tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54707726568322511292024-02-19T03:14:29.125-08:00The Odom OdysseyJustin and Pam invite you to walk along as they navigate their lives together in search of meaning, adventure and a purpose.Pam Odomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596231761155914586noreply@blogger.comBlogger69125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5470772656832251129.post-1073270128461895572013-07-30T13:26:00.000-07:002013-07-30T13:26:56.169-07:00Foster ParentingMany of you know that Justin and I had been going through the process to become foster parents. All in all it took us about 17 months. We could have moved through the process a little more quickly on our end, but there were definitely hang ups with the state as well. Lost paperwork, incompetence with some of the medical personnel doing our check ups and tests, and incomplete paperwork for our background check for Pennsylvania, to name a few. We had to take over 35 hours of training classes including CPR and first aid. Luckily we both have worked in the healthcare field so didn't have to re-do the HIV and bloodborne pathogens class. We had 3 separate visits from our licensor to complete our homestudy. This was a time for the licensor to go over each of our 20+ page autobiographies we had written, get to know us and our values, philosophies, and to also do the home safety check.<br />
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We were getting licensed for 0-18 so had to have rooms set up for all ages as well as safety precautions for all ages. That meant a crib, fire extinguishers, a fire escape plan, fire ladder, turning down the temperature on our water heater, no loop cords on blinds, all medicines locked up, and child safety locks on cabinets and plug covers. There was a 4 page list of all the things she would check off but these are a few of the big ones I remember. We have 2 dogs so also had to have all their health records and vaccinations up to date. We are on a septic system so had to have documentation of the last time it was pumped and then the paperwork for our well water inspection. Luckily we had these things from when we first moved in and they were still current enough so we didn't have to do them again. It was a pretty lengthy and involved process, but, we passed. We were notified our license was approved on February 27th, 2013.<br />
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We actually got a call the day it was opened for a potential placement. I had a surprise trip to Ohio planned to celebrate by stepfather's 80th birthday so we knew we didn't want to take a placement until I returned, which was going to be March 18th. It was a weird feeling though, getting a call for some kids who needed a home and already wanting to say yes, not knowing a thing about them except we could provide them a safe and loving home. But we said no and waited those few weeks until I would be home.<br />
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We were blessed in so many ways by our family, friends, and church community. A couple of our friends threw us a Celebration Shower the week after we were licensed. They put it together very quickly and it was perfect. Very thoughtful and kind, a brunch with family and friends. It was like a baby shower but people were encouraged to give classic or traditional toys and books, gift cards for various stores where we could get toys, clothes, gear, etc... for different ages and genders and any hand me down toys or clothes. We didn't know what ages or genders would come through our doors so were just trying to start getting an inventory. We were also extremely blessed when we actually got our placements. Most didn't come with anything, except maybe a pair of pjs and a toothbrush from the social work office. All I had to do was send out a text or message on Facebook and we had what we needed within 24 hours. Clothes, infant toys, car seats, a baby monitor, whatever.<br />
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Over the next 2 months we had 4 very short placements, ranging from 2 days to a week. Each placement was a sibling pair and ages ranged from 8 months to 7 years. We would often hear of the children in the afternoon and they would show up on our doorstep later that evening. Talk about turning your life upside down. Not being parents otherwise and then to have complete strangers come to live at your house. Little strangers who were scared. Little strangers who had witnessed domestic violence or suffered from various forms of neglect and abuse. And if you have been to our house, you know its kind of out there. And evenings in the winter are dark. We kept imagining how terrified these kids were. Being taken from their family and then driven out into the middle of nowhere to stay with people they didn't know? Very scary. Each time a new placement arrived, everything turned upside down. Schedules were rearranged and we all had to get used to each other. The dogs did very well, each time taking a little less time to get used to the kids. We had always known parenting was a hard job, but then to get it thrown at you, with troubled and scared kids, it was so challenging!! Despite taking 4 pairs of siblings, we kept feeling we would do better with a single child. But that just doesn't happen very often. There are usually several kids in a family and not a lot of foster homes take multiples. But after the last two kids, a 2 and 3 year old brother pair, we took a break. We just knew a single child would be better for us and so we waited.<br />
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About a month later we got information on a group of 3 children needing placement. There was a 3 year old boy and then his 2 and 1 year old sisters. They were staying with a relative but she couldn't maintain that arrangement. The goal is to keep siblings together, so as to not have even another relationship disrupted. We emailed the placement coordinator to say if they <i>couldn't </i>find placement for all 3, we would be interested in the boy. After a couple of weeks of looking, no placement was found for all 3 so we agreed to take the boy.<br />
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He has now been with us for almost 2 months. Somedays it feels like so much longer, but other days its seems like no time has passed. He is a sweet, happy boy who loves trucks, trains, and cars. We are working on his communication, basic learning concepts (colors, shapes, numbers, letters), and potty training. He has yet to be formally tested for any developmental delays but that is on our list of things to do, and I will be surprised if nothing is identified. He had some extensive dental neglect so a week after we took him into care, he had to go under anesthesia to have 8 teeth silver capped. This upset him for about a day but then he was back to his normal self. Since he has been with us, I think he is exhibiting less and less tantrums and is slowly but surely learning everyday simple things most 3 year olds know. <br />
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Having a child in the home has definitely challenged and strengthened us as a couple. Justin and I have different parenting styles when it comes to certain things, but it works for us. Our patience has been pushed to the limit with C and with each other, but at the end of the day, we take a deep breath and recognize we have survived and will do it all again tomorrow. By the grace of God :) I have fallen more in love with Justin as I watch him take on that father/caregiver role. Showing C how to swing a golf club or throw him around in the air tickling him. And I think C is really benefitting from having a strong, male role model in his life, for however long it will be.<br />
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Many people have said they don't think they could do foster care, it would be too hard to say goodbye. To be honest, that isn't always the case. I don't think we had any of the first 8 kids long enough to really attach or feel bonded. I don't think that happens in 2 days. So it wasn't painful or difficult for them to move on. But I would be kidding myself if I didn't think it would be hard to say goodbye to C. Sure, there are days when I get so frustrated and annoyed with things he has done, but in the end, I recognize life hasn't been easy for this little boy, and he has a long and rough road ahead of him. He has reasons for acting the way he does and my job is to love and accept him for who he is. To show him what is right and wrong, how to treat people, how to make mistakes and learn from them. We are called to love people as Christ did and its important to me that C understands that we won't stop caring for him and loving him for something he did or didn't do. We want to parent with grace and teach this to him.<br />
