>petal<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ed <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">pals for various bo<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">uquets, there's <span style="color: #f1c232;"><i><b>one</b></i></span> more thing that I have <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">not yet mentioned that had kept me busier than everything else put together, but that's<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> another post.<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Hope you all are having a <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">lovely spring<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">, so far. Promise I won't stay away too long, <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">next time<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">; I miss you all too much!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span></i> </span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thanks for visiting<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8397842596692895726" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8397842596692895726" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><i><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">xo</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Poppy</span></span></i></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><i>Sharing at:</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;"><i><a href="http://www.thededicatedhouse.com/2017/05/make-pretty-monday-week-215.html">Make it Pretty Monday</a> </i></span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;"><i><a href="http://www.dwellings-theheartofyourhome.com/2017/05/amaze-me-monday-216.html#more">Amaze Me Monday </a></i></span><br />
<a href="https://normandylife.blogspot.gr/2017/05/mosaic-monday-41-saints-statues.html"><span style="color: #e06666;"><i>Mosaic Monday</i></span></a><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;"><i><a href="http://strangersandpilgrimsonearth.blogspot.gr/2017/05/the-art-of-home-making-mondays-please_22.html">The Art of Home-Making Mondays </a></i></span><br />
<a href="http://www.adelightsomelife.com/2017/05/home-garden-thursday-73.html"><span style="color: #e06666;"><i>Home & Garden Thursday</i></span></a><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;"><i><a href="http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.gr/2017/05/home-sweet-home-322.html">Home Sweet Home </a></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;"><i><a href="http://piecedpastimes.blogspot.gr/2017/05/saturday-sparks-link-party-219.html">Saturday Sparks</a></i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #e06666;"><i> </i></span><br />
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Poppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08980323586402386609noreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397842596692895726.post-48212539766419757132017-04-18T23:30:00.000+03:002017-05-13T20:39:25.371+03:00Greek Lemon Cookies<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiCJ9HIyYLo9KckMQXsA_5itZl2_SMPQKCgzWSUw7VEQ-R3S3LWpkptWGeVqynhGX3UzVfXYK1unyrty-mRBx4Q8cIL9jQsRa8aPesELkpbk9wAQQaj2ivTlR0L-4CrZJ5QS9rQhGQ-DY/s640/Blend.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Every so often, Liberty and I like to bake up a batch of various cookies. In the winter, we prefer oatmeal or chocolate chip, but come spring, it's always our Greek lemon cookies that we bake on Holy Thursday, as they are a traditional, Easter treat. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU1V87PIXwMlR56351ro-WpxSTBIApjIODjRh96mnukb1WqIEh0wunClkaoXFa_9xUlyBne0Wc8Js7Lg8pYLODQ2RQ8SVxPwX61XNhRfjFlQvseDyzDLR3Qn4oCrb7UJJLCB1S1hyIKO0/s1600/001a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="385" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU1V87PIXwMlR56351ro-WpxSTBIApjIODjRh96mnukb1WqIEh0wunClkaoXFa_9xUlyBne0Wc8Js7Lg8pYLODQ2RQ8SVxPwX61XNhRfjFlQvseDyzDLR3Qn4oCrb7UJJLCB1S1hyIKO0/s400/001a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Having said that, they are to Greeks what biscotti <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">are</span> to Italians, and as such, can be enjoyed whenever one craves a substantial citrus cookie, as they are denser in texture, but very moist, with a full bodied lemon-y aroma and taste. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDdG3YsNBaxmdOWendnYDeORw_RKRL_vFEDkMudPo9OeuSZBLFOuZBJoMXc7gK25l1RlN6yAg5SPt1HtUkliAAjhWN0ORTEVZBxDGgdguIrT1g0FJ5UdiFtDKHIDFa8nRzrGFq2SJXcVc/s1600/lemtree.jpg" /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #bf9000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">And this year, they were extra special, since they were infused with the fresh, citrus-y scent that came from lemons growing on the one and only lemon tree in our veggie garden. Here's the recipe that I found in 'Dolce', a Greek gourmet magazine. It's super easy! </span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Zy6RXw8EGdKpIQrGt7G2kc-FVtYX9xBAmmR00bhKb0jww_e0JjqAdOHKbWt4_TprGGCLvWybFF6R16zHFw3of5aFbfI6UKHoBT3c8gVYmuIW2vMrqy3vgJzbW8oMOt0LpMrQg8A5_Ak/s1600/lemon.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Zy6RXw8EGdKpIQrGt7G2kc-FVtYX9xBAmmR00bhKb0jww_e0JjqAdOHKbWt4_TprGGCLvWybFF6R16zHFw3of5aFbfI6UKHoBT3c8gVYmuIW2vMrqy3vgJzbW8oMOt0LpMrQg8A5_Ak/s400/lemon.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><u>Greek <span class="il">Lemon</span> <span class="il">Cookies</span></u></b></span></span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Ingredients:</span></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">500 grams all purpose flour</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">200 grams sugar</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">100 grams butter</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">3 eggs</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">1/2 cup milk</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">zest from two <span class="il">lemons</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">1 tsp vanilla</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">1 egg + 2 Tbsp. water for egg wash</span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbU2qIlYgYwO_4gMkcpPJKJE_dkxJJOYfgfPQQbXDy8cKenRpT3wbmmRKOcbwajHe2XmdoQUmcoY7J-Yr1OmkznTkHkWhff6o2Z9mQ16C5ELrZ-sndRlN6TnZ4SqdxvGAoWgW-H8e5W7U/s1600/imageedit_3_3155526865.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbU2qIlYgYwO_4gMkcpPJKJE_dkxJJOYfgfPQQbXDy8cKenRpT3wbmmRKOcbwajHe2XmdoQUmcoY7J-Yr1OmkznTkHkWhff6o2Z9mQ16C5ELrZ-sndRlN6TnZ4SqdxvGAoWgW-H8e5W7U/s200/imageedit_3_3155526865.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Directions:</span></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">1. Cream the butter and sugar </span></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">so that it becomes light and fluffy.</span></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">2. Add the eggs, one by one, beating after each, </span></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">then, the milk, vanilla, and <span class="il">lemon</span> zest.</span></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">3. Lower the speed on the mixer and add the </span></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">flour in portions, folding it in after each addition.</span></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">4. On a cold counter, start to knead the dough until </span></span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">it doesn't stick to your fingers. You might need</span></span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> to add more flour (I find that I always do, </span></span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">but be careful, as the more flour you add,</span></span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> the more it takes away from the <span class="il">lemon</span>, </span></span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">the vanilla and the sugar).</span></span></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">5. Shape the dough into strips, 15 cm long and<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> the width<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> of your fin<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ger</span></span></span>.</span></span><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">6. Roll them into a pinwheel or whatever shape you like.</span></span><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">7. Transfer to <span class="gmail-il">cookie</span> sheet and brush with egg wash.</span></span><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">8. Bake in a preheated oven for 18 - 20 minutes </span></span></b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">at 180 C/(350 F). Makes about <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">1 kilo.</span></span></span></b></span><br />
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<img border="0" height="481" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcFAB2aCBx4spWu-4t8jfs8dMuh8oCTsAPAoVx4u9e35BEBBE8jfn_o7bed6_n0DBO2vR4Z0_v8xK_xoEUX3hJIkAqetmT8FyXBknBxxhNAR6yFjl3mwDALsyAusI4TOHXrehGYW4LhuA/s640/lemcookies.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">These Greek lemon cookies are perfect with that first cup of morning coffee, or tea in the afternoon. If you like your cookies crunchy, then store them in a cookie tin. Otherwise, keep them in an air tight container, if you prefer a softer cookie. I hope you give them a try; they're fun to make and are scrumptious!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Have you done any baking, lately?</span></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thanks for visiting!</span></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Poppy</span></span></span></i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sharin<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">g at:</span></span></span></span></span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://strangersandpilgrimsonearth.blogspot.gr/2017/04/the-art-of-home-making-mondays-please_24.html"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Art of Home-making Mo<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ndays</span></span></span></a> </span></span></span></span></span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.dwellings-theheartofyourhome.com/2017/04/amaze-me-monday-211.html">Amaze <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Me Monday</span></a> </span></span></span></span></span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.create-with-joy.com/2017/04/inspire-me-monday-week-277.html"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Inspire Me Monday</span></a></span></span></span></span></span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://mariaelenasdecor.blogspot.gr/2017/04/tuesdays-at-our-home-210-features.html"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Tue<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">sdays at Our Home</span> </span></a> </span></span></span></span></span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><a href="http://www.adelightsomelife.com/2017/04/home-garden-thursday-70.html"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Home <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">& Garden Thursday</span> </span></span></a></span></span></span></i></span><br />
<a href="http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.gr/2017/05/home-sweet-home-322.html"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">H<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ome Sweet Home</span> </span></span></span></span></span></i></span></a><br />
<a href="http://piecedpastimes.blogspot.gr/2017/05/saturday-sparks-link-party-219.html"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Saturday Sparks </span></span> </span></span></span></i></span></a></div>
