tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35660387767404014482024-02-07T13:34:00.359-06:00Gretchen StitchesSo many stitches, so little time!gretchenstitcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16711993817741583625noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3566038776740401448.post-49830017312767461332009-04-05T19:02:00.002-05:002009-04-05T19:06:32.592-05:00My favorite holiday!Tomorrow marks the day of my favorite day of the whole entire year: Baseball Opening Day! I have my tickets for my favorite team, the Minnesota Twins, and will be having breakfast (hot dogs and coffee) on the Metrodome plaza. I hope to attend a rally at the IDS building at noon, also. I can hardly contain my excitement!!! :) <br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#000066;">GO</span> <span style="color:#cc0000;">TWINS!</span></span></strong>gretchenstitcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16711993817741583625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3566038776740401448.post-85859226986397297232009-03-29T22:37:00.005-05:002009-03-29T22:46:28.292-05:00Just thingsSince I haven't blogged for so long, I didn't know where to start. I thought I would show a couple of pictures to show what I have been up to on my time away from blogging... <div><br /><div>I finished my T-Shirt bag and gave it to the recipient. It was really fun to knit, and a great way to recycle old T-shirts...</div><br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318820635957578898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 241px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtgS_9VfOEuFGiOnNdXnn7G75T4xO0T76EIih0gCn2bMHjubeczeyE0zuyYRPf3rGt3pb0CbpNJXMZR16Jok0FwIEtf2IP23sdX6JZiX8oIRGmA5sO4IXaPQHaA3l9JcPXa5ONzYJgmR5Y/s320/t+shirt+bag.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div>And I have been traveling. I went on two trips to the same place in a month's time!</div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318821014855762546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 241px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkpQiZg0MFG50Zuf6iyi0b4TDK24wIc78o0UnYX-pVs-mWPVUTD_A8qkekFxJP7-IMfPQR4n5v8y5EL9tNNkcae_LD-Rw-PUyCUUQmfzhHIB-3geLMpbFdXO85_jW2oQEpTPMbBGd5w6H2/s320/nyc.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div>E and I went to NYC at the end of January and joined his Dad and Step-Mom there. I will post more pictures soon. I went back to NYC a month later as a chaperone on a field trip for an all girls' High School choir. It was a lot of fun, but completely exhausting!</div></div>gretchenstitcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16711993817741583625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3566038776740401448.post-54253774540858350492009-03-22T10:06:00.001-05:002009-03-22T10:07:47.930-05:00Can I do it?Can I get back to posting more regularly? I hope so! Here is my attempt to get back into blogging!gretchenstitcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16711993817741583625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3566038776740401448.post-7412831977227444452008-10-11T23:07:00.004-05:002008-10-11T23:12:45.404-05:00Life is good...<a href="http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1183/991343324_8aeeead132_o.jpg&imgrefurl=http://flickr.com/photos/el_ramon/991343324/&h=1268&w=1268&sz=121&hl=en&start=121&um=1&usg=__Rr8pdgMXZ9_DFPLl6o8jvGrksmQ=&tbnid=Oo9I7fxvEnOdbM:&tbnh=130&tbnw=130&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dlife%2Bis%2Bgood%26start%3D108%26ndsp%3D18%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN"></a> I have successfully completed my first week at my new job, and I have to say, LIFE IS GOOD! I haven't felt like this in some time, and it feels good...<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://mdgroover.iweb.bsu.edu/Life%2520is%2520Good.JPG&imgrefurl=http://mdgroover.iweb.bsu.edu/web_links.htm&h=705&w=1163&sz=50&hl=en&start=1&um=1&usg=__f0WTEU99fOMH31yMTbpoOK3XUr0=&tbnid=oPKkQU-3W2URYM:&tbnh=91&tbnw=150&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dlife%2Bis%2Bgood%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN"></a><br /><br /><div></div>gretchenstitcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16711993817741583625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3566038776740401448.post-73577843858916834292008-10-03T08:23:00.003-05:002008-10-03T08:27:34.755-05:00New BeginningsI start a new job on Monday, and I am really looking forward to it. The job that I was at was completely sucking the soul right out of my body. I am very much looking forward to the change, the new beginning. I am also looking at this time as a new beginning for other parts of my life. This hopefully will include my blog...