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I have never been a writer and I feel what I have shared is only the tip of the iceberg on how this journey has changed me as well as my thoughts and feelings on foster care and adoption. I am happy to talk about this with anyone interested, or would love to listen to your stories.Pam Odomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596231761155914586noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5470772656832251129.post-9908509283607464902013-07-30T13:21:00.000-07:002013-07-30T13:21:00.171-07:00San Diego<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I am about a year late posting this. Last summer we went to San Diego to visit Justin's grandpa. I was excited to meet him since I hadn't before. We were able to travel with Justin's dad and step mom and had a nice little vacation. Grandpa Jay was as sweet as could be. It was nice to spend some time and get to know him a little bit. He was living in a nursing home and really looked forward to visitors. With limited mobility and function for activities, he really thrived with company. We were fortunate to go when we did as he has since passed away. I am glad for the time we had with him, albeit short.</div>
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We did several fun, tourist activities during our trip. We took the Old Town Trolley on a Hop On Hop Off Day Trip. There were 10 or 11 stops and you could get off and spend as much time as you wanted at a particular stop and then get back on and head out to the next stop. The Seaport Village stop had the SEAL Tour which is like Ride the Ducks but with seals. Its basically a boat with wheels that drives through the streets of San Diego with a narrator and then hits the harbor to cruise around. We saw some maritime training with dolphins and seals as well as a dock full of seals. We also stopped at Balboa Park which has a lot of history, museums and beautiful gardens.</div>
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Here we are at Coronado Beach.</div>
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Visiting with Grandpa Jay.<br />
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The San Diego Zoo<br />
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All in all a fun trip.Pam Odomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596231761155914586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5470772656832251129.post-56787250607479429172013-01-27T15:09:00.000-08:002013-01-27T15:09:18.623-08:00Lake SereneThis past summer we hiked <a href="http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/lake-serene">Lake Serene</a> off Highway 2. This was a gorgeous hike. A little rockier than we were expecting, which was a bit rough on the dogs' feet by the time we were done. But the view at the end was well worth it. And there isn't much the dogs enjoy more than a chance to take a dip. The hike was about 7 miles round trip and 2000' elevation gain. The only other hike Ellie has done was Wallace Falls, but she fared pretty well.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the waterfall</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting their feet wet</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First glimpse of Lake Serene</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So peaceful</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swimming at Lake Serene</td></tr>
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After the hike we went to the cabin for the night. You'd think Scout and Ellie would've been tired after the hike. But they had some reserve for swimming. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp4qblsRfkDy2-V6-qlP274OPfJqyW23Nwm9Kvos0fw7p0JeTpaCmM7giH0rVTxi6P0na9kKJCgUiuT9YYG_5hiRyQLqF2kb7xw1t4u54vgHgWFF2aaHsicE6txQRU5gKyF3pE5xhGPftz/s1600/IMG_5973.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp4qblsRfkDy2-V6-qlP274OPfJqyW23Nwm9Kvos0fw7p0JeTpaCmM7giH0rVTxi6P0na9kKJCgUiuT9YYG_5hiRyQLqF2kb7xw1t4u54vgHgWFF2aaHsicE6txQRU5gKyF3pE5xhGPftz/s320/IMG_5973.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drying off after another swim at the cabin</td></tr>
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<br />Pam Odomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596231761155914586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5470772656832251129.post-74284255955156516342013-01-13T17:19:00.000-08:002013-01-13T17:19:39.327-08:00Ellie Bean<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Justin and I had been talking about getting a second dog for awhile. We love Scout but thought he'd enjoy having another dog to play with. We were wrong about that. He is very tolerant of her, and they do play together, but I think he's more of a lone wolf. But she's part of the family now and I can't really remember life without her. We picked her up right after Christmas at <a href="http://cimarronfarms.webs.com/">Cimarron Farms</a>. She was just shy of 8 weeks when we got her. Look at that little puppy buddha belly. She slept on me most of the way home and it was so sweet. But then she woke up and started whining and I have to admit, I started to cry a little. I felt bad for her because we took her away from her mom and litter mates and she didn't understand what was happening. Silly in hindsight, and I know she is happy here, but it was sad. We have a ton of pictures of her and Scout, it was tough to pick just a handful. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkfnYGJZIma6fEnBbYHvepC_d3FcKaz9n-CUqWj-RbfSZSh9Dkip2p0WgD-QBS_L2C59Y42t_cUFNvWczd_5b-k7SWw-7FSi0SnAoHeVgrC8r-j3bBa-MxXU2Rc477YVwu4PcETXsio5Lq/s1600/IMG_5486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkfnYGJZIma6fEnBbYHvepC_d3FcKaz9n-CUqWj-RbfSZSh9Dkip2p0WgD-QBS_L2C59Y42t_cUFNvWczd_5b-k7SWw-7FSi0SnAoHeVgrC8r-j3bBa-MxXU2Rc477YVwu4PcETXsio5Lq/s320/IMG_5486.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby Bean with a mini tug rope</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzuRai9KbIoEKPOoW1-SilD3XH7vJdIWY_KF6zO75CXmrjBzj4h2OvkquCPKY_YJxWvZY_TMKmz37z4pBh73J4brnKXiIVZZYFJi7HGEZnd2dTFUYms_QJgIuzd3w1r7S8CkAunE4VcNBz/s1600/IMG_5504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzuRai9KbIoEKPOoW1-SilD3XH7vJdIWY_KF6zO75CXmrjBzj4h2OvkquCPKY_YJxWvZY_TMKmz37z4pBh73J4brnKXiIVZZYFJi7HGEZnd2dTFUYms_QJgIuzd3w1r7S8CkAunE4VcNBz/s320/IMG_5504.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big brother giving her a hug</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAUhdzyaVNPrmeUMiP-uBXOQypMOGLu0Hodto1QnjbpJRGWH0bVrLgRp9EPMlasmb0Q8ble3mfH9ok2lNlTzyHh7c36egqnAe7YPm-DeFXSQYa7bV3t0R4JKssz3kzwqE_h3CAs6Zam4OB/s1600/IMG_5510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAUhdzyaVNPrmeUMiP-uBXOQypMOGLu0Hodto1QnjbpJRGWH0bVrLgRp9EPMlasmb0Q8ble3mfH9ok2lNlTzyHh7c36egqnAe7YPm-DeFXSQYa7bV3t0R4JKssz3kzwqE_h3CAs6Zam4OB/s320/IMG_5510.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">Laundry pup</span></span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcZHC3v8Y0VYDKOcxw3PoLpofdG-FPogaWoFcIj1j-VxJFNwAkzm1ryzs8ZOcOyNNiU0elk-wQGCwjx9In45Y6hK1-UL5NQTocRpb1_gM6UD8Z0BncuMNR5zXAcHj27JwkoOHaZ3mGcyE8/s1600/IMG_5513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcZHC3v8Y0VYDKOcxw3PoLpofdG-FPogaWoFcIj1j-VxJFNwAkzm1ryzs8ZOcOyNNiU0elk-wQGCwjx9In45Y6hK1-UL5NQTocRpb1_gM6UD8Z0BncuMNR5zXAcHj27JwkoOHaZ3mGcyE8/s320/IMG_5513.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She looks like a fat little sausage piglet!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmGzu9KKgJClvW0fL0x3kPxsn0uhnewKCThzjBC3l-zm7nPJRSGOq5NUeZu6Sbhar6ZYXCHO9fcnDTPclcd90mpzT6_22c6qGUahekct8D3KEXQXDFL1HOzHryPgMdrmyfsw0Ej_4sGuU1/s1600/IMG_5564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmGzu9KKgJClvW0fL0x3kPxsn0uhnewKCThzjBC3l-zm7nPJRSGOq5NUeZu6Sbhar6ZYXCHO9fcnDTPclcd90mpzT6_22c6qGUahekct8D3KEXQXDFL1HOzHryPgMdrmyfsw0Ej_4sGuU1/s320/IMG_5564.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing in her first snow</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHpFfUBskCjH_NNRnuofYA6NA_O62gkNOfKf8d7Vu-oYE4W1PE63kWIXqTp-PmZNU08h2BgmkYeK3vttxefPmucN0y7R2pj0QbaL7blC0AyxFNToTBMytxKy7ZPueNyzqFO7Y5weeytyxM/s1600/new+pup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHpFfUBskCjH_NNRnuofYA6NA_O62gkNOfKf8d7Vu-oYE4W1PE63kWIXqTp-PmZNU08h2BgmkYeK3vttxefPmucN0y7R2pj0QbaL7blC0AyxFNToTBMytxKy7ZPueNyzqFO7Y5weeytyxM/s320/new+pup.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet puppy face</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOngDrL8WYagMrf4kj3wBmdaCFPiJJKvEUCRZSBFcbQobblG5j8-oGVPGOy5Mpg38GoHN1mRG3SBKlbRox_KAFyTCnBA4tbyQcP_QAjcpAnz4fjfvQ8qqMvykq5PMeOk8alZTlySC6Tt44/s1600/cold+pup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOngDrL8WYagMrf4kj3wBmdaCFPiJJKvEUCRZSBFcbQobblG5j8-oGVPGOy5Mpg38GoHN1mRG3SBKlbRox_KAFyTCnBA4tbyQcP_QAjcpAnz4fjfvQ8qqMvykq5PMeOk8alZTlySC6Tt44/s320/cold+pup.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ellie not looking very pleased about the long time she had to play outside, its cold for a baby!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrXkHs_q-3ORsd3mzCRIrFjxsWsUYEy2h0LMoyJ29hryXPJcTHZGUtBZLTKV9zZpbv2POZyU104eq1fzP6kcs17wz7qT5-OGiEPZV2VICY3lXXXhpPG20my0UX6ASBsxJqKvv-J6r577v2/s1600/puppy+ride.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrXkHs_q-3ORsd3mzCRIrFjxsWsUYEy2h0LMoyJ29hryXPJcTHZGUtBZLTKV9zZpbv2POZyU104eq1fzP6kcs17wz7qT5-OGiEPZV2VICY3lXXXhpPG20my0UX6ASBsxJqKvv-J6r577v2/s320/puppy+ride.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here she is attacking Scout<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