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Poppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08980323586402386609noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397842596692895726.post-89761997159194126682017-04-12T13:02:00.001+03:002017-04-22T09:43:16.473+03:00Holy Week<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzYycoOhUIm8kFsgyCpf8mq4_Of9wt9GcFwrsP-lAOpPD8hUorrk8QFii5nBlyob07hB1gNvGVHJ1K9iQNXyedVCz5UcuvEjh8g_W4_jwdKN1-daYP_B2SPcXnQInPCJNbRwr7x1qgIAw/s1600/wh5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">St. Irene, the little church that stands next to our home, high above the Cretan sea.</span></span></i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Hello dear readers, it's Holy Week here in Greece, a peaceful and quiet time, when the Greek Orthodox Church relives the last days of Jesus' life, beginning Palm Sunday and ending on Easter Sunday. </span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRwj2ENcaaLSBL89VnseB7jGeszChCLT899ExEirh7U4HYvg3oVRcmbAAvCe6B6uLHeox1c26jpYJyMmbHclifC0mtPnxM6m3xLV-lLvFaPTUiGnJAsSNP8D334Ea-3uZpuBpspe3go-k/s1600/wh4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Allium Subhirsutum dot the perimeter of an old Olive tree, softening its rugged, claw-like trunk.</span></span></i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Days are spent cleaning and preparing </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">our home for the celebratory feast.</span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKE1rMbfsaUb7eguO4njW_NasAOC2iEbRVY0OFmorIzFZS_9GSrwWfDQoycMp37T6gXU-Wx7QCLnPJxP0rPII94q0hcEi5DBbDHt9dIFjXYuQOdS7NSI8BkVZm9MgtKjsxpI20imwM8Mk/s1600/wh6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">A close up of Allium Subhirsutum, commonly known as Hairy Garlic.</span></span></i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Church services in the evenings, bring people</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">together in prayer and unity, at this most </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">solemn time, days before Christ is crucified. </span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTAzwgZCm8rcDheRhhYGnop_-2OBbJiW3w-XU0XQEcbZdYh7Si7M-PK6Lmi3nikPdsBbSW83bQUSm8MWfCu8k2Ml8sMKg5O9OKg7nhImS8Zq2ZSSl07rNysUolYJMVZcj6Ro0OZ9jIWWM/s640/wh3a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="492" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The hilly meadow behind our home. A petaled path strikes one's curiosity to follow it.</span></span></i></span><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></span></i></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We follow Him to His death on the cross, and mourn at His </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">funeral, in the Service of Lamentations, on Good Friday.</span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBLqskYfrR2esHJxheDznqw9Yzc2ZSoXAKcLAF_xl40-zTzdrv_7cbtw9yY_OdxIRvai_dMZ4L2cvtodA5bqKPDrOJKAlf-I70K8x9jv8qUCkUy-DpYZD2eI6ZMa29mZsVSVV14Dv7Y0Y/s1600/wh1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Fresh beginnings are evident all around the village. Here, new vine leaves bask in the midday sun.</span></span></i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Then, alas, at the stroke of midnight, on Holy Saturday, </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">we rejoice, 'Christos Anesti!' (Christ is Risen!), as our</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> hearts are filled with the joy and hope of His rebirth. </span></span></span></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0CNb2VpiORd-0StZwSA7HoO9wacInSWALfVWmN8I18DthsM2-VuoHhGQg9QJuQYIWPrzpqRoMxcI6lA6gdNzWbiYUeouTvZVBpKV9E1Xxa-oHv1liHWoLkueINhUjnLsHhRx1heT-3dM/s1600/wh2.jpg" /></div>
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<i><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">For a more detailed account of Greek Orthodox Easter,</span></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">please visit my first post,<a href="http://poppyview.blogspot.gr/2013/05/greek-orthodox-easter.html"> here<span style="color: #38761d;">. </span></a><span style="color: #38761d;">To my friends who </span></span></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;">celebrate, wishing you a most blessed Easter.</span></span></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;">xo</span></span></span></span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><span style="color: #38761d;">Poppy </span></i> </span></span></span></div>
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Poppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08980323586402386609noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397842596692895726.post-33658635263060117572017-04-03T15:00:00.000+03:002017-04-23T23:36:51.054+03:00Shelf Life<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbgMrtes_urTGhaaAhloTLR07QF1s5fYic00Ly-ZS6tn4JV4dd64zAD2Sg3aIPLiK2r7V_jI5Oiba1ekRO_x5uVuWyJehJqezMfjpCEKQGhEsshR87Socse0rxft7c9OFR7xmyEM6ZljA/s640/slph2cr.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Hello, everyone<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">, </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Happy April</span></span></span>!</span></span></span></div>
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<img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbHFfd5M962SWqyITsNh-UxX02fJmoCXnIVtA_-wKoJL5QYsthCYtJt8l8Zpo3dtKYSuTFkdZWi7ZcOMIyKfrzRuCxN-18uIUf6O979ZhLNKDBRPvEqKpeC-Y8bQT7sVKUTbBUMjt4qKk/s400/imageedit_3_6259275801.png" width="400" /></div>
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<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Can you guess what I've been doing?</span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFs__-dvDPxj9GXgRKqZObpAnOmdcsQzj6Hr9p85ZdMm8qME-sd88R2dv6fjoT_YkhBzagOfCSkN1ORcioE1UyJOw4AG_jC0Hfy6KmpeboCg9O4P5dHCGrKcM_RDXY3QjpKhzRZiUZYrg/s1600/003.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFs__-dvDPxj9GXgRKqZObpAnOmdcsQzj6Hr9p85ZdMm8qME-sd88R2dv6fjoT_YkhBzagOfCSkN1ORcioE1UyJOw4AG_jC0Hfy6KmpeboCg9O4P5dHCGrKcM_RDXY3QjpKhzRZiUZYrg/s1600/003.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Yup, taking more pics of wildflowers, but</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">this time, I thought I'd bring some</span></span></span><span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> home</span></span></span></div>
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<img border="0" height="491" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmLZyhs2kaIwyKbdFZ1NTCLM2ohmq_-xrJFV_8hB9kJjdR9dpXihWYPhK4SNBQeDaX3ttIqVjjwnikBQzjKDdZGBCoCVhcQLkxUA4rh6aOxe6RLlHp7ymD4SH-d24ojgvr4wdZRlhcQXk/s640/010sl.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> to create a cheery, spring vignette. </span></span></span><br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiygwe7nE9ZGk6W8UnvPn3Vwa7itDqU432_SIAnafaBx2qH9Dk7ke3DYxWEmoV058tGnQku8aikV-c4jQkr3EqhWcFgjrXkckrQd4SqfdavglyEQixuy9PB-yQNcv8kBhsYO7mWCLeEWGg/s1600/4pcr.jpg" /> </div>
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<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I needed to sweeten the kitchen,</span></span></span></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyY1AMpWF0rlTyM_I8o13LtCkhW6Vwcp9KqsanPJNXxc5Ic6sCVB6zXMXQ3H1y6sOCv61TACxuXOaMzv5g93Nnv0g9ttkb6VdL3KpUd1YAVhtnksnNEfwn1MwAIMdFx0WJ33sTZRCXLXE/s1600/slp3.jpg" /></div>
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<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">with something <i>other</i> than the aroma of baked goodies </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">- </span>my cozy, wintry pastime that packed on a few pounds! </span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpZekyHPH5t1x1XieokrYlij4E8SqICucr84GLsmY87i5ga3uovKYgh1kGiDjki_H5xxFZg508stBQ4astxhayxayTJPoPaqUzEgz_Bac2hyphenhyphenz3vJiKoRd1cW7Cvt0eUOiEKFrcqJuNdic/s1600/4pcr2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpZekyHPH5t1x1XieokrYlij4E8SqICucr84GLsmY87i5ga3uovKYgh1kGiDjki_H5xxFZg508stBQ4astxhayxayTJPoPaqUzEgz_Bac2hyphenhyphenz3vJiKoRd1cW7Cvt0eUOiEKFrcqJuNdic/s1600/4pcr2.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="st"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">V</span>oilà</i></span>! <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A</span> fr<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">esh </span>buffet of </span>eye candy, </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">pretty <i>and</i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> completely</span> </span>calorie free!<i></i></span></span></span><span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="st"><i></i></span></span></span></span></div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdIf3wXG8-KpX72fXGIy48qFH0lgyUy8a15AOdCqVIiPvdL2qTGJUMzRrNRSdygikURcpuCtjhqpr9PZ_Sw7QJSD_eztDrcyVb1ZE_xcotptKW2ACjgkMpdycFfl6UufttL-HKlaGhryU/s640/slph1.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I simply cannot get enough of these daisies. They're my</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> custom concoction of Vitamin <b><span style="color: orange;">C</span></b>, (that's '<span style="color: orange;"><span style="color: #f1c232;"><i>c</i></span></span>' for <span style="color: orange;"><span style="color: #f1c232;"></span></span><span style="color: orange;"></span><i><b><span style="color: orange;">Cuties</span></b></i></span></span></span><span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b><span style="color: orange;"></span></b></i></span></span></span><img alt="" data-goomoji="1f609" height="200" src="https://ssl.gstatic.com/mail/emoji/v7/png48/emoji_u1f609.png" style="height: 24px; margin: 0px 0.2ex; vertical-align: middle; width: 24px;" width="200" /><span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">),</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">but these lovelies are also a by-product of Vitamin D - </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">sunny skies, that in turn, encourage aerobic exercise.</span></span></span></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhciUzZjTCJrZXTB-P0JqCD65iwJiBWFH_B4LN2wPtxVH_CqCMrvb7xeXAc7imZ__xZKJOzhqW4Nb8yCTnrqJr81OK0W2U3MVA4xlFr-0qjsXPVHPKY5xd5AEtV-x2iQ3dAuNX0WKavIVs/s1600/4p.jpg" /></div>
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<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The effect on my physique is not yet evident; for that, I'll</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> have to wait, unlike the instant results on my kitchen shelf, </span></span></span></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAWfuboVutZrEO4oeXnOAAm6FaS-nCPHWTqVsRAsWLIodiuH3g4nNAKz5jcP0J7sSfRV7Kd4xIkZjEhCES8leF-qF_Dq-kKcIDfPGo8QbH5wUX0-MG127IjQn3w6F2n-jOAkcVTSfA460/s1600/011bo.jpg" /></div>
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<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> where rows and rows of springtime petals managed to</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">lighten my spirit<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">and</span></span> plant a warm smile on my face.</span></span></span></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvevxoBwBdkyHNCGVM1bTI84Qzv_PzrurX3V7yrOduA1uueIxl26iMO4dtp6nqxneDlr_c2hM9_YSxQVvrj-4GospeGp_umm0HcCsOT5taIoZcnGrO9-kpDr1RJzrBV5ZdUnZV3wURLJA/s1600/best.jpg" /></div>
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<i><span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Now that winter's <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">technically</span> over, </span></span></span></span></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">what melts <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">your</span></b> heart about spring</span>?</span></span></span></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thanks for visiting!</span></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Have a wonderful week!</span></span></span></i></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_RZGWkbkidlpCalwLZkou-FlP0sgQgYbat9rDYIDlTYmABtmrOpIpeSeMWR_nVJT7uwCJiFU7y2j8KW5tIoFYEIo0bYIbsNgANJc29KtGhyphenhyphen5ClU5Ok2YA-qdSCBhp9ksiUta4_vX5fII/s1600/FotorCreated.jpg" /></div>
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<i><span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">xoxo</span></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Poppy </span></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sharing at:</span></span></span></span></i></div>
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<a href="http://www.create-with-joy.com/2017/04/inspire-me-monday-week-277.html"><i><span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Inspire Me Monday </span></span></span></span></i></a></div>
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<a href="https://normandylife.blogspot.gr/2017/04/mosaic-monday-34-good-random-and-fun.html"><i><span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mosaic Monday</span></span></span></span></i></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.dwellings-theheartofyourhome.com/2017/04/amaze-me-monday-208.html#more"><i><span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Amaze Me Monday</span></span></span></span></i></a></div>
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<a href="http://strangersandpilgrimsonearth.blogspot.gr/2017/04/the-art-of-home-making-mondays-please.html"><i><span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Art of Home-Making Mondays</span></span></span></span></i></a></div>
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<i><span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.thededicatedhouse.com/2017/04/make-pretty-monday-week-212.html">Make it Pretty Monday </a></span></span></span></span></i></div>
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<a href="http://mariaelenasdecor.blogspot.gr/2017/04/tuesdays-at-our-home-207-features.html"><span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Tuesdays at Our Home</i></span></span></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><a href="http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.gr/2017/04/home-sweet-home-317.html">Home Sweet Home </a></i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://piecedpastimes.blogspot.gr/2017/04/saturday-sparks-link-party-214.html">Saturday Sparks </a></span></div>