<br /><br />Stay tuned...gretchenstitcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16711993817741583625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3566038776740401448.post-53170705701293602362008-08-12T21:01:00.001-05:002008-08-12T21:02:31.799-05:00He's probably right...My husband just asked me when the last time I updated my blog. I told him that it has been awhile and he replied "Just think of all of the people that you are letting down..." Sorry to all 3 of you that have been let down...gretchenstitcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16711993817741583625noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3566038776740401448.post-88723691135193614892008-06-23T13:15:00.005-05:002008-06-23T13:20:03.580-05:00The start of something good!<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIQZdJYnsZzRwkLm7Gnn1sKl-1aAy9kBvMBTvD28SMiojNbYxWtzaG881n53aQEOuuYDGJYCu2wzZ1s_FztKxFL2Ek-Jdqp2DB8UUL9wlSRRF0SMM0RtFPt4hC20NSInwtxZRwLLy8CiUB/s1600-h/buds.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215143001756949570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIQZdJYnsZzRwkLm7Gnn1sKl-1aAy9kBvMBTvD28SMiojNbYxWtzaG881n53aQEOuuYDGJYCu2wzZ1s_FztKxFL2Ek-Jdqp2DB8UUL9wlSRRF0SMM0RtFPt4hC20NSInwtxZRwLLy8CiUB/s320/buds.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215143168807201362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiUG4_gXkPJBBqNPuVbV8iatkAXxleUUW_SPpB6MRMLiltesedIvcxjehgfhSZM28EsRvQcIc76XSTQI6X1AHRn_SXbyJz0RiT9IYxHMANO3Xqf2b50OZitij5MSfy6-GiDk-JR9nAeOCy/s320/raspberry+babies.JPG" border="0" /></div></div><br /><p align="center">Soon we shall have raspberries!</p>gretchenstitcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16711993817741583625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3566038776740401448.post-49435920005366012422008-06-23T13:01:00.006-05:002008-06-23T13:14:16.514-05:00Out on a limb...The babies are growing so fast. I have been wanting to update on their growth, but time hasn't been on my side lately. I have also been dealing with "fuzzy" pictures, but after purchasing a small tripod, I took some really good pictures. Enjoy!<br /><br /><div><div><br /><div></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215140898617680594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE-YB6WzzkL2ZlpZZ6smMgSr_dq9szAma6ryx7_nryNCFJDeQKy65NdtFe8CaPAtzfMyCOyZxSiAhoxLuh6_ACR1aDo0VRovSinXM8gCbuMKIVoDyfOx4fEct065s6WAQupQRaBJePuzPN/s320/the+family.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215141075174054706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiVegEDQapBxFjPvLkxeWahXNK16wGUL5TotMvhxJEvmUQ3CBRp73hsv_rv83Uj0upjJikgj2BH9cHhvY2V9DBi3A4mXlJfJhxDNvKdCAgUAZUz_sdTUtW6aT7Aw5YADDiUFNYOTYw4SsX/s320/on+a+limb.JPG" border="0" /></div></div></div><br /><p></p><br /><div><br /></div><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215141382266395762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVZw7ijc40_yYo0nopZjXPK7M0L5ZXkBNwoNuDBCcmtK_XrKYDwddnHH-OLH2-bdp48nPssjblvGqO8pYmhRkl3CwuD46OBnbjQXWryhZ3RtOwHEjC0C8vRohItxj_nDGghanC4SJffwtp/s320/cutie.JPG" border="0" /></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>And a picture of mom, sitting on a branch...</p><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215141773120276674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYU0VBqVf6ZyPuCEy4ArrLa2gqQ2RqI_CuRRn64LJnmQguLSPaLk_58obp7iVEWvyfcO3ahqQpeVoszc7dZpBc0QjC5EC0Omxide-VRUAk7wgAov0CvD0M7eTxmMRs_XOwgHKpXfSh3CvG/s320/mom+on+branch.JPG" border="0" /></p>gretchenstitcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16711993817741583625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3566038776740401448.post-20903649133507286462008-06-16T09:49:00.002-05:002008-06-16T09:58:18.991-05:00Update on the birdwatching (my newest obsession)For those of you who are following this story, I thought I would give you an update. The chicks are now starting to lose their down, and they are turning from white to light brown. They have been standing alot and flapping their wings at the side of the nest, so I bet it won't be long before they are flying!<br /><br />I have a friend who volunteers with the Raptor Center at the U of MN. She came over this weekend and got some good pictures of the birds and the nest. If she emails any of the pictures to me, I will make sure to post them on here.<br /><br />On a side note, I saw one of the tree guys in the grocery store the next day, and he was very concerned for the birds. I told him they were doing fine in our tree and the parents had come to our nest. He told me that when they took the branch down, they were just about to put it into the chipper when they noticed the babies in the nest! Thank goodness he was concerned enough about them to yell stop. (To tell you the truth, I think he was the only one that was concerned in the crew that was working on the tree removal.) He said that the owner of the tree wanted it gone because it was "messy". I am sure that our neighbor knew that there was a nest in the tree. He may not have known about the babies, but he should have taken some precautions to relocate the nest. I am going to do some investigating...gretchenstitcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16711993817741583625noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3566038776740401448.post-66595357779525457992008-06-10T20:38:00.011-05:002008-06-11T07:14:44.017-05:00My good deed for the day (or possibly the next couple of weeks)I had called in sick to work today due to an upset stomach overnight. I debated whether I should or not, and now I am so glad that I stayed home. I think I just may have saved some lives today.