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Pam Odomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596231761155914586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5470772656832251129.post-47127357586852589692013-01-13T16:59:00.000-08:002013-01-13T16:59:07.719-08:00Fall Visitor/Seattle Touring<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
As I mentioned in the previous post, I had a few Seattle visitors in Fall 2011. Here is a picture from the <a href="http://depts.washington.edu/uwbg/index.php">Japanese Gardens located in the UW Botanic Gardens</a>, very beautiful.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHARRMxpMgw98I0bH8aQmHpa48NQSeAfyMkye8-DjnI38yXD1sPZsjd17VIomW8FeVhhqgyR58xdLaTvoxPaTs-W95lOr_J9j8k7GaZ5XJTorC7wA1gt9D0jX9Tyfwbdsc57IprEVuqzF0/s1600/IMG_5308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHARRMxpMgw98I0bH8aQmHpa48NQSeAfyMkye8-DjnI38yXD1sPZsjd17VIomW8FeVhhqgyR58xdLaTvoxPaTs-W95lOr_J9j8k7GaZ5XJTorC7wA1gt9D0jX9Tyfwbdsc57IprEVuqzF0/s320/IMG_5308.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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While Laura was here, we did a hike to <a href="http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/wallace-falls">Wallace Falls</a>. Here is the obligatory falls photo.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhActQj0bLPoxIkdl06sB3myXVxykw-9FQ6jk1Of2yZ4a6ckBXid9NiDHdxdz1pr0oOga3PIuqCMHkPQgjxvAukPWnEYlBaGLrT7t2P0fH9BA9vnc2jI8WZ8nPm3vERrNwOkDSXJEuvsa2X/s1600/IMG_5300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhActQj0bLPoxIkdl06sB3myXVxykw-9FQ6jk1Of2yZ4a6ckBXid9NiDHdxdz1pr0oOga3PIuqCMHkPQgjxvAukPWnEYlBaGLrT7t2P0fH9BA9vnc2jI8WZ8nPm3vERrNwOkDSXJEuvsa2X/s320/IMG_5300.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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One of my favorite things to do with visitors is the <a href="http://www.argosycruises.com/publiccruises/harbor.cfm">Argosy Harbor Cruise.</a> We actually had sun in November!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJwezOLN7LKPOlTUhaQxBot83rsHlTi_mhE75kncNnT5ytuKqqq-HEwM-OS8457C9SKtvqXswvLzkrPm-uHb5DJNxNqGLd2yZMViA1o8KQEkxVkDr0B6i_jeF4wgZqoD3UAB3KBgF-fJ4a/s1600/IMG_5288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJwezOLN7LKPOlTUhaQxBot83rsHlTi_mhE75kncNnT5ytuKqqq-HEwM-OS8457C9SKtvqXswvLzkrPm-uHb5DJNxNqGLd2yZMViA1o8KQEkxVkDr0B6i_jeF4wgZqoD3UAB3KBgF-fJ4a/s320/IMG_5288.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS5kU8Jc87f5PHTPS725ZvmkZhsZAWqbF8ry4mtCNk40jus7WO_doWgmfPodrB82LQEcwfyFpaZIneAKNW9FhNc2pSXbczTX2a-jlVjhk-9FuBU0YXnhhzOrQWbDbupmz5ilk5SerI570f/s1600/IMG_5258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS5kU8Jc87f5PHTPS725ZvmkZhsZAWqbF8ry4mtCNk40jus7WO_doWgmfPodrB82LQEcwfyFpaZIneAKNW9FhNc2pSXbczTX2a-jlVjhk-9FuBU0YXnhhzOrQWbDbupmz5ilk5SerI570f/s320/IMG_5258.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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We also went to the <a href="http://www.kubota.org/">Kubota Garden</a>. I really enjoy there types of gardens. Neat designs, water fixtures and beautiful greens. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg931c_XqsoCoCRaQOk1YHVDnotpufraj1URAt5TH0CHTPHGh5WO2CF3dQpXgbzawG6qwV8AQcOFG5he1CEENOogTjA9vKrGLdRrZHq_CfT4EOLqz-VpCk3ntRLvqJk9y3kTRqcjrKiV4Ln/s1600/IMG_5242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg931c_XqsoCoCRaQOk1YHVDnotpufraj1URAt5TH0CHTPHGh5WO2CF3dQpXgbzawG6qwV8AQcOFG5he1CEENOogTjA9vKrGLdRrZHq_CfT4EOLqz-VpCk3ntRLvqJk9y3kTRqcjrKiV4Ln/s320/IMG_5242.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Thanks for coming out to visit friends!</div>
<br />Pam Odomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596231761155914586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5470772656832251129.post-82647625046077921082013-01-13T16:48:00.002-08:002013-01-13T16:48:54.829-08:00So its been awhile<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP4-u0UsHqTMvNNFVljotyoaBhKSa9F_hBa0xWQXKgyGMTrq59fesP2Fjd_eWUO1c_pnrCw-paUDv3kfFSWd9Q8QBGPkxf14HMmCOUwXTxnTjvi7uhihBst-RF8yuibSCvPrzPvzTewC95/s1600/IMG-20111022-00062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP4-u0UsHqTMvNNFVljotyoaBhKSa9F_hBa0xWQXKgyGMTrq59fesP2Fjd_eWUO1c_pnrCw-paUDv3kfFSWd9Q8QBGPkxf14HMmCOUwXTxnTjvi7uhihBst-RF8yuibSCvPrzPvzTewC95/s320/IMG-20111022-00062.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scout in front of the new house</td></tr>
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I feel like every time I write a new entry, it starts with an excuse or apology as to why its been so long since I've written. Here we go again I guess.<br />
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This post is going to be a few highlights of our last 12-14 months and then I will do more posts about specific things.<br />
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1- We bought a house. We had been sick and tired of community living in the condo (or apartment in Philadelphia) for some time. We were fortunate enough to keep the condo and rent it out and to buy our first home in Snohomish. We were looking for some peace, quiet and land, and found just that. The house was built in 2004 on a 5 acre plot. We did a few things before moving in (painting, appliances, crawl space) and continue to do little things here and there as needed and to make it more "our home," and not just a house. One of the best things we did was have a backyard fence put it. This has been fantastic for the dogs.<br />
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2- Two of my friends from college came out for a visit to Seattle. Shannon came before we moved to the house and Laura came afterwards. I always enjoy having visitors and acting like a tour guide to show them around our cool city.<br />
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3- Justin's mom came to stay for a few days at Thanksgiving.<br />
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4- We got a puppy, Ellie Bean, at the end of December 2011. She is a yellow lab and the complete opposite of Scout. She stayed pretty small and is such a cuddler!<br />
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5- We got a lot of snow in January. Power was out for about 3.5 days and it got COLD. The poor puppy couldn't stay warm and wasn't too sure what to think about the deep, cold snow. I typically get up for work at 4:45 but was getting up at 4:00 that week to get the chains on my car, drive to 522, get the chains off, drive to the park and ride, get on the bus to Seattle and then enjoy a hot shower once I got to work. Justin set up a little outdoor cooking station with our camp stove and we survived. It also re-ignited our interest in jigsaw puzzles because it gave us something fun to do when it was light enough.<br />
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6- My parents came to stay for almost 2 weeks in April for Easter. We also had our housewarming party while they were here.<br />
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7- We had a young man live with us a for a few months while he worked at getting back on his feet.<br />
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8- We went on a few hikes and trips to the cabin for outdoor fun and relaxation.<br />
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9- We went to San Diego to visit Justin's Grandpa Jay and have a little vacation.<br />
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10- We worked with the launch team of a church plant from Northshore Baptist Church called <a href="http://imprintchurch.org/">Imprint Church</a> located in Woodinville. I am on the Children's Ministry team, R.E.A.L Kids, and am one of the infants/toddlers teachers. We have been remodeling the space to accommodate more children but should be in our new classrooms by the middle of February. In the meantime, my co-teacher and I have been hanging out with 2-3 babies in the back of the worship center during service. Having our own room will do a lot for containment :)<br />
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11- I resigned from Harborview Medical Center at the beginning of January and have started a position with the Home Health division of Evergreen Healthcare. I was pretty burnt out with my early mornings and the long commute. It was hard to leave a place with so many friends and fine colleagues, but I look forward to this new journey in home health. And I am really excited to be able to help patients in their own homes, addressing their specific goals, instead of just what I think they need to do to get out of a hospital.<br />