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Poppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08980323586402386609noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397842596692895726.post-4976003224243351002017-03-28T14:31:00.000+03:002017-04-24T22:48:19.620+03:00Aglow in Yellow<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrWy52VzKAvyObbyWlX33T6qKwWcSrExxUPov_jePQ86RB4z6F0TUOQRhi3D7_ii1zTB_Xgl5UXk8OZokoSrmtFz8EWtojak3OltB1o4M1e1YLSKvnhTFHjDAp1g7fS0RfD7CT9jx4bm4/s640/sp5l.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It's the last week of March and the Cretan countryside is </span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">aglow in yellow. Above, clouds covered the sun,<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span>seconds before <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">t<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ook</span> </span></span>this photo, but the round, cheery flowers, </span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">like millions of little light bulbs</span></span></span></span>, <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">brightened</span> the scene for me, so that I<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> could</span> capture the tiny church in all its radiant illumination.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<img border="0" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisfRL8jAh_NhYeni1aAz8nr4f9VxBCzUdf34DrZGg-QowHt7zCiWGpids8bgKLac_pibPvYa0X1Vdz7_ydwAVv7U75yG7O0f6qKBgsOub_1ogtXGFwuPbUUnkUKf35Q1jqRRfCUpww108/s640/pear1.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This blossoming pear tree is one</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> of many in the immediate vicinity. </span></span></span></div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh16vIocIpqF9Mi21F0jq2jwCbDjI6kvUT6Iw6b217gWD-D_v3pgl9q_6SCj2HTuMwjKzj5ekeMO7f8XGnZryVkI2n5_qkMl_jhS9X0iepETy3atDRf0531Npo4CCKdg8XnKowrWYTrGIw/s640/pear2.jpg" width="479" /></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Its silky, white flowers are a soft contrast to the <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">yellow </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span> saturation that dominates the petal population <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">at prese<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">nt</span></span>.</span></span></span></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLRwuXdbFM_qvOLLjNXo1STo9Kg-yVOR1Z7TIw2QcFrlCwiu4E9Ulr0XXwztRCcqkgaHEfh0Tt3L9GEKi-YEhJFA-Abi9keOnb75N2OSlG0t_qdnMh_Dcn4jVPV5tGg8_Yd7VGOvLenuA/s1600/daisies2.jpg" /><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">These adorable daisies arrived in patches about a week ago.</span></span></span><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> They're the first bunch of beauties I encounter on my walk around the village. Don't they look like those animated suns in kids' drawings? I can almost see their sweet, smiley faces and hear their childlike voices bidding me 'Good morning' in unison. </span></span></span></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvVmssQTnESpwD9GJPCQBIkcpSUYXiB2RIZMpSTCoCPn6Zp6AFFInTV2OKxK5TcFaWJaw3JALAgGM2xZumfFyTr2GvhYgMYnU6ykcQJpWtGfdoynzUC39o_LW_XNyKAEYKZLRmrf764To/s1600/daisies2text.jpg" /></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">'Good morning, daisies'.</span></span></span><br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtjLw0ywlLJOTJ1uZwnHaVSoh8e67-Q2qIgCmVPhnE358KQZ6jEK5qdsvWP_BW6BbN-DdRnUFgxbcXJPtRYsFDlIK8dZt4m9MN5pFbiRjyLArYxHermm6SeyxNdu-6hvX-IGKRLmKnkys/s1600/sp6.jpg" /></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="st"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Meanwhile, w</span>hite mustard </span></span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="st"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="st"><i>(</i><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">S</span>inapsis <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">alba L</span></i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">, </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="st"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="st"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">belonging to the Brassicaceae<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span>family)</span> </span></span></span></span></span>is at its peak right now.</span></span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="st"> </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I read <a href="http://www.eattheweeds.com/cutting-the-wild-mustard-brassica-sinapis-2/">here</a>,
that, 'while the table condiment mustard does indeed come from the
mustard
seed, the leaves, flowers, seed pods and roots are also edible.'. The
young leaves, in particular, are used to flavour mixed salads. </span></span></span></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-agjIw2nPbIjyEIzueHMsNM7i4mjCQGqVeJtDDxMNyJbC_93BVMMmI5gMDG5ABeF6uIsdy-qqAbj6kT_KHBI21cwyvHfI_SuKdt6f60SsDOntgUaG5wpLayecPQ1veS40q_HQx6B70IA/s1600/sp3.jpg" /><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I have been wand<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">erin<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">g <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">through <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">meadows of these <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">lem<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ony</span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">toned</span> </span></span>lovelies for years<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">;</span> who<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> knew that <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">they are packed with a peppery spice</span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">and provide a host of therap<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">eutic qualities from treating ailments like bronchitis and pne<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">umonia to alleviating <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">arthritis</span></span>?!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0e4ug2jVmEAqkJmYDu6YiFkZ0WaCwyHqVLV8-dLgEu3c_w442AqZH4XTTSCM8NH917sCb3uI4FYGlnYIt85eizj79E-58-W1wfTQ8p2toawoZ9hEPAxhmot0wzJGfLF7Imfr_v_J5PvM/s1600/sp4.jpg" /></div>
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<span style="color: #ff9900;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Indoors, <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">a</span> favourite flow<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">er of mine<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">, </span></span>my beloved freesia, <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">take centre stage<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> on</span></span> a </span>doily that resembles yet another sun, this one lacy and delicate. <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">fragrant </span>posy is</span></span> part of a bigger bouquet given to me by my <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">sweet friend, <a href="http://poppyview.blogspot.gr/2017/03/womens-day-tea-in-village.html">Fotini</a>, <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">for</span> my birthday, last week. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">She <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">has several pots <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">blooming on her balcony<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">. </span></span></span>Interestingly, <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">her </span>name, 'Fotini' is d</span>erived from the Greek, <i>φως (phos)</i>, meaning <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">'</span>light'<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">. <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">T</span>his <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">bunch<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> so beautifies <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">the house with its glowing, yellow <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">bul<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">b<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">-like petals and that <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>scent</i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ff9900;"><span style="background-color: white;"><i><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And thank <span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>you</b></span>,<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> my sweet readers for visiting</span></span></span></span></span></i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #ff9900;"><span style="background-color: white;"><i><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> and for </span></span>all of your <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">thoughtful</span> birthday wishes</span></span>!</span></span></span></i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #ff9900;"><span style="background-color: white;"><i><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Have a wonderful week! </span></span></span></i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #ff9900;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #ff9900;"><span style="background-color: white;"><i><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">xoxo</span></span></span></span></i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #ff9900;"><span style="background-color: white;"><i><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Poppy </span></span></span></span></i></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><i><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #f1c232;"></span></span></span></span></i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><i><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #f1c232;"><br /></span></span></span></span></i></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><i><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sharing at:</span></span></span></span></span></i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><i><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://strangersandpilgrimsonearth.blogspot.gr/2017/04/the-art-of-home-making-mondays-please_24.html">The <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Art of H<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ome-making Mondays</span></span></a> </span></span></span></span></span></i></span><br />
<a href="http://www.dwellings-theheartofyourhome.com/2017/04/amaze-me-monday-211.html"><span style="background-color: white;"><i><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: small;">Amaze Me Monday </span></span></span></span></span></i></span></a><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><i><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.create-with-joy.com/2017/04/inspire-me-monday-week-277.html">Inspire Me Monday </a></span></span></span></span></span></i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><i><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://normandylife.blogspot.gr/2017/03/mosaic-monday-33-what-sight-to-see.html">Mo<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">sa<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ic</span> Monday</span></a></span></span></span></span></span></i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><i><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://mariaelenasdecor.blogspot.gr/2017/04/tuesdays-at-our-home-210-features.html">Tuesdays at Our Home </a></span></span></span></span></span></span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.gr/2017/03/home-sweet-home-316.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+TheCharmOfHome+(The+Charm+of+Home)">Home Sweet Home</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.frenchcountrycottage.net/2017/03/feathered-nest-friday_30.html">Feathered Nest Friday </a></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><i><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"> </span> </span></span></span></span></span></i></span></div>
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Poppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08980323586402386609noreply@blogger.com41tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397842596692895726.post-37474889423574867992017-03-21T01:05:00.000+02:002017-04-24T22:49:04.291+03:00I'm No Spring Chicken<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Hello all,</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> <b><span style="color: yellow;">H</span>a<span style="color: orange;">p</span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">p</span><span style="color: #ea9999;">y</span> <span style="color: #38761d;">S</span><span style="color: magenta;">p</span><span style="color: #e69138;">r</span><span style="color: #ffd966;">i</span><span style="color: red;">n</span><span style="color: #0b5394;">g</span></b>!</span></span></span></span></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW62mVq1x0eFMBP9ROwkvWFymal_U2rsIRaKAwyLq6hJJIfDLTkJBUngVRzMTPisSr0VqZDK7vjUwyVLXK86ZImadE_SeBtqiLcIdP7G9S3FXJBnT7oAnkJ9STMf_rxPnxcTZQqTmAEeU/s1600/as2.jpg" /></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">On Sunday, we celebrated my birthday, dining</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> al fresco in this gorgeous landscape, just a</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> 10 minute drive from our village. </span></span></span></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNL_D7BKJJrpFW6fvofB6ZWZ_n_Y2zqNAppyrnwHf9QETdRDvBhoT-_hqZdIndPUkyafeNBse9GVnq9LCtv1tZFGO6RNgoP8MC7nrVSZ8wOKetfOnp3xYf3PWrcRbOwtkHcCSDYNTn4ck/s1600/as9.jpg" /></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">While d</span>aisies and buttercups <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">garnished</span> the <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">fields below, </span></span></span> </span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img class="mfp-img" src="http://www.earino.gr/site/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/DSC4607_1920.jpg" height="426" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-height: 643px;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><a href="http://www.earino.gr/site/en/">source</a></i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: orange;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">we had a scrumptious lunch on the patio </span></span></span></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfznjwjbxBj2l4bqge3LvlBL6WwpI_pL4E7li2f9bOFJserE3HlaMXKdq8Yeav1HaCblF1GfzV-_xsTz6ravR3EAS0ASMWgEoiVtcRjwYp4Vr7Knmc9TgsaWRS_Q5twBG5XDSCFSOVqi4/s1600/as8.jpg" /></div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">of <a href="http://www.earino.gr/site/en/">this</a> beautifully rustic establishment,</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> high, in the hilly Cretan countryside. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Before leaving, a prayer at the inn's tiny chapel, </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">completed our visit to this pretty, pastoral place.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Once home, Liberty and I immediately changed into</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> more sporty clothing, then departed on our daily walk, </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">hoping to undo some of the damage done at the tavern. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Now, my daughter is twenty something and in great shape. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And, although she can easily finish our route in half the time,</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> she is happy to stroll at my pace, simply to keep me company.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"> After all, I'm no spring chicken, </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">just a loving, mother hen!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thanks for visiting! </span></span></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">xoxo</span></span></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Poppy</span></span></i></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sharing at:</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.create-with-joy.com/2017/04/inspire-me-monday-week-277.html">Inspire Me Monday </a></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><a href="https://normandylife.blogspot.gr/2017/03/mosaic-monday-32-too-much-of-good-thing.html"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mosaic Monday</span></span></span></a></span><br />
<a href="http://www.thededicatedhouse.com/2017/03/make-pretty-monday-week-210.html#comment-26191"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Make it Pretty Monday </span></span></span></span></a><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://strangersandpilgrimsonearth.blogspot.gr/2017/03/the-art-of-home-making-mondays-please_20.html">The Art of Home-Making Mondays </a></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.dwellings-theheartofyourhome.com/2017/03/amaze-me-monday-206.html#more">Amaze <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Me<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Monday</span></span></a></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://mariaelenasdecor.blogspot.gr/2017/04/tuesdays-at-our-home-210-features.html">Tuesdays at O<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ur Home</span></a> </span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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Poppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08980323586402386609noreply@blogger.com40tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397842596692895726.post-10394677782165859442017-03-15T00:56:00.000+02:002017-04-22T09:43:16.367+03:00Women's Day Tea in the Village<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Hello everyone, as you all know, last Wednesday was International Women's Day, and as a member of the Ladies' Philanthropic Society of our village, I suggested that we host a tea party to celebrate women all over the world. Firstly, I wanted the ladies of the village to feel special, so I proposed that invitations be created and hand delivered. Two of our artistic members, Kristy, and her mother, Sonia, created the pretty design, above. Isn't it adorable? </span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/politistikos.pentamodiou"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">source</span></span></i></a></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Next, we needed a venue. The obvious choice was the village schoolhouse. It has not been in operation as an educational facility for a while, but instead, is used for the various cultural activities that take place throughout the year, as well as being available to the children to play table tennis, a variety of board games or visit its little library. </span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/politistikos.pentamodiou"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">source</span></span></i></a></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Expecting about 60 guests, we closed off part of the space</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> to make for a cozier atmosphere. The floor is grey pebble mosaic, the walls are white stucco<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">, </span>the ceiling a brown wood panel<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> and t</span>h<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ere is no heating<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">. </span></span>Obviously, it is not your typical, ornate tearoom, </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">but I knew the heavy, folding doors, covered in a beautiful, olive green patina would make the room feel warm and inviting. I asked our members to bring as many of their teacups and saucers from home to add personal charm to compensate for the paper tablecloths and plastic garden chairs. A gorgeous bouquet of anemones was purchased and then divided into posies that were placed on the tables. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span></span><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAJ9ZEmam60yX95whwzX5VlNJMykv67m8ROWvbsXSh1vKQuCi06BNhmeLDeisLpa1GPr4A1GvuPc8tJIlYb9qPEL3DH922FWCc_leWs2N_9Gk6Daz3_aUYMlc5nZcw2xJYAevHCEob6tY/s1600/Mar1.jpg" /></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Magnets in flower and heart motifs - a gift for each guest, decorated each place setting. Handmade, clay candles dotted by cute ladybugs gave the room a fresh, spring<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">-like feel and a </span>soft, shimmery glow. A very heartfelt thank you to our talented and generous member, Eleni, who provided the magnets and crafted the candles!</span></span></span></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZlRYhyphenhyphenmaoctoe7_G4dGw3BQvTf_syMYMP4B1Jt16jTcKvohL975F2PfW3zg7xPLWTluTFgA6BOa8T_8AdUw0mWlKzJtf971oScurSw_CLnzYY_o2XIO7yaK_apvC_lzLB_IBOfdlC_OY/s1600/CLL1.jpg" /><br />
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">When I asked our members to each make something sweet or savoury for the occasion, </span></span></span><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I had no idea </span></span></span>that our guests would do the same! </span></span></span><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">But,
Cretans are known for their hospitality and I should have realized that
our guests would also have wanted to contribute to our assortment of
scrumptious treats! Don't they look delicious?</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #bf9000;">From a wide variety of traditional, sweet and savoury Cretan pites (pies) and koulourakia (biscotti), to loukoumades (</span></span></span></span><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #bf9000;"><span class="_Tgc">pastries made of deep fried dough soaked in a syrup of honey and cinnamon and sprinkled with sesame seeds), and rich, decadent cakes (my chocolate/orange gateau, for example), there was something for everyone, including much Lenten fare for those who were fasting.</span> </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">While the ladies sipped their tea and nibbled their goodies, it was time for our president to give a short speech about the goals and efforts of the <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Ladies'</span> Philanthropic Society, and its dedication to helping the sick, the poor, and those less fortunate. She pointed out that we meet at a different member's home once a month, which gives us a chance to socialize over coffee and discuss our agenda, ultimately deciding on where our donations will go to for that month. In closing, she thanked each lady for attending and reminded us that, as women, we share the spirit of sisterhood and hoped</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> that we could work together to make the world a better place.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I, for one, have so enjoyed working closely and cooperatively with my fellow members, who have since become wonderful friends, upon my return to the island. After a little convincing, (re: shopping, baking, crafting, setting up and cleaning!), I am very grateful that my suggestion to have this Women's Day Tea in our beautiful village was accepted with such enthusiasm by everyone in our group, who all worked very hard to make it such a sweet gathering of female fun; I will savour the memory forever!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: orange;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> How did <b>you</b> celebrate Women's Day?<i> </i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Thanks for visiting!</i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">xoxo</span></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: magenta;">Poppy</span></span></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: magenta;">Sharing at:</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/2017/03/wow-us-wednesdays-317.html">Wow Us Wednesdays</a> </span></span></div>
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Poppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08980323586402386609noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397842596692895726.post-62977913175553591642017-03-07T00:08:00.000+02:002017-04-22T09:43:16.445+03:00Narcissus and Anemone Amore<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">An artsy version of my first bouquet of narcissus</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> and anemones, this year, allows me to forever</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> preserve their delicate beauty and cheery character.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #38761d;"><span style="color: yellow;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Finding the narcissus among the masses of buttercups that have promptly popped up all over the island was no easy feat! </span></span></span></span></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho_PkEOtSZEpfuSJfO2F_ltHFWkvjQAGFJm4tzV16fuq3nNmeAbx9sLilvk4uDgTIBt8cMYYIF70uGQS-8gJ_No0OvIkFN0S9xg9wAV0gInxE9VzdObsq64OFvjqVJW78qlHtplCQ-9ek/s1600/ma5.jpg" /> </div>
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<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">But, thanks to a </span></span></span><span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">fruity/floral fusion,</span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> their fragrance draws</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> you </span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">to them, so that no matter how boldly the buttercups beam, </span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> it is only the tiny, white narcissus that are seen.</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixSjBuaKPKL2dqMZqjkaVU20commlWqq9UnORj-YhiahYNLsbWLow7biMRVb8UQ7bwA4LGtBs6J1QOTCy1cFNBcCEF54F8N3cuqfy3HlJgDpshqdlSMpalztvpzHepj9pLdp8QY24629I/s640/ma4.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">You'll find more narcissus and anemone amore <a href="http://poppyview.blogspot.gr/2014/02/scents-for-senses.html">here</a> and <a href="http://poppyview.blogspot.gr/2015/02/tiny-sunny-superstars.html">here.</a></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">What early spring flowers have stolen your heart?</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thanks so much for visiting </span></span></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">and have a lovely week!</span></span></span></i></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">xoxo</span></span></span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Poppy</i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Sharing at:</span></i></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://strangersandpilgrimsonearth.blogspot.gr/2017/03/the-art-of-home-making-mondays-please.html"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">The Art of Home-Making Mondays</span></i></span></span></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://normandylife.blogspot.gr/2017/03/mosaic-monday-30-changing-seasons.html"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Mosaic Monday </span> </i></span></span></span></a><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><a href="http://www.thededicatedhouse.com/2017/03/make-pretty-monday-week-209.html"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Make it Pretty Monday</span></span> </a></i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://mariaelenasdecor.blogspot.gr/2017/03/tuesdays-at-our-home-203-features.html"><i>Tuesdays at Our Home</i></a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i> </i> </span></span></span></div>