<br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>Our neighbor has a HUGE tree (probably about 130 years old) behind their house and it was so big that it practically covered half of our yard. I had noticed this past winter that there was a hawk living in it and had built a nest. I watched the hawk fly around many times as I took my dog out. I saw the hawk this past weekend in the tree and took its picture. It isn't a great picture, but you can see how neat he is.<br /><br /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210434178754981746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx6BFjkFU8-GkCw9Mn75iTelF-qkIpzzapfNnNopO8U3MLy8LVfaAQ3On78o-89UJ919z0-XloF-IW0BkLeaFYndApRjbJUwsJKKhne3Da-3NZmcN1ifVTNMHYr8l7FM5UQRxipORLsueW/s320/HPIM0436.JPG" border="0" /></div></div><br /><br /><p>So, today, on my sick day, I took my dog outside and noticed that the HUGE tree was being cut down. My first thought was the nest! (I get kind of nutso when it comes to birds...) I went in and asked my husband (who happened to be working from home) to come outside to see what was going on. I voiced my concern to him about the nest, and we went over to talk to the guys who were working on cutting down the tree.<br /></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210435505644864018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiOSgdIbLMrNAZB1o-9wQQLuWSo8L3fEkTYuDJysFveGBSFGoYhodAvWrz2aqlU6b3ObpLGGIQi_ldao23L9oAEkrvOFpD0MWgCOFqEKalhPEafHRW9DAt7dL4WqGVy2jQ2tW4b3ZqKBaY/s320/HPIM0445.JPG" border="0" /></p></div><br /><p>The guys were nice and were explaining their tree removal process when I asked if they knew there was a nest in the tree. They said that they had found the nest and that there were 4 babies inside. They had taken them out of the nest, threw the nest away and laid the birds on the grass away from where they were working. I looked at the birds, saw that they were ok, but it still didn't sit right with me. When E and I returned home, I asked him about what I should do, and he suggested that I should call <a href="http://www.raptor.cvm.umn.edu/">The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota</a>. Having taken my Summer Camp kids on field trips there, that was already on my mind. </p><p>I called them and spoke to their receptionist who was very concerned about the situation. I gave her some information and then she said she would call me back. After a few phone calls later, I talked to their Clinic manager, Lori, who said that she wanted to come out and see the birds. She explained that this was a dangerous situation for the birds, and that she had put a call into the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Department to see about the legality of this situation also.</p><p>When she arrived, I took her back over to our neighbor's and let her see the birds for the first time.</p><p></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210438416175415234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5PP2jzcDVSHK0Otjx-AomLEakxnJGFLmSGYjZk5bq7KwHcipfAjC-8CsOVwcuJFrahWX1DghS8tIsF7iXD39Rb4YM4A7PLGk9nxhMHR4s6zJrETQTVXkaG-2ub2INg53nuYYGlP5PL4ZS/s320/HPIM0440.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p>She explained to the guys that these birds are protected by the state and federally, and are never to be handled unless you are qualified. One of the guys said that he thought that if he just left the babies on the grass the mom would come back for them. Lori said that that was very unlikely, since hawks never go toward the ground. It is too dangerous for them to be near or on the ground. </p><br /><p>After Lori had seen the babies, she called a tree guy that the Raptor Center works with. She asked if they could relocate the babies to one of our trees, which is what E and I were going to suggest anyway. The tree guy said he would come out, and in the mean time, Lori and I started to make a man-made nest.<br /></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210440078961812498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqvS90RIg_GYOxdrODXN5hGGS2ei0y8S_rY_HZay8HMM_Z_KpVR2XHW8rSht97_y2CnYokdfv8ahu_NUsyUAZIYsgR-ZM39ClmJAdfXp03jUpMofeUs29gFJoL-Y8G6nYwWtVriezZNNXa/s320/HPIM0441.JPG" border="0" /></p></div></div><br /><p>When the tree guy arrived, he went over and got the babies and put them in a box until we were ready with the new nest.