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I am sure there are other things to highlight and talk about, but that seems to be all I can think of now. Hope that gives you a good idea of what we've been up to.Pam Odomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596231761155914586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5470772656832251129.post-50314364224024232062011-12-26T14:25:00.001-08:002012-01-09T19:08:03.893-08:00Summer Back in Washington<div>We had a few other summer adventures. Justin's mom moved to the Olympic Peninsula a few years ago. We don't get over there too often, but made a trip to see her shortly after we moved back. She currently lives in Ocean Shores and what a beautiful place.</div><div><br /></div><div>Beach combing</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZH-BIYhTEqQkPaRkZbnCMtzOu0mSlP5UIXX5evZx-aBxcx7ERY-TT3nh5YC7v0ZC21SIF02ogU2XMq7a6vsp70oZXx3BAQjdH1dH99xtcU1Nm1LR-hrtTjKhVBXZPcPy7SSRs-KWw9b6W/s1600/IMG_4881.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZH-BIYhTEqQkPaRkZbnCMtzOu0mSlP5UIXX5evZx-aBxcx7ERY-TT3nh5YC7v0ZC21SIF02ogU2XMq7a6vsp70oZXx3BAQjdH1dH99xtcU1Nm1LR-hrtTjKhVBXZPcPy7SSRs-KWw9b6W/s400/IMG_4881.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690568999134161410" /></a>Looking for marine life. We did see a seal but were unable to capture a photo.<div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj9UYAiQbsh6TzrU3Th6pSEIzVHkzX87rP94zLPftRrHs7NmTTf0TsiwfDdcGjbeqV-AmYuojTlapWNY_T1IM0oc2FEYFVjx9uV0S_9eQikfpwaMXJyfWPGDIxFrzhE08Y8rGumTdKVK43/s1600/IMG_4896.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj9UYAiQbsh6TzrU3Th6pSEIzVHkzX87rP94zLPftRrHs7NmTTf0TsiwfDdcGjbeqV-AmYuojTlapWNY_T1IM0oc2FEYFVjx9uV0S_9eQikfpwaMXJyfWPGDIxFrzhE08Y8rGumTdKVK43/s400/IMG_4896.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690568990661377538" /></a><br /></div><div>Weatherwax Park<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC0RHT2_tZUjg1fiz497x5e1egTQv_zUmjU3geaol__fvE5kXlWjj4ZfFrLH_Ea_gj9_uDenYfSIiMWAl1uW97PCmnEL8JZGHtvqtBPaesFIFCYC8QyVYTzatgtBLn9CLVy1CJLgc9qDT8/s1600/IMG_4903.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC0RHT2_tZUjg1fiz497x5e1egTQv_zUmjU3geaol__fvE5kXlWjj4ZfFrLH_Ea_gj9_uDenYfSIiMWAl1uW97PCmnEL8JZGHtvqtBPaesFIFCYC8QyVYTzatgtBLn9CLVy1CJLgc9qDT8/s400/IMG_4903.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690568614026059010" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3LC-CguUg0IlZ2LJEso-cpoqfVSNZEzQ7hOsI1tP1i_fRqqXbhxRFpIGF6TFOJaVnF3dpbwd1XrxBkJ1q0H36nNcWzNAgBE8KmQMhRaz3EYz07y1KRFECIyeI4hMRC1_pE45BXYL4rVaS/s1600/IMG_4910.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3LC-CguUg0IlZ2LJEso-cpoqfVSNZEzQ7hOsI1tP1i_fRqqXbhxRFpIGF6TFOJaVnF3dpbwd1XrxBkJ1q0H36nNcWzNAgBE8KmQMhRaz3EYz07y1KRFECIyeI4hMRC1_pE45BXYL4rVaS/s400/IMG_4910.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690568593279742354" /></a><br /></div><div>We had a nice time visiting, checking out some local hot spots and seeing Keitha's library. </div><div><br /></div><div>My good friend Heather and her family made a visit to the US in early August. Heather is the dear friend I moved to Washington with back in 2003. She was my roommate for as long as she was living in WA and she was the maid of honor at our wedding. She moved to Australia the summer of 2007 to be with her now husband and they welcomed sweet baby Savannah in May. The visit was too short but it so much fun to see see Heather and her family. </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTkY1xm7fy3bds8doT5i3INOvHyJFz1vxVbqMJ9QSweCJTv-sL302JL3EIHLB4t9yLRd8an4QNVYuDqrDdTQyGIjbP0_l5MmtK7flMZ8H2B4-tQP7ZZOppg9hqN758pwUUT652jqbJVrDQ/s1600/IMG_4942.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTkY1xm7fy3bds8doT5i3INOvHyJFz1vxVbqMJ9QSweCJTv-sL302JL3EIHLB4t9yLRd8an4QNVYuDqrDdTQyGIjbP0_l5MmtK7flMZ8H2B4-tQP7ZZOppg9hqN758pwUUT652jqbJVrDQ/s400/IMG_4942.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690568585636094882" /></a>One of the things Justin and I really missed while living in PA was the beautiful mountains and lakes of Washington. We tried a few hikes there but they paled in comparison to the PNW. With work schedules and getting settled, we were only able to make 1 backpack trip, but what a doozy. I am always amazed at the hoops we have to go through to be legal when in the great outdoors (dogs vs no dogs, parking permit, park pass, overnight permit, etc. . .) but we persevered and had a nice overnighter in the North Cascades. We hiked the Thunder Creek Trail in the morning and then headed up to the Fourth of July Pass for the afternoon and overnight. As usual I struggled with the steep climb, but its always worth it once we make camp. About an hour into the hike Justin and I were both stung by wasps. I got stung on my finger and upper arm, Justin got stung on his arm. Thank goodness Scout wasn't stung and neither of us are allergic, but holy smokes. My hand swelled and got really stiff, losing range of motion in several joints. Neither of us wanted to leave but I became increasingly concerned. I hadn't been stung in a long time and never by a wasp so I didn't know what other medical concerns I could look forward to. I trudged along for the next couple of hours with my hand raised over my head to try and decrease the swelling without much benefit. It became less bothersome as the weekend progressed, but for the next 2 weeks I experienced redness and swelling. And oh the itchiness! It was unbearable at times. When at home I could treat it with caladryl but at work I have to wash my hands like 100 times a day so topical medicine wouldn't do. But look at the scenery! Totally worth it.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpQk_5WpEMNHw3J7X3kh1vW_AhqZRagZ0Q56lQVBH0xBUQt_cwFoZ3PxWjU-4cPGHN2ZfivZfJtXQ8aDRx4xUNiwDmRd-Kqa1ZZFH5wqOskyOsc3YpPcOZjqInY8lrPtU9du8a2hhyphenhyphensp6v/s1600/IMG_4945.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpQk_5WpEMNHw3J7X3kh1vW_AhqZRagZ0Q56lQVBH0xBUQt_cwFoZ3PxWjU-4cPGHN2ZfivZfJtXQ8aDRx4xUNiwDmRd-Kqa1ZZFH5wqOskyOsc3YpPcOZjqInY8lrPtU9du8a2hhyphenhyphensp6v/s400/IMG_4945.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690568580618262354" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidtgmKjlsaHsBUmj35FohCskxEGJqX0vK0DzSoBlA3tTlghtCoRO6jX_QH43j7ieHgRI91NMba626CpCtcw7vw6PCd0Pemzoi5VSoeWvwlo1r6FB6LUqFt5_WmFp1EBsg2KWEnn3J8DZYd/s1600/IMG_4956.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidtgmKjlsaHsBUmj35FohCskxEGJqX0vK0DzSoBlA3tTlghtCoRO6jX_QH43j7ieHgRI91NMba626CpCtcw7vw6PCd0Pemzoi5VSoeWvwlo1r6FB6LUqFt5_WmFp1EBsg2KWEnn3J8DZYd/s400/IMG_4956.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690568576112941490" /></a>Camp and a tired dog</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg37w__ZuC4WT_fvKk06f7-tG3pj-zr0BqKkkF6KXFFbPHhZ7mWf_lA-a1kjpOZEvevJ8QWdsk5i1k5EKjPcFeVODW_q8Ci2n08HKk9fCUKusUgXLFhhFOA5o_XV7EjmQHgT91MK_6Vh780/s1600/IMG_4968.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg37w__ZuC4WT_fvKk06f7-tG3pj-zr0BqKkkF6KXFFbPHhZ7mWf_lA-a1kjpOZEvevJ8QWdsk5i1k5EKjPcFeVODW_q8Ci2n08HKk9fCUKusUgXLFhhFOA5o_XV7EjmQHgT91MK_6Vh780/s400/IMG_4968.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690567648704089122" /></a><br /></div><div>My guys relaxing</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzdHtzJsVLuc3Vb9SLpX6xxqXLZRdcLboLB7lE4eltZYSoRTxO2tPBXGfDPqstDbDKwbNSKXjGGbMXSyA6ZSm1ecTo-6GCYulzdNO6VzBR80nUEEFGmAHNAvy5qqy7LNmuIl8nnR8mdj0T/s1600/IMG_4976.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzdHtzJsVLuc3Vb9SLpX6xxqXLZRdcLboLB7lE4eltZYSoRTxO2tPBXGfDPqstDbDKwbNSKXjGGbMXSyA6ZSm1ecTo-6GCYulzdNO6VzBR80nUEEFGmAHNAvy5qqy7LNmuIl8nnR8mdj0T/s400/IMG_4976.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690567644018483826" /></a><br /></div><div>Time to cool off</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMfWPLDb_snc7_H-c91T42ZTVraulNW2aEgTAU0dMWiwobvlnBJA2_BzTI3nm8Um-a8dx25Rl1jnGKR8zQK1BSfmlRxzQqagh2d-3ubeYB-IpUkdBEWKdsKPt1oXeXPtaTioQUQLt6u-lY/s1600/IMG_4993.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMfWPLDb_snc7_H-c91T42ZTVraulNW2aEgTAU0dMWiwobvlnBJA2_BzTI3nm8Um-a8dx25Rl1jnGKR8zQK1BSfmlRxzQqagh2d-3ubeYB-IpUkdBEWKdsKPt1oXeXPtaTioQUQLt6u-lY/s400/IMG_4993.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690567641123954418" /></a>The trailhead after the hike</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFkqlfcurQ6Klpv5_DqDtVt1TgtlzxlFXeNUpLlOpgNdoBY2WpRWxbOg0aHgUjhgfndeQPoxONZRpWuZHpYvf2J6ufEJCyKk7p4uCeyMZIUtqebk4upXJKU8tRdIDHPB_VIFpohxyPFhzh/s1600/IMG_5004.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFkqlfcurQ6Klpv5_DqDtVt1TgtlzxlFXeNUpLlOpgNdoBY2WpRWxbOg0aHgUjhgfndeQPoxONZRpWuZHpYvf2J6ufEJCyKk7p4uCeyMZIUtqebk4upXJKU8tRdIDHPB_VIFpohxyPFhzh/s400/IMG_5004.