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Poppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08980323586402386609noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397842596692895726.post-54521858355577058642017-02-26T00:47:00.000+02:002017-04-22T09:43:16.436+03:00Cotton Candy Coloured Bling<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Hello everyone! Last week, Liberty and I <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">took</span> a different route on our daily afternoon walk after <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">spotting this beautiful almond tree <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">in th<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">e</span></span> distance</span>. <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">fter a giddy decent</span></span> downhill, <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">we soon <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">were <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">standing <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">before it. <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Stopping to</span></span></span></span></span> take a <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">photo,</span> I cannot express to you how peaceful I felt,<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> the</span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">cool </span>breeze<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> brushing <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">my</span> hair back,<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> to fo<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">cu</span>s</span></span> on the serene scene before me<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">: a</span></span> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">pure, pastoral paradise<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">. </span> </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #ea9999;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span style="color: #e06666;"></span></i></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #ea9999;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: #e06666;">A
wide variety of fruit bearing trees, among them, cherry, peach, plum,
pear,
walnut and chestnut, each taking turns to be in the limelight, thrive in
the area. But presently, it is the soft and delicate beauty of the
almond blossom that captures everyone's attention, just as this<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> puff of pink petals </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">did</span> ours! It is the reason we detoured from our usual path<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> <span style="color: #e06666;">and</span></span></span></span> well worth the challenging climb uphill, back towards the village</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span style="color: #e06666;">, </span></i></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ea9999;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">where we were <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">welcomed by<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">fluffy<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">, fragrant, vanilla flowers</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">belonging to one of many almond trees that<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #ea9999;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">decorate </span>the village skies </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">at this time of year.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This branch, part of a bouquet that sits on my</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> kitchen window sill, is bursting with new buds,</span></span></span> </div>
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<span style="color: #ea9999;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> <span style="color: #e06666;"> and from a bird's eye view<span style="color: #ea9999;">, </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: #ea9999;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #e06666;">an abundance of blossoms<span style="color: #ea9999;">.</span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: #e06666;"></span></div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUBIGYyqfQ4tpsdLB7jYbA-Kov1heRlLscZo-f4eT72X-Rib8wKynd4BGTcZe3nnoRLXfZnP6WE71EvbUVQgMqg_FTTz_dSD_vsRUIzBx20GlZ4S9yBwutAOk5uWtXZUS0RMChD3IPX0w/s640/alc1a.jpg" width="499" /></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">But, aside from all the cotton candy coloured bling,</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">the frilly almond blossoms promise Spring,</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">my favourite season since my Autumn fling,</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #e06666;">for the rays of light and hope that it will bring.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">What's sprouting in your surroundings?</span></span> </span></span></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thanks for visiting</span></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">and happy weekend!</span></span></span></i><br />
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<i><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrySFqdYqnfWXizBPHm2k8TwW6eZ4RGvcaClp-9WP6H4hEAJ_D5zTL3_yhiBstv_Fwdq7W-ksYesdB8EghPaoZ-QOWXTZse9-G7HbE8osmrkDC7zGkysJct9o6RK0j5L18HN9-mVhSQyo/s1600/14849845537806cd.png" /> </span></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">xoxo</span></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Poppy </span></span></span></i><br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Sharing at:</i></span></span></span><br />
<a href="http://strangersandpilgrimsonearth.blogspot.gr/2017/02/the-art-of-home-making-mondays-please_27.html"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>The Art of Home-Making Mondays</i></span></span></span></a><br />
<a href="https://normandylife.blogspot.gr/2017/02/mosaic-monday-29-did-you-ever-have-one.html"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Mosaic Monday </i></span></span></span></a><br />
<i><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.dwellings-theheartofyourhome.com/2017/02/amaze-me-monday-203.html#more">Amaze Me Monday </a></span></i><br />
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Poppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08980323586402386609noreply@blogger.com42tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397842596692895726.post-18821128253194902392017-02-18T19:00:00.000+02:002017-04-22T09:43:16.384+03:00Glazed Orange Scones <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM0HTshyphenhyphenQvAODarIeukxxbfSxhpfZ-vnBR0sOxkUi57c4HaFuMY7rERB49hZTlcuJecL6OPFn0-Gkxm8cf1vve9viFsjwG0uiivwPnBjcRsE7qAKqiG8EFxEAatyPuY_VaD3_O3Q3dG4A/s640/s3last.jpg" width="479" /></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Ever
since our return to Crete, Liberty and I have been <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">cooking u<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">p</span></span> some of our
favourite recipes. I love getting up extra early to bake something hot
and fresh from the oven, especially when it's<b><span style="color: #cccccc;"> </span></b><span style="color: #666666;">windy and rainy and cold</span>
outside, which isn't often, here, so we <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">jump at</span> the opportunity when we ca<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">n (not that we ne<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ed <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">one, of course!</span></span></span></span></span></span><img alt="" data-goomoji="1f609" src="https://ssl.gstatic.com/mail/emoji/6/48px/emoji_u1f609.png" style="height: 24px; margin: 0px 0.2ex; vertical-align: middle; width: 24px;" /><span style="color: #38761d;">)</span></div>
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<img alt="Image result" class="irc_mi" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/32/0f/49/320f491574dc78812f9585e44aee78f2.jpg" style="margin-top: 39px;" /></div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">While in Toronto, we <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">lived ac<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ros<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">s the street from a Panera Bread <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Bakery Cafe</span>, and it wasn't <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">that</span> long before we were addicted to <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">many of the<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">i<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">r wonder<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ful sweets<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> and one in particular: their <b><span style="color: orange;">orange</span></b> sco<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">nes</span>. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYTwziGNthFPfYFR1ClSYccKw8vNcsPTUB6AbYBlz3rxIzE04FvKG25fZ_CHvokOg2Q41Gth3cMlMts6PAe0RCTy_DQO5Fq5vQ1TDcg8tskWJ0m25xzatMW_X7rPsUOg3NnERD8LgPgXA/s640/52218957-l-da7e6d364871bece3185e.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">A younger, prettier<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">, slimmer </span>version of me, with blue <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ey<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">es, </span></span>but</span></i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">never </span></i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">mind!</span></i></span></span></span></span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: magenta;"><br /></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">So, naturally, when Crete <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">feel</span>s like Canada on th</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ose</span> <span style="color: #666666;">windy and rain</span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #666666;">y and cold </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">days, we seriou</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">sly <span style="color: red;">CRAVE</span> these </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">citru</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">s goodies! In fact, I've been dreaming about them <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">from the time we got here<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">. <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And let's be honest,<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span>w</span>hen <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">a girl's<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">craving<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span>orange scones</span>,<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> <span style="color: orange;"><i>oranges</i></span></span>, (of which I have <span id="goog_1577537137"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/">plenty<span id="goog_1577537138"></span></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">)</span> just <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">don't <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">do the trick<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">, although <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">t<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">hey</span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>do</i></b> do wonders for the s<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">cones nam<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ed after <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">them.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" data-jpibfi-indexer="0" src="http://www.mybakingaddiction.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/OrangeScones.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mybakingaddiction.com/glazed-orange-scones/"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">source</span></span></i></span></a></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">With no Panera Brea<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">d <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">on the island,<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">(or in <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">the whole of Europe, for that matter),<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> I still needed <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">access to their scones, so </span>I googled <i>'</i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>copycat Panera Brea</i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>d</i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i> orange scones</i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i> recipe'</i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>.</i> I clicked onto the first result<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> that came up, a blog called </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">My Baking Addiction<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">.<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> After<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span>reading <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">the <a href="http://www.mybakingaddiction.com/glazed-orange-scones/">recipe</a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">, </span>the comments/reviews,<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">and<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">customizing it</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">,<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> I <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">quickly <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">got to work<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<img border="0" height="562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUHLsiEPnNrlKwNgtFaQTHIwV9qc40vAjlhZNOq02Q39cu_EDNVQ1X7sxj3IWhKokT7bRksT1UV1JbWW9PMb1NPYA9TGKStHjwamMqRAG_Q6XR11QrBJmDdIvtfngVEo8WabeokdL2kjg/s640/Feb.jpg" width="640" /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></span></div>