</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210440599688584162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju8pok2YvLnNggsnc1LYeUnuqBDQyz5y91ZhQ3sOSJwLkGF1u26TJziQp8EZ7o_AEqOyic9NXZ9B4qZp1BuSFkT8Nh5mgDtsMJYXxk2ESBW-lqAE5mCDRVMsLSoNP0ifGMJ-X25396oWq6/s320/HPIM0443.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><p>The tree guy then climbed the tree and started to make a base for our nest. Once we had the nest ready, he put it in. Then it was time for the babies to go on to their new home.<br /></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210441327818276786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn0uu4pJADer5FTfdARYjkZqNM4GBKIZfeiqRm03cVbV3NSiD7hOzZm5u82UAmpDrGi232HSSP0CdKIqBpe9Of1hKeX6ZdkaT4N-I5fz9SzUffN2gWSVA-JdkHHoZg4ymSwfDzRewKKJch/s320/HPIM0457.JPG" border="0" /></p></div></div><div><br /></div><p>And now they are in their new home, in a nest made by those who care about them very much, in a tree that is in OUR yard!</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210441846063429074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAgJTkUNZhgK0y_dM9raDtblcBahFK6SaGcRhuRuEGBaUcZOqJLOsx1syc3YRDAscgz82jC_lKzgW1mmNS10qOoQVyw3YsVycA0QyXYFIXsmwc1NPz4-D0h-hAtX5X9vVf9WsR3BEDDkHH/s320/HPIM0460.JPG" border="0" /> The mom and the dad have been circling the tree quite a bit, but they have not yet gone into this new nest. The tree removal guys were still working on the HUGE tree until 8:45 pm, so I am thinking that the mom and the dad were waiting for them to leave. I HOPE they will go and find the babies in their new nest. Time will tell if they go back for the babies, but with the way they have been circling, I am thinking that they eventually will.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210442752796871778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXBfTWmzL43z2kBIq-nMCrybGERg3wWCtjQUT-49mndQPW8kk9w5exEl2NeRLF0JmjYNU6RkiiEoOE-NfLXJNqNap3bSN6mJXCW67XjHL9M6bW5d82E7Xic7i2AIjxkti3jd4GN7chs7MO/s320/HPIM0451.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p>VERY IMPORTANT UPDATE!!! 6/11/08!</p><p>Mom (I am assuming it is Mom) is on the nest as of 6:45 am today. What a happy ending!</p>gretchenstitcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16711993817741583625noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3566038776740401448.post-33868579700286483052008-06-05T10:04:00.003-05:002008-06-05T10:10:02.391-05:00How I love the Farmer's Market!This morning, I decided to park the car when dropping E off downtown. He had to go to work, and I got to walk around Nicollet Mall. Thursdays in the summer on Nicollet Mall are my favorite because that is Farmer's Market day. I have had such a busy few weeks, that I thought I would take a little time this morning before heading to work to pick up some flowers and fruit. Here are the flowers that I bought and put on my desk immediately!<br /><br /><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5208414539943123746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4dmy4g-LAGWHRmHocoYcidB-l4UefNrmqsz6IhHJogOFn1tsNWM2Iar5M__vTTtF1lOoOF2RaPCjjGwJuxA75v6ebyMBurRw7x5BTwMU7qJm0EPGnyc9QEDRXLiPA99Mi6Qg8yzQoqGrA/s320/farmers+market+002.jpg" border="0" /></p><p>Aren't they awesome! (Gerbers are my favorite summer flower...)</p><p><br /> </p>gretchenstitcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16711993817741583625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3566038776740401448.post-15887573242497177732008-05-20T21:42:00.004-05:002008-05-20T21:56:12.108-05:00Swap!I received a lovely package in the mail the other day. It was from <a href="http://mybestfriendcallsmemartha.blogspot.com/">Christy</a> who had my name in the Spring Fling Coffee and Knitting Swap. Here is a pic of what I got:<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202659140303493938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt62uw0ogTnDe5RVwm3KGyrG9hzoRAs4GNeCKGYWcWJlp5CmAsHXz6BnqNH99KuMLv3cSwI939O_g77wuIXFoX5UuNy54O8IhRVgvAH9NBxX2ts2V4XyNI4-eC-WLo_uGbcMZBjqpd3ZFG/s320/swap.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>I can't wait to make the scones. They are cocoa chocolate chip, so I am sure that they will be good! Thanks Christy!<br /></p>gretchenstitcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16711993817741583625noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3566038776740401448.post-80250278450409153112008-05-19T15:17:00.004-05:002008-05-19T15:23:45.761-05:00A bit Looney!I have a new favorite addiction: Watching the LOON CAM! A man in Northern Minnesota has offered his lake bank the last few years to Loons who are nesting. This year, the loons came back, and you can watch them live <a href="http://www.mnbound.com/">here</a>. Just click on the loon cam picture. You can also read the Loon tales to follow their day to day behavior. I put it on my computer at work and leave it up while I do tasks at my desk. It is exciting when you see the loons taking turns on the nest and sneaking peeks at the eggs. The eggs will (hopefully) hatch in the next 3 or so weeks, so