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690567622771483586" /></a><br /></div><div>Justin thought he got a nice tan, turns out it was just dirt. </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZqqQAZ1SMZwbiRgS8qzIzDFkGd2pZYIoWN5_D2TmydB0rBP5YQUyzD2RHJq64ERBIR1Qthon8ydlQSTuNSE8QEDPNIDTHr_qLpAPm70yIqaU-KroEXxmI6e87zYmqcNzT3gtjgnhEQNA8/s1600/IMG_5008.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZqqQAZ1SMZwbiRgS8qzIzDFkGd2pZYIoWN5_D2TmydB0rBP5YQUyzD2RHJq64ERBIR1Qthon8ydlQSTuNSE8QEDPNIDTHr_qLpAPm70yIqaU-KroEXxmI6e87zYmqcNzT3gtjgnhEQNA8/s400/IMG_5008.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690567619985989650" /></a>Where did you go this summer? Any recommendations for moderate overnight backpacking trips?</div>Pam Odomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596231761155914586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5470772656832251129.post-25296565570809136352011-12-26T14:16:00.000-08:002012-01-07T20:04:27.600-08:00Summer at the Cabin<div>We were able to make 2 trips to the family cabin on lake Wenatchee this summer. The cabin is always a good time. Good food to eat, peace and quiet, lots of activities and ways to just relax. </div><div><br /></div><div>A few years ago Justin purchased a bow and arrow. Since there aren't many places to set up a target in Kirkland, Justin has been bringing his gear to the cabin to practice. Here's my archer down on the beach.</div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT69gR7S18G7L1cTlNnnku5cWE6y2BSl9vQPartYoVB4s6nhP6F26doljOJSdWmeDKR2Cy3kE001dpij1tROy1IiVzvUcuDIxC8EZQIwJksui4E_uV6K1_l-0S5zlRGTIqsj78bD3AUaBS/s1600/IMG_4761.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT69gR7S18G7L1cTlNnnku5cWE6y2BSl9vQPartYoVB4s6nhP6F26doljOJSdWmeDKR2Cy3kE001dpij1tROy1IiVzvUcuDIxC8EZQIwJksui4E_uV6K1_l-0S5zlRGTIqsj78bD3AUaBS/s400/IMG_4761.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690566620008237666" /></a><br /><div>The first trip to the cabin included my friend Amy and her dog Sammy. Justin, Amy and I, plus the the 2 dogs, took a nice day hike to <a href="http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/twin-lakes-1">Twin Lakes</a>. We ran into some snow as we got into higher elevation but were able to easily forge through. Beautiful views.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBqvHdEfSvBGHhWQhyphenhyphenyRgZxAscUIyUkxtps1ye4-Oky_Z-B4u_sCqX3mClodtjypa0Rd0nBRnWL7LtBij__SXut9wZuDzN4WAxz65J2Nrp-gVt2ljw8M0yPhZpMZBX7L1ZkZ3xpBb3mQVQ/s1600/IMG_4767.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBqvHdEfSvBGHhWQhyphenhyphenyRgZxAscUIyUkxtps1ye4-Oky_Z-B4u_sCqX3mClodtjypa0Rd0nBRnWL7LtBij__SXut9wZuDzN4WAxz65J2Nrp-gVt2ljw8M0yPhZpMZBX7L1ZkZ3xpBb3mQVQ/s400/IMG_4767.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690566609432053090" /></a>What a gorgeous day for a hike.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-p-_DM-AYPwGxmcC1sM2DDHsmXwII7RjaU6_ulcIroG9uS0A0ZkgBefiM1Kgm4aFJMxflJ0aSBdCzFQ-XR_ub7vOno_BUkNytIl0ImhFOdo1Es6XjvZ2KN0_lv_excz9HJRPxKYKIsKqW/s1600/IMG_4788.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-p-_DM-AYPwGxmcC1sM2DDHsmXwII7RjaU6_ulcIroG9uS0A0ZkgBefiM1Kgm4aFJMxflJ0aSBdCzFQ-XR_ub7vOno_BUkNytIl0ImhFOdo1Es6XjvZ2KN0_lv_excz9HJRPxKYKIsKqW/s400/IMG_4788.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690566601422719986" /></a>Here we are at an old Department of Game office. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH9W-8H3BTkh9X7WNWn-ARm252lwYVz_nci4_sBXQrG52DYnIJGqZg1OVpTE-47i9UBBzJcaF0Yq-1yBgT3KK7LiJnpCuAiSKA7s01vTbB0pLCEtuH495CXdh-x46dAmxr267wjpeBLfSp/s1600/IMG_4812.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH9W-8H3BTkh9X7WNWn-ARm252lwYVz_nci4_sBXQrG52DYnIJGqZg1OVpTE-47i9UBBzJcaF0Yq-1yBgT3KK7LiJnpCuAiSKA7s01vTbB0pLCEtuH495CXdh-x46dAmxr267wjpeBLfSp/s400/IMG_4812.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690566590473485442" /></a>Scout after a swim. That dog knows how to cool off.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitxta1zLigjHLnkGO0qcJ6EmAwXQoPbZ2XCH1y2e0K5xpl5hyphenhyphen5OX_QiY-0_nhfoEntSkHO9DCawXxJKkzk7QB88ux5m-CSV8UZ_T9aIS3JFX3EBqjBiXKsOb3f07a1NJbK8g59_6NdXfHC/s1600/IMG_4828.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitxta1zLigjHLnkGO0qcJ6EmAwXQoPbZ2XCH1y2e0K5xpl5hyphenhyphen5OX_QiY-0_nhfoEntSkHO9DCawXxJKkzk7QB88ux5m-CSV8UZ_T9aIS3JFX3EBqjBiXKsOb3f07a1NJbK8g59_6NdXfHC/s400/IMG_4828.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690566034076034482" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFxBzVsVdqysX4p7B4Uj53N76jeJLWVs-s8TIbLYEueL12lCyIxdoBYJKJ2yBsZV5lk71RT7L6T62mpwqwJp1b3c2h-ybo0hjHMRnplKzu1E5WhINtoPi1CezcPCeWt1SyYfvVVeGX1M3d/s1600/IMG_4855.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFxBzVsVdqysX4p7B4Uj53N76jeJLWVs-s8TIbLYEueL12lCyIxdoBYJKJ2yBsZV5lk71RT7L6T62mpwqwJp1b3c2h-ybo0hjHMRnplKzu1E5WhINtoPi1CezcPCeWt1SyYfvVVeGX1M3d/s400/IMG_4855.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690566014895973778" /></a>He also knows how to relax in the warm sunshine. He insists on having his own lounge chair, as long as its <i>right next </i>to ours. </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEpepOVJXhgAUsh4zUV-ns7UrZD-G4aTkj5utSVsfej0SEcIKbtPea-d4Ukii398rhAJxQFA8NjF8VYdbhi1BnFqYB8cg07VIC7pYA2UrByG6ic0dw6nqAmJ8LlEFeKUg3vN1r46Vpflq3/s1600/IMG_4879.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEpepOVJXhgAUsh4zUV-ns7UrZD-G4aTkj5utSVsfej0SEcIKbtPea-d4Ukii398rhAJxQFA8NjF8VYdbhi1BnFqYB8cg07VIC7pYA2UrByG6ic0dw6nqAmJ8LlEFeKUg3vN1r46Vpflq3/s400/IMG_4879.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690566011927473026" /></a>The second trip to the cabin included more friends and water activities. Here is Justin headed towards the dock after a wakeboarding trip around the lake.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY78E_C4xfdEYPkMmc_mbExlrmbcbRWx0UnvRd4_MtfJtCCMNBK5YmsywZiTGs7XiizR2jAb1DIIK4SX4OaV9FebrOLK1xsa8g8C-Rxetof93GU1l6grtKaTTQkQD9jPNgq5wiZmBCy4JC/s1600/IMG_5235.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY78E_C4xfdEYPkMmc_mbExlrmbcbRWx0UnvRd4_MtfJtCCMNBK5YmsywZiTGs7XiizR2jAb1DIIK4SX4OaV9FebrOLK1xsa8g8C-Rxetof93GU1l6grtKaTTQkQD9jPNgq5wiZmBCy4JC/s400/IMG_5235.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690565998645738370" /></a>Matt and Justin chillin'.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsNtMIJpqZ58eGpFpNEKLxoUU9yjm1Hexuy2CeaU1onKS1lQLaaKZBUxc_stLtLFpqQb6BJEKv9Oj_CECJTJm0RClhIhZdsjEa-JfRfYuNoWYstzDbodm8Xi7A1hTbpAnVnDR7J9jdT7IV/s1600/IMG_5236.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsNtMIJpqZ58eGpFpNEKLxoUU9yjm1Hexuy2CeaU1onKS1lQLaaKZBUxc_stLtLFpqQb6BJEKv9Oj_CECJTJm0RClhIhZdsjEa-JfRfYuNoWYstzDbodm8Xi7A1hTbpAnVnDR7J9jdT7IV/s400/IMG_5236.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690565995552232338" /></a></div>Pam Odomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596231761155914586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5470772656832251129.post-13830724224218826692011-12-26T13:51:00.001-08:002012-01-07T17:11:01.236-08:00The Drive Back<div>As you all know by now, the East Coast was not for us. I guess you never know until you try something like that, and it was definitely a learning experience, but Justin and I are so happy to be living in Seattle again. We had so many challenges and obstacles living in Philadelphia. We never found community or felt like it could be home, albeit as temporary as it was supposed to be. It really made us evaluate what we loved and appreciated while living in Washington, and how much we took that for granted. It was nice to be closer to my family (we got to see them 4 times in 1 year, a record!), and I know it wasn't easy for my mom to say goodbye to me again, but we made the choice to "come home" to Washington. We know how blessed we were to have made that move one time, and how much more to be able to do it two times (financially). We thank God for the opportunities we had and feel especially fortunate that we could come home. We will continue to trust him in all we do. </div><div><div><br /></div><div>The morning of the move started out a little rough. Like 10 minutes after getting the truck, I took a corner too short and crashed the side of the trailer into a wall, bent the tire rim and then had to wait a total of about 4 hours for it to be repaired. Justin and his dad took the moving truck to the apartment and I waited at the storage unit for the repair guy. It was already like 80 degrees and humid by 8:30 in the morning (get us out of here before another hot and humid summer). When the repair guy arrived, he didn't have a new rim, despite the fact that I told them that was what was broken. So he had to go back to the garage, which was like 45 minutes away. Needless to say, not the start we were looking for. I felt terrible for crashing the trailer and delaying the start of the trip, but did feel a little better when I heard I was the first of 4 trailer accident calls that garage had that day. Guess a lot of people underestimate those turns. The guys had the truck loaded before the trailer was ready so they came to relieve me of my waiting duties so I could go back to the apartment and clean. When all was said and done, we got on the road 1-2 hours later than originally planned. We had a few more obstacles along the way, but it was worth it to get back to the Pac NW.