<h3 id="ingredients" style="text-align: center;">
</h3>
<h3 id="ingredients" style="text-align: center;">
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<h3 id="gmail-ingredients" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></span></h3>
<h3 id="gmail-ingredients" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ingredients:</span></span></span></span></h3>
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #e06666;">
</span></span></span></b>
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<div class="ingredients">
<h4>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">For the Scones</span></span></span></span></h4>
<ul>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #e06666;">1/3 cup sugar</span></span></span></b></li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #e06666;">zest of two medium oranges</span></span></span></b></li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #e06666;">2 cups all-purpose flour</span></span></span></b></li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #e06666;">1 teaspoon baking powder</span></span></span></b></li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #e06666;">1/4 teaspoon baking soda</span></span></span></b></li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #e06666;">1/2 teaspoon salt</span></span></span></b></li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #e06666;">8 tablespoons unsalted butter, frozen</span></span></span></b></li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #e06666;">1/2 cup sour cream <span style="color: orange;">(I used 2% Greek yoghurt)*</span></span></span></span></b></li>
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: orange;">
</span></span></b>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #e06666;">1 large egg</span></span></span></span></span></b></li>
</ul>
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #e06666;">
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<h4>
<b><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #e06666;">For the Glaze</span></span></span></span></b></h4>
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #e06666;">
</span></span></span></b>
<br />
<ul>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #e06666;">3 tablespoons unsalted butter; melted<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> <span style="color: orange;">(I used<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> 1 t<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">bsp)<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">*</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #e06666;">1 cup confectioners’ sugar; sifted</span></span></span></b></li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #e06666;">1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract</span></span></span></b></li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #e06666;">2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice</span></span><span style="color: orange;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #e06666;"> </span></span></span></span></span></b></li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients"><span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="color: orange;">(I also added<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">1/2 tsp</span> </span>orange zest)* </span></span></span></span></span></b></span><h3 id="directions" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #e06666;"> </span></span></span></span></b></h3>
<h3 id="directions" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #e06666;">Directions:</span></span></span></span></b></h3>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #e06666;">
</span></span></span></b><br />
<div class="instructions">
<ol><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span itemprop="recipeInstructions">
<li>Adjust oven rack to lower-middle position and preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.</li>
<li>In a medium bowl, combine sugar and orange zest; mix with your
fingertips until the sugar is moistened and fragrant. Add in the flour,
baking powder, baking soda and salt and mix until combined.</li>
<li>Grate butter into flour mixture on the large holes of a box grater;
use your fingers to work in the butter until the mixture resembles
coarse meal.</li>
<li>In a small bowl, whisk the sour cream and egg until smooth.</li>
<li>Using a fork, stir sour cream mixture into flour mixture until
large dough clumps form. Use your hands to press the dough against the
bowl into a ball. The dough will be sticky first, but as you press, the
dough will come together.</li>
<li>Place on a lightly floured surface and pat into a 7-inch circle
about 3/4-inch thick. Use a sharp knife to cut into 8 triangles; place
on prepared baking sheet, about 1 inch apart. Bake until golden, about
15 to 17 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes and prepare the glaze.</li>
<li>In a medium bowl, prepare the glaze by mixing together the melted
butter, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla and orange juice. Whisk until
smooth. Dip the top of the scones into the glaze and allow the glaze to
harden. At this point, you can leave them as is or go for the double
dip.<span style="color: orange;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="color: orange;">(I halved the ingredients for the glaze, as I found them sweet enough).*</span></li>
</span></span></span></span></b></ol>
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span itemprop="recipeInstructions">
</span></span></span></span></b></div>
<h3 id="notes" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #e06666;">Notes<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">:</span></span></span></span></span></h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #e06666;">
</span></span></span></b></div>
<div class="notes" style="text-align: center;">
<ul>
<li><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #e06666;">Scones store well in an airtight container for up to two days.</span></span></span></b></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: orange;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">*My alterations</span></i></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;"></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbgwCTQxyfo2MgRakUmU8pwRnPV2EZASZxFR21UGZHFNf4ZMGL-eKNEcGiDboBHQlrkeJFm3eyQMKRY2WSqZ9AGVkEvYg9VQDqt85_kU13vNiHblsEwovQYdbEzwmt-0Sr_vjdzfABQKs/s1600/cr2.jpg" /> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Wh<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">il<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">e</span> they were baking, Liberty<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> was pleasantly awakened by<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span>the<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">i<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">r</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> appetizing buttery/orange-y aroma<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">, and <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">soon she was floating down the st<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">air<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">case, <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">in a dreamlike sta<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">te</span></span></span></span></span></span>. <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">She couldn't believe that I had successfully replicated our favourite scones<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">! </span></span> These, my friends, are<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span>even BETTER than the<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> product they were inspired by<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">. Pleas<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">e try them<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">; you<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> will <i>not</i> be disappointed.<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span>What are <i>you</i> baking <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">these days?</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrySFqdYqnfWXizBPHm2k8TwW6eZ4RGvcaClp-9WP6H4hEAJ_D5zTL3_yhiBstv_Fwdq7W-ksYesdB8EghPaoZ-QOWXTZse9-G7HbE8osmrkDC7zGkysJct9o6RK0j5L18HN9-mVhSQyo/s1600/14849845537806cd.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrySFqdYqnfWXizBPHm2k8TwW6eZ4RGvcaClp-9WP6H4hEAJ_D5zTL3_yhiBstv_Fwdq7W-ksYesdB8EghPaoZ-QOWXTZse9-G7HbE8osmrkDC7zGkysJct9o6RK0j5L18HN9-mVhSQyo/s1600/14849845537806cd.png" /></a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">T</span>hanks for visiting</span></span></span></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">and happy weekend!</span></span></span></span></span></i></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>xoxo</i></span></span></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Poppy </span></span></span></span></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sharing at:</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://piecedpastimes.blogspot.gr/2017/02/saturday-sparks-link-party-207.html"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Saturday <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sparks</span> </span></span></a></span></span></span></span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://strangersandpilgrimsonearth.blogspot.gr/2017/02/the-art-of-home-making-mondays-please_20.html">The Art of Home-Making Mondays </a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i><br />
<a href="https://normandylife.blogspot.gr/2017/02/mosaic-monday-28-edinburgh-castle.html"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Mosaic Monday</span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i></a><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.dwellings-theheartofyourhome.com/2017/02/amaze-me-monday-202.html"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Amaze Me Monday </span></span></a> </span></span></span></span></span></i><br />
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Poppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08980323586402386609noreply@blogger.com47tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397842596692895726.post-15818601351064219662017-02-11T20:39:00.000+02:002017-04-22T09:43:16.370+03:00Credenza Extravaganza<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Hello, all!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #93c47d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Well, after a month of cleaning and clearing, I was getting <strike>dangerously</strike> rather cranky and then, well, I completely conked out! I must say, multi-tasking<span style="color: #38761d;"> <b><i>is</i></b></span> one of my fortes - isn't it every woman's (?) - you know what I mean: simultaneously delegating the dirty stuff to the washing machine and dishwasher, dinner doing its thing, simmering on the stove, thus, leaving me hands free to mop the freshly vacuumed floors, while I get the latest deets on all the drama in Canada during a conference call with my mom and sister!</span> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgicMj7plgGnFo6-b3s9dtJ7vAdnHQj3uFSPgJKHM4QZydKQdP3a-0GPueuFsGQvXZvRf-ROrw8nZx6pQHVaRo3zxwuBeO76DB8ZKiAD6WsB59FS1HobavfEKY22d9tYyPH6QefK8B5BeQ/s1600/cr7.jpg" /></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Yet multi-tasking isn't all it's cracked up to be. In fact, I recently read that in the workplace, it actually leads to more mistakes! </span></span></span><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Since I was desperately craving some creativity, I devoted <span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><b>all</b></i> </span>my concentration on decorating the credenza </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img alt="" data-goomoji="1f609" src="https://ssl.gstatic.com/mail/emoji/6/48px/emoji_u1f609.png" style="height: 24px; margin: 0px 0.2ex; vertical-align: middle; width: 24px;" /> and found it was the</span></span></span> perfect pick-me-up perk! </span></span></span><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Excited about restyling it with a few new cuties from Canada, like the cool, cow creamer, above, </span></span></span>I made sure not to even <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>think</i></b></span></span></span></span><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"> </span>about focusing on anything </span></span></span><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">else </span></span></span>(like back breaking bath tub scrubbing, for example!) until my project was completed.</span></span></span></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP2yhsYmYzs0wi2vDLVdNY6_oWZiCaiBQ73xcSLdCVPKUM2N1rZK2_7oP-tLfxBZapLzcyBcc5__fJ6KiNWr3Tb2HW35ncyN1oKSa7zEKtqbZ3LHTQhPL6ygg9296GOHtILefXkZz3dNQ/s1600/cr8.jpg" /></div>