tune in and wait!gretchenstitcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16711993817741583625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3566038776740401448.post-77069689670883310132008-05-09T13:55:00.002-05:002008-05-09T13:58:26.309-05:00Sheesh!So, it has been one month since my last blog post. <br /><br />I feel like I have been on a roller coaster this past month, with my lows being really low and my highs being, well, low. I am now getting my feet back on the ground and I will be a better blogger. I promise!gretchenstitcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16711993817741583625noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3566038776740401448.post-44678131732222761432008-04-09T12:50:00.006-05:002008-04-09T13:07:09.714-05:00Getting caught upSo I have finally found the time to upload some of the pictures that have been on my camera. Here are some of the things I wanted to show you:<br /><div><br /></div><div><strong>My favorite holiday</strong>: The Minnesota Twins home opener! We played the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (I know, a very ridiculous name), and we won! </div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5187305211695106450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZj3fOvdJSHZMtH6jOQPUSQcLhviyCViKaQ06gyDfCGKTdAJ1kTaHWx6G-vs_DuaI71UFFfqVJacEwLH9IiYnT6Wlrl9tGjwxN9zmcOwii5pDL4TGh1aEFgxrVsLxdSccjuC1p12ivZbn8/s320/twins+vs.+angels.jpg" border="0" /><br /></div><div>Pat Neshek (aka "my guy") had a super game. He is a relief pitcher, and only usually gets to pitch for an inning. Here he is getting ready to strike out the batter for STRIKE 3!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5187305830170397090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6BqQy7if32hJo1shFPuBxFLJ3QnD1goycNsSDoTCgOUZKlqUZgLfNzRckBW4MHbCzV-Nk7v_w6JKpO-zU-HHsqX1IeH4mtEEUXgFzIqwIjIa0J5AHqHujEAdbHIbDmCPZlWWTlFPSlsqa/s320/my+guy.jpg" border="0" /></div><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5187306117933205938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeOKd8_8cCbH_EXoq_yIBVtlgmx6dn_zF5orzaaD0yLNTUqeT2fZwU0tsdYTb_yAVW64S38z-6AMY7AUovMspocqRFO3xlyB3vS3_pwQsImTHJvTJj9p94_SeAA0tAIXjRECTKJI5ybPv9/s320/sideshow+pat.jpg" border="0" /><br /></p><div><strong>Haha, funny joke Mother Nature!: </strong>When we got home from the game (which was the day before April Fool's Day) we had to shovel the driveway to get the car in. I took some pictures the next morning. </div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5187307341998885314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtsWno7JCxRsy-bYPytz3s0rzZYLi5jAlYzSLLfZ8thWdOka86zmOSc7sose4rjCk6cNaklJFUN8Q9FP-ve6JznOhjxN9lDvXSmAYNDw9zml-aupV9L8mSylcqFEPeeg-amI1CTlyUeBRv/s320/ugh+snow.jpg" border="0" /> Even though I wasn't extremely thrilled with the snow, it was quite beautiful...<br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5187308003423848914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1mPtAM2ZahVtyy-B8Tt_GdnEsbi9OjWsz91ykDKp7CivAIXq8Ud9u0VQnxjPDgK5PVMQoIlV3lIrUVmBsTf8vbrEf3UeDJgPTogYQ5AkGxgXqHEeEEI5OFTbtidhlvqLKgt37Smjxgt6r/s320/snow+bliss.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div></div>gretchenstitcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16711993817741583625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3566038776740401448.post-51956295529200748072008-04-04T17:54:00.005-05:002008-04-04T18:23:33.166-05:00So many things to update!So I have been a little silent lately, and I apologize. My life has been a little busy lately, and we have been trying to do some work around the house. I was going to post a bunch of pictures today, but I think I may have left my camera at work, at least I HOPE I left my camera at work. I have pictures of our little pile of snow that used to be our Easter snowman, a really mean trick that Mother Nature pulled on us the day before April Fool's, and my celebration of the the High Holy Holiday, the Minnesota Twins home opener! But I guess those pictures will have to wait.<br /><br />I can add to this post that one of the requirements of the swap that I am in right now is to take in my blog about another swap member's blog that I found something that we have in common. I guess it would have to be the person that I will be sending a package to, <a href="http://ponyknit.blogspot.com/">Ponyknits</a>. She posts that she was in a Red Sox Swap, which intrigued me. Since baseball is my religion, I thought her post about that was neat-o!<br /><br />On my knitting needles at the current time are coffee cup cozies that I knit, felt and sell at knotnbauble.com, and a baby blanket that I just can't seem to finish!gretchenstitcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16711993817741583625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3566038776740401448.post-12066078607164973722008-03-25T14:33:00.002-05:002008-03-25T14:36:30.360-05:00It's Spring?So the calendar says that it is Spring, but the weather says something else. Here is what E and I did on Easter this year after our annual trip to the Nye's Easter Brunch...