</div><div><br /></div><div>We drove through the Badlands National Park on our way through South Dakota. Such beautiful landscape. And we might have seen a herd of bison, but they were too far away to know for sure.</div></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi74dhZVEvubfXCNDNX6XRF3n8FgHaVU52uRD6AFsN4Mt0QlzaqPKHypjJpZSw_GoCBsoqFlSZXF9BJBfthPydl7C4S01wLYqULuHop5l0uSVgpQPDjwhMfg6HRzXXi5xRoy_MtVZMcJbja/s1600/IMG_4712.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi74dhZVEvubfXCNDNX6XRF3n8FgHaVU52uRD6AFsN4Mt0QlzaqPKHypjJpZSw_GoCBsoqFlSZXF9BJBfthPydl7C4S01wLYqULuHop5l0uSVgpQPDjwhMfg6HRzXXi5xRoy_MtVZMcJbja/s400/IMG_4712.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695058859767395666" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK0csYs3crDCUlmqvG4jF5XPwDOLHqIT7nMHSSH64EuGaDnTWgk3HnWkBkHOUj524H8dIOP1lvQ1SqtVTxNea9FjGbqXLepQo2cMtFXBEpBfaJY4hSvLHvLQBdCHDfYqCMhHe7REIsoFom/s1600/IMG_4716.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK0csYs3crDCUlmqvG4jF5XPwDOLHqIT7nMHSSH64EuGaDnTWgk3HnWkBkHOUj524H8dIOP1lvQ1SqtVTxNea9FjGbqXLepQo2cMtFXBEpBfaJY4hSvLHvLQBdCHDfYqCMhHe7REIsoFom/s400/IMG_4716.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695058845786362338" /></a>Our National Park Travel Dog<br /><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhauR5tLnRD7zfG5ce8iIVR2-yhw0AC0_BEN4WiRPnbDWEWYeKGaOONwpXnu5RQKLlJ8pYXB3580N7y3aCg1dZoPXbdqxLlRM3A4uOFHGwvgw4CUO4YAx8GVRN8gsDlOl33OlSeUrIDzcnt/s1600/IMG_4746.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhauR5tLnRD7zfG5ce8iIVR2-yhw0AC0_BEN4WiRPnbDWEWYeKGaOONwpXnu5RQKLlJ8pYXB3580N7y3aCg1dZoPXbdqxLlRM3A4uOFHGwvgw4CUO4YAx8GVRN8gsDlOl33OlSeUrIDzcnt/s400/IMG_4746.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695058397430873170" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieHctoB-ERbpa_NE3P0ti3syIv08UJLLH-t9whBNpH3i77jDZEp263Nc18hNS5bMLkTXO1OHrnFbQ6QRQCKjwWH4Ydv3hDtobui1Fe3BEfneXgTYEmrhUfAt_jYONQdacXikoaPK9XOa9B/s1600/IMG_4719.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieHctoB-ERbpa_NE3P0ti3syIv08UJLLH-t9whBNpH3i77jDZEp263Nc18hNS5bMLkTXO1OHrnFbQ6QRQCKjwWH4Ydv3hDtobui1Fe3BEfneXgTYEmrhUfAt_jYONQdacXikoaPK9XOa9B/s400/IMG_4719.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695058388620407618" /></a><br /></div><div>We stopped at Wall Drug again and I can't pass up a photo op with a buffalo. Go Milligan Buffs!</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA82pkx6vsKm4_ZJW5YAZXLK0WB-HorJDMLU3UKb_BrlF34PVntdl5pxCTSZhdbRzAeNQghsNJkNaza7QgU2kenRajvRVp2dG8niPG1MjJMr4k1chHELC0Z9VG9kx-BwE2yt1IZj6M72Tf/s1600/IMG_4756.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA82pkx6vsKm4_ZJW5YAZXLK0WB-HorJDMLU3UKb_BrlF34PVntdl5pxCTSZhdbRzAeNQghsNJkNaza7QgU2kenRajvRVp2dG8niPG1MjJMr4k1chHELC0Z9VG9kx-BwE2yt1IZj6M72Tf/s400/IMG_4756.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695058371663269330" /></a><br /></div><div>Gas stop in Montana. Almost home!</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvqmwtYZDBbz6OY8LsJCWwO8alTULju9KESLgfgf1jkFlzop0ZoPytLap2aP9cmAto-75cKAeorGqMzMcuNQ_JAmhu4ZZFG6wwX2sERYrM6z4lFClwzosu09wveZXwha5wuR3RyvK9dApI/s1600/IMG_4758.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvqmwtYZDBbz6OY8LsJCWwO8alTULju9KESLgfgf1jkFlzop0ZoPytLap2aP9cmAto-75cKAeorGqMzMcuNQ_JAmhu4ZZFG6wwX2sERYrM6z4lFClwzosu09wveZXwha5wuR3RyvK9dApI/s400/IMG_4758.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695058370180496690" /></a></div><div>We stayed in Spokane our last night on the road. My father in law suggested we leave in the middle of the night to ensure we would have time to unload the truck, return the rental and things like that. I was a little skeptical at first, but was so happy that is what we did and were home and unpacking everything by mid afternoon. And what a pleasant surprise to get to our condo and be welcomed by a card, some balloons, cupcake treats for us and a toy for Scout. Thanks Matt, Lauren and Gwen. </div>Pam Odomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596231761155914586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5470772656832251129.post-8185307046190316972011-12-20T18:41:00.000-08:002013-01-13T16:35:45.611-08:00New York City<div>
For our 3rd anniversary, Justin and I made a special weekend trip to New York City. I had never been there before and was excited to take advantage of its proximity before we moved back to Seattle. And boy, did we get there just in time. We went Memorial Day weekend, got back to Philly Monday, May 30th, and then packed up the moving truck and started our trek back to Seattle on the 31st. Needless to say, we were trying to see as much as we could in a very short amount of time. </div>
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We had a great time in NYC. And I think we packed in just about everything we could in the 2.5 days we were there. We got there Friday afternoon, grabbed some lunch and then checked into our hotel, which was in Times Square. We walked around Times Square, checked out some fun stores (including the Hershey Store and M&M World). Then we headed back to the hotel to get ready for dinner and our Broadway show, Wicked. We ate dinner at Shula's Steakhouse. Justin had the best crab cakes he's ever had and I had the best garlic mashed potatoes, ever. So delicious. </div>
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Here we are outside Gershwin Theater. I strongly recommend Wicked, it was fabulous.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8UBXvN-MFI9zpsFxWvRkyRIsKpBGWsM3nAq72PHDzFgaGlOy1fzPlRYPIBuvKAWP413X2nHCK2ZgCkejNaOWIp4dcR9HFqjhDwU2WRQjwUu1pQ6oznz4XMMMsQ1P9Z3BURqMv0An2L0hG/s1600/us+wicked.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690547622760581666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8UBXvN-MFI9zpsFxWvRkyRIsKpBGWsM3nAq72PHDzFgaGlOy1fzPlRYPIBuvKAWP413X2nHCK2ZgCkejNaOWIp4dcR9HFqjhDwU2WRQjwUu1pQ6oznz4XMMMsQ1P9Z3BURqMv0An2L0hG/s400/us+wicked.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>Saturday started with a walking tour combined with The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour. Here we are posing with the Wall Street Charging Bull.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyp3yuMv7mAJzo3TKcw7XfCNUmcwjFaTizV7HKT4mG0m1GNyighMaz75Ifh9dMXcfn-pWXCCiABXnSnV2uywxmNds1Kb3SqUM4AM4R9HNIGi7bNyjbIg9aittDUYSwzy94dubk-ReGwhBC/s1600/Us+Bull.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690547615021661810" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyp3yuMv7mAJzo3TKcw7XfCNUmcwjFaTizV7HKT4mG0m1GNyighMaz75Ifh9dMXcfn-pWXCCiABXnSnV2uywxmNds1Kb3SqUM4AM4R9HNIGi7bNyjbIg9aittDUYSwzy94dubk-ReGwhBC/s400/Us+Bull.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>Statue outside of Rockefeller Plaza</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKCSzEreXOBzsZMVfSUhHa-Aq849NkutVS8Uu_zCWuM9aF8DSJAXhZ4JLS8b3waFNS_-YTiuFmZ4YFBzrAoXLfIIHZFZhBc9Gu34MX8R5yHC45Z66irV5lbR_0thzh33i3fyyt-vQEAtzk/s1600/Rockplaza2.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690547610614443266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKCSzEreXOBzsZMVfSUhHa-Aq849NkutVS8Uu_zCWuM9aF8DSJAXhZ4JLS8b3waFNS_-YTiuFmZ4YFBzrAoXLfIIHZFZhBc9Gu34MX8R5yHC45Z66irV5lbR_0thzh33i3fyyt-vQEAtzk/s400/Rockplaza2.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a></div>
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911 Sculpture made from scraps of the Twin Towers</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw8MteZfcDyOi2gc4OiVdDKmjAkmGOAA-LPKnb83EGJxHlThVJQ_lkCm3DEYME570ff4RTalEMba0PkOkWJAVmUzJrNRvLPFOyB7BE2P-PfPDZVb3_fkizWPNqpJ_HptWjxZ530Ge6PO2y/s1600/911sculpture.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690546599761008322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw8MteZfcDyOi2gc4OiVdDKmjAkmGOAA-LPKnb83EGJxHlThVJQ_lkCm3DEYME570ff4RTalEMba0PkOkWJAVmUzJrNRvLPFOyB7BE2P-PfPDZVb3_fkizWPNqpJ_HptWjxZ530Ge6PO2y/s400/911sculpture.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a></div>
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View of Lady Liberty from the ferry</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGOTKme5xdtVf-9Yu_BZOHPxzfbQYQDiYNZZefjqu_5FVk9f5RdAAlufnABOL9Zo9Oogzf24ol3jPBWlw8ZAKaS081WCdYR4hYPbSeQbpaem6Nu2qHbarTt9ovGKPow0BEUU1ao4pw4bxn/s1600/libertyandcity.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690546588782097922" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGOTKme5xdtVf-9Yu_BZOHPxzfbQYQDiYNZZefjqu_5FVk9f5RdAAlufnABOL9Zo9Oogzf24ol3jPBWlw8ZAKaS081WCdYR4hYPbSeQbpaem6Nu2qHbarTt9ovGKPow0BEUU1ao4pw4bxn/s400/libertyandcity.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></div>