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<span style="background-color: blue;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">For the most part, I worked with what I had, like the </span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: blue;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">sweet, butterfly candy dish that sat in the sun room </span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: blue;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">for a long time, </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: magenta;"><span style="background-color: blue;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">and the dainty, floral teapot,</span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaMjr2Zfc1DsOZ2S1pEiHcnwZ-QhuvIOeNGhjeeDueTlkxvfrExdXQAOtP35GtvkMrEruSTTQ7ph9YCp3b-VKtxCMdCnPfuV59xc0k8QnOeBx0sFYY6R5r-Is2yLGQzfd_lufWiduqrZ0/s1600/Poppy%2540poppyview.blogspot.com+Pic+3si.jpg" /></div>
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<span style="background-color: blue;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span></span><span style="color: red;"><span style="background-color: blue;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> which used to be displayed in the </span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="background-color: blue;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">glass cabinet in the kitchen, above.</span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbzcgZhEDPTCqthz4O2YpNA08ukQGwJZfgdCCfP_AVJDbCBI7WQs79f0T4Lt36UQpFE9__lLrSaapzZvcxvRGkTnvTZFzbQrHbpWyBx_f-8wdf2xwGKBJd7mt0HJg3pYNjALbXTrBJDVY/s640/004.jpg" width="482" /></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The same goes for the white, scalloped edge, French </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">dishes, setting a foundation on the bottom shelf. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span></span><img border="0" height="501" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8H7wKrX6B5LypyKxIIzIYt08_QbELFunCbKhcMazvGBCb8rrkTUj6HZVdHIi4ceL6bl9Aaah9jpYqlyd6ccOPPP6c_SuZnEcgEYHgbcrJ_kA9vHh_hij6DBfaEBH7oiJLe3UVbW4hz6U/s640/Poppy%2540poppyview.blogspot.com+Pic+6.jpg" width="640" /><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">They were stacked on the kitchen's open shelving for years. </span></span></span></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX3NTRsBBfEGlogxtFL0wDz3ShTRqfJmp1AJW9XgP_9iuFXNjiIOidpx77p_UyPOoZ3vf3xFCgRINPGECUCHLi8zU8ZWzgN_Io2Jw8kZWjvosjD5cA6kgDLMsTsu6stj_qVhzhnAOvXxc/s1600/PicMonkey+Imagecrre.jpg" /></div>
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<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This latest arrangement, to me, is fresh, light and cheery. It <strike>screams</strike> sings 'spring' to me. Those of you who have been following Poppy View for a while know that the credenza usually changes with the seasons. </span></span></span></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIR1Q7Et1rPJmG4TNAEP15Do0ClWfPsjIdD19EKOFxbkr5i3S65zXRWAi1loczFLweoymh_4NPGffHhrihyiY_VhMeN3cFQDcr_vWGcbjN-Qr6Ht8W56dVE3lvaf0iVsx17EaP4wl1PKI/s1600/002a.jpg" /></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Case in point #1: Christmas!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span></span><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI2kPCS08NY6lZFdB9AVmnPd4dGfOB7mrJ2qUvbuEtTgHCFOt3ibARw3fsahyHfyKsSuKzEJyrqkk5XptW6oT9foxsjIVyf5eHuC60sn8Krp_L-EwoP97WvRDTlxOnfCBPpEFpoTRbDWM/s1600/May.jpg" /></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: red;">Case in point #2: bursting with summer blooms.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIVR6fcRBN8Ik3rafSPE-mV0IpHUNrdXwJGb6F6nKDqT4a8hhQqB_UqJv86Qqw171axXp9WvRbbokFeAzU0dT4OL8ri6BWJsmi51J0ziwC535aBTNhCpbhtwPZlxlxKsRvd7misR38LfA/s1600/cr1.jpg" /></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">So, until spring actually <i>does</i> arrive, <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">at which point</span> I will joyfully pick narcissus, geraniums and freesia from our garden, to fill empty creamers with splashes of floral fragrance, the breakfast nook credenza will be on stand by, unlike me, who's already got a lot on her plate!</span></span></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thanks for visiting!</span></b> </span></span></span></i></div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkq9S7ZFtgfqx-mp_xFbfA3pvltPg-LbS-cPhe_IfzPSNw6Fr8QXb55t0nNJS5qUhvBRH55P1ttCnQzNuBrtYbUlhiicD5Y4CQzzvYhZNqAge9UXFJFXQbdWKcDRJLXV0kmYeSu1u6AJE/s640/crcollage1.jpg" width="428" /></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sharing at:</span></span></i></span></div>
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<i><a href="http://piecedpastimes.blogspot.gr/2017/02/saturday-sparks-link-party-206.html">Saturday Sparks</a></i><br />
<i><a href="http://www.dwellings-theheartofyourhome.com/2017/02/amaze-me-monday-202.html">Amaze Me Monday</a> </i><br />
<i><a href="https://normandylife.blogspot.gr/2017/02/mosaic-monday-27-so-then-this-happened.html">Mosaic Monday</a></i><br />
<i><a href="http://strangersandpilgrimsonearth.blogspot.gr/2017/02/the-art-of-home-making-mondays-please_13.html">The Art of Home-Making Mondays</a></i><br />
<i><a href="http://www.thededicatedhouse.com/2017/02/make-pretty-monday-week-208.html">Make it Pretty Monday </a></i><br />
<a href="http://mariaelenasdecor.blogspot.gr/2017/02/tuesdays-at-our-home-201-features.html"><i>Tuesdays at Our Home</i></a><br />
<i><a href="http://www.adelightsomelife.com/2017/02/home-garden-thursday-61.html">Home and Garden Thursday </a></i><br />
<i><a href="http://www.create-with-joy.com/2017/03/friendship-friday-blog-party-social-media-boost-267.html">Friendship Friday </a></i><br />
<i><a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/2017/03/wow-us-wednesdays-317.html">Wow Us Wednesdays </a></i><br />
<a href="http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.gr/2017/03/home-sweet-home-314.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+TheCharmOfHome+(The+Charm+of+Home)"><i>Home Sweet Home</i></a><br />
<a href="http://www.frenchcountrycottage.net/2017/03/feathered-nest-friday_23.html">Feathered Nest Friday</a></div>
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Poppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08980323586402386609noreply@blogger.com40tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397842596692895726.post-25365018852149917292017-02-05T18:20:00.001+02:002017-04-22T09:43:16.391+03:00Searching for Shepherds in the Snow<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp4nKQHPl0NHaXmhiJli1Z6zuU_514sLiI7eD-amTC_Uol0MDPxsV31gc9k7FAi5MrrG7c2g6t66tfK4rl69J0tcXNaM7wcmOkSfSowWjDDTf5uRqXNCZ7c5dP_fRK9rxz6KZwlxVpjGU/s1600/an8.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Tavern 'Aetos' (Eagle), with its beautiful wall mural and traditional Cretan decor</span></span></i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Every New Year's Day, we always drive up to the village of Anogeia,</span></span></span><span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> to see the snow and enjoy a traditional Cretan meal. Anogeia, </span></span></span><span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">(</span></span></span><span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Greek: </span></span></span>Ανώγεια, 'high ground'), </span></span></span>at an altitude of </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">738 metres or 2,421 ft, </span></span></span><span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></span></span><span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Psiloritis Mountains, Rethymno, Crete</span></span></i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">sits at the base of the highest mountains on Crete, namely, Psiloritis </span></span></span><span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span lang="el">(Greek: Ψηλορείτης</span>, 'high mountain'), </span>which</span></span> measure </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">2,456 metres or 8,057 feet above sea level. Covered in a smooth blanket of snow<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">y </span>white, they are a stunning sight in contrast with the shades of the rugged green and brown landscape below.</span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhosjV67qVorkncLpDLVypXE0XnH56FrhOM4QomhUJFsa-yc_rBBBxRghoHSJAOrFYlBMniW45c1RLf36TzlZw9K6pxUz9uiIs_dryjibiL0Ub1PV6P94Wy470AY0tB3xsGmDEytZBM8QY/s1600/an4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #783f04;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Psiloritis Massif, a reservoir supplying several springs and ponds</span></span></i></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We
couldn't wait to get there, not for the snow, for we had had our fill
of that in Canada, but for the scenic drive, which actually feels more
like a<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">n air</span>plane ride. </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Travelling through this rough terrain, a myriad of spectacular caves, deep gorges, small plateaus, oak and pine forests exist in and around tiny villages that are characteri<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">stically </span>built on cliffs. </span></span></span><span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The area is home to rare birds of prey, such as bearded vultures, common vultures, golden eagles and red-tailed hawks. </span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Psiloritis' highest peaks boast snow until late June</span></span></i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">With </span>every twist and turn in the road, the ground<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> became</span> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">whiter and whiter, and then, <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">as we reached </span>a plateau,</span> </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">we caught sight of a mitato, </span></span></span><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">(Greek: </span></span></span><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span lang="el">Μιτάτο, </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">'shelter or 'lodging') or </span></span></span>shepherd's hut. </span></span></span><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">These unique dwellings are constructed solely </span></span></span><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">from local limestone, in this case, the earthy shades of olive green, slate grey, and honey brown stone indigenous to the Psiloriti Mountain region.</span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Entryway of a mitato or shepherd's hut</span></span></i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Providing </span></span></span><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">shepherds with protection against the elements, mitata also serve as corrals when tending to the sheep. They also function as mini cheese making factories, complete with copper cauldrons, clay pots, wooden utensils, table and chairs, stone beds and stools made out of old tree roots!</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">An opening at the top of the dome acts as a skylight, air duct and chimney. These conical structures are, indeed, quite impressive in their innovation. All that talk about cheese production, though, was making us hungry.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #bf9000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It was, after all, time for lunch!</span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">An eagle's stern expression covers the menu of the tavern that bears its name</span></span></i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A few minutes later we arrived at the popular Taverna Aetos, our go-to haunt in the village of Anogeia. Decorated in a rustic, mountain style, old farming tools, Cretan crockery, vintage furniture and clothing furnish the large restaurant's space, bestowing extra traditional charm to its patrons.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Fresh,
Cretan greens, cucumbers, tomatoes, lentils, pomegranate seeds and goat
cheese are tossed <br />together in an olive oil/honey, balsamic dressing to create the tavern's trademark salad.</span></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Specializing in traditional, Cretan cuisine, the tavern's tasty dishes and breathtaking views of the Psiloritis Mountains were the perfect ending to our adventure in search <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">of</span> snow<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<i><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thanks so much for visiting!</span></span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Wishing you a lovely week,</span></span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">xoxo</span></span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Poppy </span></span></span></i></div>