<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181765111902205794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN7ICz6q9RGFLyMLl33RSUoPGUBbqD91nLknjDdS1-Pi9F4dIoHLqqJnkGUKgNSH7ID61og04iqlpiPIIORXmgwnmQH-zN1ChAA415tNpAienEQZqeQENtm3LmI__o3JgIthqTjxzA44Fn/s320/snowman.jpg" border="0" />gretchenstitcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16711993817741583625noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3566038776740401448.post-6025070977943663662008-03-20T14:51:00.002-05:002008-03-20T15:15:48.070-05:00Springtime Knitters Coffee Swap!Well, I am in another knitting coffee swap, and I must fill out this questionnaire. This will be helpful for my swap partner, but if you aren't my swap partner, and don't really care, just skip this post!<br /><br />Coffee<br />1. What is your preference? Whole beans or ground?I like a medium to dark roast, usually the darker the better. Either whole bean or ground is fine. (I do own a grinder.)<br /><br />2. What kind of coffees do you enjoy?A rich, bold roast; a light, fresh one, or something in between? Leaded or non? Most definitely leaded, with a rich, bold taste.<br /><br />3. If you were headed out right now to buy some coffee for the house, what would you be picking up? Whole bean, dark or French roast.<br /><br />4. Do you drink for caffeine, pleasure, or both? Usually for pleasure, as caffeine does not really do anything to me.<br /><br />5. Do you enjoy flavored coffees? How about add-ins or flavored creamers? I do enjoy the flavored coffees, but not so much the add-ins or flavored creamers.<br /><br />6. A large, lovely mug or a small, dainty cup? Give me a substantial mug.<br /> <br />7. Describe your perfect cup - not JUST the coffee, but how you'd enjoy it! Room for sugar, no cream.<br /><br />8. You're sitting down to enjoy a nice cup in the local coffee shop, knitting bag in hand, iPod all tuned up - or maybe you're there with a few friends for knit night! What treat do you pick up to enjoy with your coffee? A sweet, rich brownie, or something more healthy? How about a salty treat? What goes best with that great cup and company? Usually chocolatey goodness goes with my coffee in this situation, but I do enjoy a dunking cookie.<br /><br />Yarn<br />1. Do you knit or crochet? I knit.<br /><br />2. What are your favorite types of yarns to work with? Most of the time wools, but am open to cottons and wool blends.<br /><br />3. What do you have on the needles (or hook!) right now? A baby blanket that was supposed to be done in February, coffee cup cuffs and wine cozies to felt.<br /><br />4. What are your favorite colors in yarns? What about those that you'd never find in your stash? Usually earth tones. I am not such a fan of pastels and bright pinks and purples.<br /><br />5. What sort of needles or hooks do you enjoy using? Any you just detest? I like bamboo needles, and try to avoid working with metal needles when I can.<br /><br />6. Are there any particular notions you absolute do NOT need? Some of us swap a lot - are you sure that you have enough tape measures to last your lifetime? Enough stitch markers to mark every stitch of a 10 foot wide afghan? I don't feel like there are any notions that I have too many of.<br /><br />7. You walk into the yarn shop and have exactly and only enough money to purchase 2 skeins of yarn in their 2 for 20 special they have going. The choices are a soft, thick cotton/viscose blend in your favorite colors, slightly variegated..a beautiful sock yarn that's just squishy and sproingy in your hands.. a soft, worsted weight wool like malabrigo.. and a lovely bamboo blend with colors to just die for. Which do you walk out the door with? I would take a skein of the malabrigo and one of the bamboo.<br /><br />Spring<br />1. We're starting sign-ups on the first day of Spring - is it already truly Spring-like where you are? No, but I am so ready for it. Here in MN, we are hearing a prediction of 3-6 inches of snow for the first day of spring.<br /><br />2. What's your favorite spring flower? Do you have one? Tulips<br /><br />3. What do you most look forward to about springtime? Baseball season! Also warmer weather so I can start wearing capris.<br /><br />4. They've predicted a gorgeous day tomorrow - Sunny and about 65 with a nice breeze - how do you spend your day? Trying to be outside, talking my dog for a walk and finding a nice cafe that has outdoor seating.<br /><br />5. The day after, it's going to be cooler and pouring down rain - does that impact your mood? How do you spend that day? what helps cheer you up? Doesn't really alter my mood, unless it is continuous days of rain. I would try to use that time organizing and cleaning my house, and then catching up on my Tivo.