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Ellis Island</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVycOJ-394ybWe0R8vvsFy8o3KFDqj3bVfluA_d2bLc2pdIru46Z1n2jPbDPXoFSqlCWpBYjeh55Qv7Dfr1i4f9_WacNslsDOOARPPg2YMfkT4ICDe9tR64XSXXsrR-XEl_xNERux5l8Hd/s1600/ellisandcity.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690546585644361490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVycOJ-394ybWe0R8vvsFy8o3KFDqj3bVfluA_d2bLc2pdIru46Z1n2jPbDPXoFSqlCWpBYjeh55Qv7Dfr1i4f9_WacNslsDOOARPPg2YMfkT4ICDe9tR64XSXXsrR-XEl_xNERux5l8Hd/s400/ellisandcity.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></div>
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The Statue of Liberty</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgILip3U9PFqb2H4iMfrquSSVOtROSsNX7DvoEfoYTjp6QmGPt6VUnlsRpG6X4NzoDWZOZza1ury5U_NQkosZI6WKN87vaaUCylHpdx4xL0ca0EIcHzSiDw7Y0CnD82OdzcH9xH5t8yGEi7/s1600/libertybottom5.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690546579296248946" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgILip3U9PFqb2H4iMfrquSSVOtROSsNX7DvoEfoYTjp6QmGPt6VUnlsRpG6X4NzoDWZOZza1ury5U_NQkosZI6WKN87vaaUCylHpdx4xL0ca0EIcHzSiDw7Y0CnD82OdzcH9xH5t8yGEi7/s400/libertybottom5.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a></div>
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Carriage ride through Central Park</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx7sdRzFiDcH8ym8xswhvNww5UgqPU_3fsUKjlRvO-iDarJP_vzP4paaEVCm-RCVJI2c-Ep45Cj0FHtu57yyp22QMOjVuaXHSiYd1AlWkjpri26hyOKBgC-RRmHTJ9ItedhODlyspiVDL3/s1600/usincarriage.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690546571712681938" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx7sdRzFiDcH8ym8xswhvNww5UgqPU_3fsUKjlRvO-iDarJP_vzP4paaEVCm-RCVJI2c-Ep45Cj0FHtu57yyp22QMOjVuaXHSiYd1AlWkjpri26hyOKBgC-RRmHTJ9ItedhODlyspiVDL3/s400/usincarriage.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></div>
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Central Park</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIM1rreDcqYmDjtTpmlzrZro8gI5sdjDJTLFJ8wETPx6r_TVEzhp1i5HfQhadZNDkjtUyGwZ8MUs8I4KpmGC8sYWHw8SfyISQ1SIJwDS-fveMlNR9oz3nVwaCG6bqgSW9Sp74V7UcSL-34/s1600/cp16.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690545404290249794" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIM1rreDcqYmDjtTpmlzrZro8gI5sdjDJTLFJ8wETPx6r_TVEzhp1i5HfQhadZNDkjtUyGwZ8MUs8I4KpmGC8sYWHw8SfyISQ1SIJwDS-fveMlNR9oz3nVwaCG6bqgSW9Sp74V7UcSL-34/s400/cp16.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></div>
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Sand Sculpture created in Times Square to honor our armed forces for Memorial Day</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwbr1BKrXpl-JMZzibBKCELcdTW-0Ygv7Yepzu6SspKhLMlkvVpL61dTUO9bcZ-AgqFJm1oH8g5jsuSlvVFs3B3vK7LbrnNFW2BrkmOr9T6m9dUOvCP98k3p50yAgyIYYyBlHCcmj72t42/s1600/sand5.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690545400976337090" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwbr1BKrXpl-JMZzibBKCELcdTW-0Ygv7Yepzu6SspKhLMlkvVpL61dTUO9bcZ-AgqFJm1oH8g5jsuSlvVFs3B3vK7LbrnNFW2BrkmOr9T6m9dUOvCP98k3p50yAgyIYYyBlHCcmj72t42/s400/sand5.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></div>
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View from the top of The Empire State Building. We went first thing in the morning to avoid the long lines (we were packing as much in as time allowed), but the fog hadn't burned off yet. Bummer. At least we got to go up, and we had some pretty good views from our corner hotel room on the 32nd floor. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8UqdHqTKAiphEW3_hbfPYR9NjPjLShq2Toprw1AjTT2MfzOPSnlEgKFGGzNu6uU9FP4dPe8F47dZuCQNSe0vp_wtCzaCshEflQvEvNeXiJta-JKTMOppEyTiaIyB7F8zncI51g1kFJAB4/s1600/ESB.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690545397095303202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8UqdHqTKAiphEW3_hbfPYR9NjPjLShq2Toprw1AjTT2MfzOPSnlEgKFGGzNu6uU9FP4dPe8F47dZuCQNSe0vp_wtCzaCshEflQvEvNeXiJta-JKTMOppEyTiaIyB7F8zncI51g1kFJAB4/s400/ESB.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></div>
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Me in Times Square</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhmIzjAb9SoALr3ODPAxUQ07fRBMQg2qyyUzbhYf2ElmxPjL8NFGGRvnrHhyFOapTGvCOKb3gxxb1XWme6q-eWc8pnQORCanTKF30VV1Hr9aDlzxLi5N7VKE00HfBkW69Nq5MagK4waueD/s1600/pamtimesquare.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690545378563019346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhmIzjAb9SoALr3ODPAxUQ07fRBMQg2qyyUzbhYf2ElmxPjL8NFGGRvnrHhyFOapTGvCOKb3gxxb1XWme6q-eWc8pnQORCanTKF30VV1Hr9aDlzxLi5N7VKE00HfBkW69Nq5MagK4waueD/s400/pamtimesquare.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></div>
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The Met (yes, we did the Met too)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1M9UNV7Kbd_jqdEf3BBc1uNuLYMIZz-wz81OMmLweynLM08uT6nn4PA4RonkIAbJx4W1RsiqkKVrATv1GORIpc5DbOsf9Kdq1QqW-wFQjnvwurMi_uPDwqEzv3UTTLORYxo2KgE3J7y7q/s1600/met.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690545376123977618" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1M9UNV7Kbd_jqdEf3BBc1uNuLYMIZz-wz81OMmLweynLM08uT6nn4PA4RonkIAbJx4W1RsiqkKVrATv1GORIpc5DbOsf9Kdq1QqW-wFQjnvwurMi_uPDwqEzv3UTTLORYxo2KgE3J7y7q/s400/met.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>I think that is a good summary of the highlights of the trip. We also went to St. Patrick's Cathedral and saw Trinity Church, from the movie National Treasure. It was a fantastic anniversary and I'd say we left the East Coast with a bang.</div>
Pam Odomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596231761155914586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5470772656832251129.post-48597996936750263752011-12-19T19:46:00.001-08:002011-12-19T19:58:04.011-08:00Its About Time<div>Well, I'm back. It has been quite awhile since I've written here, many of you (I mean all 2 or 3 of our followers) probably thought I might never return. The last 8 months have been eventful to say the least. I am going to try to catch you up on what has been going on in our lives, maybe an entry or 2 a week, hopefully.</div><div><br /></div><div>The first entry is our trip to Valley Forge. This was another Philadelphia tour we wanted to do before moving back. I must say is was almost surreal to walk on the same ground our soldiers walked on. And to walk through the home where George Washington's headquarters were located. What an amazing glimpse into some of the most amazing history of our country, our freedom. We ventured out on a gorgeous day, Scout in tow for the hiking and exploration.</div><div><br /></div><div>A replica of the living quarters for the soldiers</div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSh25CRouNZ5G99q5S2JfcYu6wiU35nMyKoBa69khpy_3fozwarEU0aD62pVY2CCj2OkuMMYrIG-LRinGlEpLQ4N6vaQKkZixiBhOYWth5p0Ax-9jn0NeiudEwHglUeJPnTUS8rWrd7PxJ/s1600/Valley+Forge+004.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSh25CRouNZ5G99q5S2JfcYu6wiU35nMyKoBa69khpy_3fozwarEU0aD62pVY2CCj2OkuMMYrIG-LRinGlEpLQ4N6vaQKkZixiBhOYWth5p0Ax-9jn0NeiudEwHglUeJPnTUS8rWrd7PxJ/s400/Valley+Forge+004.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688052738288308114" /></a>George Washington's headquarters<div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge9ZHMUnPpco8a0FO9YNK3moKpjZXxu0Eh9adJYroM2OQ97Z7wdYB3AHAkIdILzuvvniaTv9-2Wi_YqROJFbphz9MXsQ3BRLyGPMEKKhVgjYglYBYmMfdRn5t0achvUvCrGOp0ItC-Wjaf/s1600/Valley+Forge+032.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge9ZHMUnPpco8a0FO9YNK3moKpjZXxu0Eh9adJYroM2OQ97Z7wdYB3AHAkIdILzuvvniaTv9-2Wi_YqROJFbphz9MXsQ3BRLyGPMEKKhVgjYglYBYmMfdRn5t0achvUvCrGOp0ItC-Wjaf/s400/Valley+Forge+032.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688052737213052242" /></a></div><div>A view of the grounds</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGu_NgQRZcKwcd8CYu_ar73MKEMepxMfa78ewXmShU_FkAwFlw656UYmmIl7TlgE45aroN2SZzdzefYHY2RaLIq-QRbdFLgFdjLMWm-amwMU-s-Av-WkxWbTYX7QXpVFOwg7lyZL9nhia5/s1600/Valley+Forge+046.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGu_NgQRZcKwcd8CYu_ar73MKEMepxMfa78ewXmShU_FkAwFlw656UYmmIl7TlgE45aroN2SZzdzefYHY2RaLIq-QRbdFLgFdjLMWm-amwMU-s-Av-WkxWbTYX7QXpVFOwg7lyZL9nhia5/s400/Valley+Forge+046.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688052730463860498" /></a>I hope you check in occasionally over the next several weeks and I'll try to be a better blogger. Merry Christmas!