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Poppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08980323586402386609noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397842596692895726.post-7713488921379103352017-01-28T22:27:00.001+02:002017-04-22T09:43:16.464+03:00Orange: Fruit, Felines and Flames<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: orange;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #f1c232;">Bri<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ght, </span>orange-y<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><b><span style="color: orange;">combs</span> </b>and <b><span style="color: orange;">wattles</span></b> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">adorning our</span> resident roosters commanded my attention this past week, demanding I put them on top of my very long 'to do' list<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">, and thus, making it <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">a priority to </span></span>find them their new place on the kitchen's open shelving, as promised. I'm glad they put the pressure on, since it gave me the chance to do something fun and creative after two weeks of tedious cleaning. <i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Orange</b></span></span></i>, from the fresh and flavourful to the furry and flaming, would continue to <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">entert<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ain</span></span> and delight that day!</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">On our afternoon walk, Liberty and I spotted a Mackerel Red Tabby taking shelter from a sudden hail storm. Unlike the rowdy roosters, this <b><span style="color: orange;">ginger</span></b> critter had a modest gentleness about it. </span></span></span><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Keeping a </span>low profile, <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">kitty</span></span></span></span> hid under a metallic umbrella, while we pretended that its striking stripes went unnoticed and continued on our way, apart from pausing for a few seconds, daring to snap this pic from a distance! </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">When we arrived at my aunt's house shortly after to pick <span style="color: orange;"><b>oranges</b></span>, thankfully, the hail had stopped. We were pleasantly surprised and grateful that the previous day's gales <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">h</span>adn't succeeded in<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> too much</span> of the sweet <span style="color: orange;">citrus</span> fruit falling to the ground, where it risk<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ed</span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">rapid</span> rotting. Other trees in her garden boast <span style="color: orange;"><span style="color: #38761d;">branches of</span><b> clementines</b></span> and lemo<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">n<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">s</span> and we'll be back for <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">them!</span> </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Arriving home with our basket of pretty, perfumed produce,</span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggyLBN4t9Lk-bF7qoa7_7pIdSn-fYXu-dJeeguTpuhiGHxT6gTR5wRSL3XYl85luWINXlQXv8fOSocL9id3ytKC69I3ZogoiJ9XmYE0ywQ5b3ZfFv-OgY9qNd06AAhvW14-aYrNdtkeds/s640/014a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="544" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A crackling fire calms the soul and soothes achy bones from days of damp and cold</span></span></i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">we scurried to get a <b><span style="color: orange;">fire</span></b> going, (our first, </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">since we'd been back), as the house felt cold. </span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Olive trees huddle together, awaiting confirmation of a rumoured snowfall.</i></span></span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="color: #999999;">We wondered if there was more snow on the horizon. Apparently, 20cm of the white, powdery stuff covered the landscape a few days before our arrival, causing chaos, since Cretans are never prepared for such uncharacteristic, wacky weather conditions!</span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #bf9000;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></span></i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"></span></span></span><span style="color: #7f6000;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></span></i></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #bf9000;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><i>Freshly squeezed orange juice is enjoyed daily, thanks <br />to these beauties, bursting with a sweet, robust flavour</i></span></span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #bf9000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">What the islanders <i>do</i> expect from their typically mild winters is to harvest sweet citrus fruit! Lemons, <b><span style="color: orange;">oranges</span></b>, <span style="color: orange;"><b>clementines</b></span>, <b><span style="color: orange;">mandarins</span></b> and grapefruit blossom in the spring, scenting the air with the most intoxicating fragrance, a combination of floral, citrus and freshness - one of my absolute favourite scents. Most varieties are ripe for picking at the start of December, just in time for use in traditional Christmas cookies and other festive treats.</span></span></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: orange;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;"> What colour is winter in your world?</span></span></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: orange;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Thanks for visiting!</span></span></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: orange;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Happy weekend,</span></span></span></span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>xoxo</i></span></span></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: orange;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Poppy </span> </span></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: orange;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span></span></i> </div>
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Poppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08980323586402386609noreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397842596692895726.post-50842096938528622622017-01-21T10:54:00.001+02:002017-04-22T09:43:16.424+03:00Crossing the Pond: Canada to Crete<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="417" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOjMO7vHIDx0PXh4ypjfhalqSfXNoCInqJWI8eXJkHun6985VnWHbichnugAK4G_I5JtTOOasyaMKEmFS4SV-cATbjUIc_x5BwLQTUghgwy-XHtb3XF-BehUN5ugmO41zeEFkKUPhKd_o/s640/20170118_160259re.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"> Crete: Snow capped mountains harmoniously exist with <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">green</span> meadows in early January.</span></i></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This photo was taken on our walk around the village, a<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> few days ago.</span></span> </span><b><br /></b></i></span></span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Hello everyone, hope 2017 has been treating you kindly so far. <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Liberty and I</span> arrived back on the island in early January, and it's been non-stop cleaning, tidying and re-adapting, after a week or so of jet lag, having boarded and disembarked 3 planes (and gone <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">thro<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ugh </span></span>3 security checks!) to get here. Decorating, <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">at <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">press time</span>, is<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span>not in the picture! </span></span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #660000;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Uxbridge, Ontario: views from my sister's family room after an early morning snowfall</span></i></span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #990000;">We packed all of December<span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">, </span></span>then vacated Liberty's condo at the end of the mont<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">h and</span> spent the last 10 days at my sister's home in Uxbridge, Ontario, which gave us a chance to spend quality time with<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span>my parents<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">, too, </span>who live with her and her family. The holidays were extra special, <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">as we got to see</span> lots of extended family at holiday parties</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> who we won't be seeing fo<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">r some time.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #783f04;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">U<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">xbridge, </span></span>guest bedroom: waking up to frosted branches and pretty brick homes</span></span></i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #7f6000;"><span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">B</span>orn in Toronto, then relocating to Crete in my mid twenties, I am a citizen of two very diverse countries, <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">on</span> two different continents that share one ocean<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span>which I have crossed many times in my life. Some, myself included, refer to the Atlantic as 'the <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">p</span>ond', inferring that the distance between North America and Europe isn't such a big deal in this<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span>global village we call earth. But here's the thing: it i<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">s<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">.<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A bi<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">g deal, I me<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">an<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">. <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And the older I <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">get, <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">the <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">larger</span> that pond <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">seems to <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">get,<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span>further widening the phy<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">sical </span>distance between my family<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> and me<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i> Two beautiful blues: the Aegean Sea and the Cretan sky </i></span></span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i> </i></span></span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i> </i></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></span><span style="color: #38761d;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So, for now, I plan on staying on this side for a <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">while<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> - <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">hopefully <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">working fr<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">om</span></span></span> my home<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> in<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> the <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">gorgeous,</span> Cretan count<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ryside,<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> en<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">joying </span>the temperate climate, <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">seeing </span>my wonderful friends<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">, and staying in to<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">uch</span> with <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">all of you<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">. You </span>have accompanied me on my <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">many journeys across the pond<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">, and I thank you</span> for your support and friendship<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">. <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">An<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">d, <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">in contrast to the airborne kind, <b><i>y</i></b></span></span></span><b><i>ou</i></b> continue to be <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">that on<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">e, unique connection<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span>to my heart and I appreciate your visits so very much.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">See you soon<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">,</span></span></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">xoxo</span>,</span></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Poppy </span></span></i></span></div>
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Poppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08980323586402386609noreply@blogger.com36