<br /><br />Odds n Ends<br />1. Do you collect anything BESIDES yarn and needles? Snowmen<br /><br />2. Are you allergic to anything? Not that I know of<br /><br />3. Do you have pets? Yes, one lovable dog!<br /><br />4. Is this your first swap, or are you an old pro? What are the last 2 swaps you participated in?I have been in a couple of others. Ironically the last 2 were coffee swaps.<br /><br />5. List 3 of your favorite blogs - craft related or not - and tell us why you love them. "Oh, it's <a href="http://thosetwinsgirls.blogspot.com/">THOSE girls</a>" MN Twins baseball blog (absolutely hilarious), <a href="http://pumpkin-girl.blogspot.com/">Pumpkin Girl's </a>blog (local crafter) and <a href="http://www.slashfood.com/">Slashfood</a> (interesting blog about food)gretchenstitcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16711993817741583625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3566038776740401448.post-73083267854725484092008-03-18T16:14:00.002-05:002008-03-18T16:18:23.399-05:00Happy Bunny Cupcakes!<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ6uuSFwW81Swnv_W9dwDyPD03-ijT4zt3qCVJAUjBKWfyAbSGm_bkD6-jk36AwWBMWrXpPxfTnD1tBlhNGZZk3lWpnbCEHFCBJonueiFg2C0WjqG34OAyGWJ2M0sQVXbHE7yv5S-wwwAC/s1600-h/random+004.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179193742552753346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ6uuSFwW81Swnv_W9dwDyPD03-ijT4zt3qCVJAUjBKWfyAbSGm_bkD6-jk36AwWBMWrXpPxfTnD1tBlhNGZZk3lWpnbCEHFCBJonueiFg2C0WjqG34OAyGWJ2M0sQVXbHE7yv5S-wwwAC/s320/random+004.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>I recently went to an Easter egg dyeing party and decided I would contribute these cute cupcakes to the party. I found the recipe on <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.bettycrocker.com"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">BettyCrocker</span>.com</a></div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179193918646412498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu1khmbEa1ZPUqV6Xql5aGtkSnB_y1PICDa8JeuVT92MU6b6-O42iOjuG5BvS7GJtbsYJyW76Ckar5XzoAGcJpIQLehFlVCmHIrAwTtHPsryUU-Q8frCgmol214zN75S_23cC1F0zUv5ya/s320/random+005.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div></div></div>gretchenstitcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16711993817741583625noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3566038776740401448.post-35417198125361274422008-03-18T16:09:00.003-05:002008-03-18T16:20:44.974-05:00She's a winner!I can't tell you how excited I was to find out that my good friend Kathy had the winning bid for the <a href="http://gretchenstitches.blogspot.com/2008/02/peacock-scarf.html">peacock scarf </a>I knit!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179192836314653874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijX0xgXHYUbW-OjgqiHpIiYk2G0MNwFxyWyUY5bIa-IWQseZ6wEbxLnZwit9BGbh2GxtX0TlAHeOoLo_ntLQM0yLbL39oDNfzKNauEDiAvQ82BO-a7u2fd_AJvGdtcp6SOiIdKTdKUSUBO/s320/The+winner!.jpg" border="0" />gretchenstitcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16711993817741583625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3566038776740401448.post-42742930196027905152008-02-27T16:49:00.002-06:002008-03-10T20:57:50.225-05:00Peacock scarfThe school that I work at has a fundraiser/auction every year in March. It is quite the "to-do" with people in attendance dressing in very fancy clothes and spending oodles of money. This year, I decided that I would donate something to the live auction. (Actually, I bought the yarn, knit the scarf, and then decided I didn't really like the colors. The yarn was expensive Malabrigo hand painted wool, so I hated to part with it. I decided to do something good with it instead.)<br /><br />At the school that I work at, there is an order of Nuns that raise peacocks. Since the colors in the yarn were teal, aqua and gold, I thought that I would call it the peacock scarf and donate it to the silent auction.<br /><div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176297147888854178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_vOhZVj2u1Di5Vy_Jtqucn3LMsbaj5e6pL7LsVd11TJGOcVZT9chRL8m5FUJ0rWRaGKBT2bsnoC_Mois-OJrih9O5iZ5r0mu7vr27Y4RdmxXOUOq9DRfWa4GzGRWgYmuAB8aSCsBiHIZn/s320/scarf.bmp" border="0" /></div>gretchenstitcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16711993817741583625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3566038776740401448.post-31611535108136747762008-02-10T22:01:00.000-06:002008-02-10T22:16:41.774-06:00Bottle of red, bottle of whiteSo my friends Becky, Niki and Erin and I get together about once a month for a good ol' happy hour. We go way back (we were all gophers) and so we have been doing this quite a while. Not too long ago, we decided that instead of having a happy hour, we should find somewhere to do a wine tasting. Niki found a wine tasting class through her Community Ed program, and booked us.<br /><br /><br /><div><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5165570329029201506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIQuFfnrrNNe9PU2Cqxkng5WN_UhO5Ig591VgAJ3JCotizWbX1J3kHENUMftFU-R-PyaJffUTWHy0f8MTBnUD6XidO8NSxYh3529z4TS9toFMhei1F6Kxhyphenhyphen-88Lc7hEGF8A02UO1zHdr2m/s320/0209081952%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div>The class was held at a wine shop called "Wine Styles" in Champlin. It was a great wine shop with a lot of selection and well organized. We tasted a bubbly one that was almond flavored (YUM!) and a couple of reds and whites. I am not a huge wine drinker, but it was a lot of fun. The last wine that we tasted was a dessert wine called "Chocolate Amore". I wasn't too sure about it, but after taking a sip, I was hooked! It tasted like a liquid Tootsie Roll. It was pretty good. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>It was a nice diversion from our regular Happy Hour. Unfortunately, Erin was sick and wasn't able to join us. (Niki's Step-mom was a fabulous step in for the ailing Erin.) Here is a picture of Niki and Becky toasting to Erin's health! Get well, Erin, we will catch you next month!</div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5165571389886123634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOznuPQl7aP2lK10TdRff4E-CcuBfoh1F_4DhGAqbVjfWgkIf13JLXbPVADp2z8bhkfG0q-32izqUjVHW9jCTaaruq8pRoN_aZSeCMVF2LGdUdtt2j4wJJkuXppdQBvoBihIEfc7yLYS8V/s320/0209081952a%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></div></div>gretchenstitcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16711993817741583625noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3566038776740401448.post-18784319366815793082008-02-08T21:11:00.000-06:002008-02-08T21:20:58.168-06:00I think I am finally ready to talk about it...Last week, a trade was made. It was a trade that made me so upset, that yes, I had tears in my eyes. I felt betrayed and angry. I felt as though there was no hope for the future.<br /><div></div><br /><div>Now time has passed, and I feel a little better. So maybe this year will be a year of rebuilding. I will stand by my guys. I will still yell at the top of my lungs. I will still buy the ticket.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>It still stings a bit though...</div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5164814825931920018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVLEQGZTUbDDzE7phYDDtsbtmot8f8W7GP7ZJIiOvi5-kEd5t917iJAzpVct2yquztHMgtN6Mh6MO5aS76-2n8MLtRRGAnsMB8pi8_vDleK0IcmXb-3j6DmixxhC64HrHR8HvSX-APtyyw/s320/nooooooo.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div></div>gretchenstitcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16711993817741583625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3566038776740401448.post-45342296618861342292008-01-28T14:07:00.001-06:002008-01-28T14:10:45.326-06:00Oh my!So, I was a big fan way back when, but when I saw <a href="http://www6.comcast.net/entertainment/articles/eonline/2008/01/28/3740734d-8c3a-43e3-9959-6a0ee4d6832a/">this</a>, I thought, maybe they should just leave a good thing alone...gretchenstitcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16711993817741583625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3566038776740401448.post-22116876447818402972008-01-26T10:54:00.000-06:002008-01-26T11:12:18.737-06:00Cupcakes!Over the Christmas break, I had a woman who runs a candy making business out of her home called <a href="http://www.sweetwishesparties.com/">Sweet Wishes</a>, come and teach the kids in the Extended Day program that I coordinate about cupcake decorating. I had her come in last school year during our Spring Break to show us how to make candy. Judy, the woman behind Sweet Wishes, is fantastic! She really knows her "stuff" and engages the kids totally into what they are about to do. And, the best part, she brings everything with her, so you don't have to go out and purchase supplies! (If you have kids, I recommend her for birthday or school parties.) <div><br /><div>On the day she came in, we were able to decorate 4 different cupcakes. I even got into the action! Here is my favorite of the 4, a ladybug...</div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5159832822782349938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifkWKMOXQXW_BwraqPJj_o5mlXeKIDsAAZUm5bpCsjI3PHb_TqChQXQB3q3LKNft-h_yznxaVebdBYlHFeMnfTMZYuvM4Y8cLGPt0YKxgHeUSsSm50aaEZH6VRhDGOvXiIwqUEI9fFJIIo/s320/various+287.JPG" border="0" /></div></div><p>Isn't it cute? I was pretty proud of it! Here are the others...</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5159833424077771394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNcShJoQ7i-rvCR3OJxRBFJFmzJk__HMgLOZXPhRUdZr8shBSXSYUOaYc01Ch4tjfamkYHv5iSwYDQWfbW5mFSfqeG37wj3PWh3VOP9MJ9KPWmET_AtDVCbEsLe7ylnWwYpBPsxK1xICG8/s320/various+286.JPG" border="0" />There is a tie-dyed cupcake, the lady bug, a teddy bear's picnic cupcake and worms in dirt. So much fun!<br /><p></p>gretchenstitcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16711993817741583625noreply@blogger.com0