</div>Pam Odomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596231761155914586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5470772656832251129.post-832407004711946372011-04-04T13:20:00.001-07:002011-04-04T14:01:05.234-07:00Tour of the TownToday Justin and I headed downtown for a walking day tour of Philadelphia. We've lived here almost a year so decided it was finally time to see some of the things the city has to offer its visitors and residents. We hopped on an early train and headed straight for the Historic District. First on our list was the <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/tour/independence-hall.htm">Independence Hall Tour</a>. This is a National Historical Park and is considered the birthplace of the United States. This is where the Declaration of Independence was created, as well as where the Constituion was drafted, debated, and signed. It was fascinating to hear some of the history of our nation. Parts are under restoration but we were able to walk through the East Wing, the first courtroom, and the actual Independence Hall where many of our founding fathers met. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDaVvpSZdiBIQu8LG6wlOxdLtvcM_oI6L0UnhPBtMhRBJ2IhyxzvVon6eLMKsqF_iBv0djPhsZwLw8iPnbU3GJvsn60ouuOE1hfaLlF30bWKmWgU5DLWaWU0EpJWIo2xIaX-pOAhJtNr1j/s1600/Philadelphia+Tour+002.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591827468172094914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDaVvpSZdiBIQu8LG6wlOxdLtvcM_oI6L0UnhPBtMhRBJ2IhyxzvVon6eLMKsqF_iBv0djPhsZwLw8iPnbU3GJvsn60ouuOE1hfaLlF30bWKmWgU5DLWaWU0EpJWIo2xIaX-pOAhJtNr1j/s400/Philadelphia+Tour+002.JPG" border="0" /></a> The chair in the back of this picture is where George Washington sat. It is one of the few original pieces of furniture still there. <br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip4Vhe43mapS3Ux8-NN3F7mhhxehNFoVMKSB5EK7-wAdvv3SShG1NTJUf8-FItLzpRs5wrRb2JIR8FOvUHKUrSrk9V1wm81zXyXJtbSWdeqbJXhm0om5AwVlX1UspIx9hc1gVtmx-1wD7r/s1600/Philadelphia+Tour+021.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591827335306141234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip4Vhe43mapS3Ux8-NN3F7mhhxehNFoVMKSB5EK7-wAdvv3SShG1NTJUf8-FItLzpRs5wrRb2JIR8FOvUHKUrSrk9V1wm81zXyXJtbSWdeqbJXhm0om5AwVlX1UspIx9hc1gVtmx-1wD7r/s400/Philadelphia+Tour+021.JPG" border="0" /></a> After the Hall tour, we made our way to <a href="http://www.nps.gov/inde/liberty-bell-center.htm">The Liberty Bell</a>. <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvmgFEur0la_SzPQ065JK_VKxsO30LbjLqMFcXQcivUlI9WEeVhF2AOPU9n9g3KhoXQrglwayQ29xKzcKMc13CtG8HX6X7rd0m2Ip52FiJKJ5XStDKi_8njoNctD_l0J02u7qk_2gORoH5/s1600/Philadelphia+Tour+024.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591827329797062514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvmgFEur0la_SzPQ065JK_VKxsO30LbjLqMFcXQcivUlI9WEeVhF2AOPU9n9g3KhoXQrglwayQ29xKzcKMc13CtG8HX6X7rd0m2Ip52FiJKJ5XStDKi_8njoNctD_l0J02u7qk_2gORoH5/s400/Philadelphia+Tour+024.JPG" border="0" /></a> Next we went on a tour of The US Mint. So many commerative coins. They have a part where you can actually see coins being stamped and made, but things weren't too busy while we were there. Did you know it takes 60 tons of pressure to stamp a coin? Crazy! No pictures permitted in the Mint.</div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnp4i9HHhBkd30G_qlU-nA7Dy_PLpsSa3tfas2UHAUiuLZEBE0XXAqE-LSttzmhyudHlCAvmkH0tM1qxYhBPvQpHOhaPSgBX7ltbnZeArbVGrcWmWJf73Ge5k_2d0MOeRdziXa4Sj7cr9s/s1600/Philadelphia+Tour+033.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591827320782279282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnp4i9HHhBkd30G_qlU-nA7Dy_PLpsSa3tfas2UHAUiuLZEBE0XXAqE-LSttzmhyudHlCAvmkH0tM1qxYhBPvQpHOhaPSgBX7ltbnZeArbVGrcWmWJf73Ge5k_2d0MOeRdziXa4Sj7cr9s/s400/Philadelphia+Tour+033.JPG" border="0" /></a> Here is a picture of Philadelphia City Hall. William Penn is atop the structure (although you can't see him in this view). A pretty massive, and beautiful building. <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfLNUokS_49R6aHPZ8pOeXbCSiRSMOU3wtVHtArVZ61RM2r03b-JvAhBzqFVU-FWJrOHMz_sWdsJZpCn4LKYhZx8M4PZ8JPPJuUeyeu3LJ2S2hloKXRQ43MPUy9W1IKx3r9N6rp1kJ0pPG/s1600/Philadelphia+Tour+042.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591827315264073954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfLNUokS_49R6aHPZ8pOeXbCSiRSMOU3wtVHtArVZ61RM2r03b-JvAhBzqFVU-FWJrOHMz_sWdsJZpCn4LKYhZx8M4PZ8JPPJuUeyeu3LJ2S2hloKXRQ43MPUy9W1IKx3r9N6rp1kJ0pPG/s400/Philadelphia+Tour+042.JPG" border="0" /></a> We asked an innocent bystander to take this picture for us, guess he had a hard time getting the whole scene. Thanks anyway buddy! This was taken at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LOVE_Park">Love Park</a>, a.k.a JFK Plaza, outside of City Hall. It apparently is an attractive and popular park for skateboarders. </div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVNfhGV6QfqRfeKeH2WTyfo-wTgqhj0q1LxsYogRolkp4vVMxg4pTdxMnX-Ddh7whqHxhufeVRt1Evhidoh7_wySe8GM1niJbERrapi1ec9vOj2iI1kvbBy4oL7_jIYmh3lhRuR1MiHRi7/s1600/Philadelphia+Tour+056.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591827313193122930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVNfhGV6QfqRfeKeH2WTyfo-wTgqhj0q1LxsYogRolkp4vVMxg4pTdxMnX-Ddh7whqHxhufeVRt1Evhidoh7_wySe8GM1niJbERrapi1ec9vOj2iI1kvbBy4oL7_jIYmh3lhRuR1MiHRi7/s400/Philadelphia+Tour+056.JPG" border="0" /></a>Our final stop was <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M%C3%BCtter_Museum">The Mutter Museum</a>. Justin and I both have an obscure and sometimes morbid curiosity of things, especially when it comes to the medical field. The museum contains a collection of medical oddities, anatomical and pathological specimens, wax models, and antique medical equipment. Once again, no cameras were permitted. Although interesting and a bit strange, don't think its a place we need to visit twice.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>So there you have it. A one day, whirlwind tour of Philadelphia. Obviously there are many more things to do here, but I think we hit some pretty good highlights. <br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Pam Odomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596231761155914586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5470772656832251129.post-11040298804505528842011-04-03T15:21:00.001-07:002011-04-03T15:26:03.629-07:00Zoo Part 2My husband requested I add a few more zoo trip photos. Especially of this rhino. Apparently not many zoos have a rhino exhibit. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA3cEJou9OIMkfVsMPxOjjKzboUsHw9xdzzPCeRCe4Y5w4ywiCXvnyLUz68wMAk8mMD52U9lOR9cbw6gXM01lfHRthcHL_iorH6jDAl3hF5xYyb_aCEgNe0nyXNohJIl9kQBLio9RuCtOO/s1600/Zoo+039.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591486629329039378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA3cEJou9OIMkfVsMPxOjjKzboUsHw9xdzzPCeRCe4Y5w4ywiCXvnyLUz68wMAk8mMD52U9lOR9cbw6gXM01lfHRthcHL_iorH6jDAl3hF5xYyb_aCEgNe0nyXNohJIl9kQBLio9RuCtOO/s400/Zoo+039.JPG" border="0" /></a> <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK5ctA-8HOHFCXri6InTQtBAoWFq6dtnwRgFiL35iTnhsAZeIDhnNDdWYkdjtGFM5N_i9DCCkTlQMUKapSa6Ih50D8HdYd1xLCqMyHqbz5yUJVtMqo9DKB02ea5Ro-53xlzAtfFVH8DeGD/s1600/Zoo+011.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591486625142175282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK5ctA-8HOHFCXri6InTQtBAoWFq6dtnwRgFiL35iTnhsAZeIDhnNDdWYkdjtGFM5N_i9DCCkTlQMUKapSa6Ih50D8HdYd1xLCqMyHqbz5yUJVtMqo9DKB02ea5Ro-53xlzAtfFVH8DeGD/s400/Zoo+011.JPG" border="0" /></a></div>Pam Odomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596231761155914586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5470772656832251129.post-85437547198132004602011-04-03T12:11:00.001-07:002011-04-03T12:27:48.353-07:00Philadelphia ZooBefore we moved to Philadelphia, our dear friends Matt and Lauren gave us 2 tickets to the <a href="http://www.philadelphiazoo.org/">Philadelphia Zoo </a>as a going away present. We finally put the passes to use and enjoyed a nice, sunny morning at the zoo. This zoo is America's first zoo and had a decent variety of animals to see. There was a new Avian Facility which was pretty neat, and they are putting together a hippo exhibit which should be cool. Many exhibits were empty, but I'd say we got a good taste of the zoo. Interestingly enough, no elephants. I don't think I've ever been to a zoo without elephants. Here are a few of my favorite pictures/animals. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd5xumtT_Rgrs9mVXDBtYWkYuPl7OiR2wCl2PJUDq0C2qvt1HWrVowKONbFkslbeXdQ06MJ4fWYTfhTJehOmPnmBbcxAeKl_jYiVSJt9zYm3GPuIjKh2jt1he2TLKetpUdCLHrrKT8aWBp/s1600/Zoo+092.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591438239447462482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd5xumtT_Rgrs9mVXDBtYWkYuPl7OiR2wCl2PJUDq0C2qvt1HWrVowKONbFkslbeXdQ06MJ4fWYTfhTJehOmPnmBbcxAeKl_jYiVSJt9zYm3GPuIjKh2jt1he2TLKetpUdCLHrrKT8aWBp/s400/Zoo+092.JPG" border="0" /></a> We always love the polar bears. These guys were pretty sleepy and didn't entertain us with their aquatic antics, but still amazing animals. <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkR7J9rIJCAe7nMObBRHdvXhS9V-0W0SjFfmqCitiCupmcN4-IqpUlnfW4ZUNIlmqKHOFMi3jWZ-VkH053vaZyrfwwHADQV9pVoypq3_d9UgxU1E9vVenMhCMOcbPrs5g9B6wzcKAXBhi8/s1600/Zoo+043.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591438239329806354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkR7J9rIJCAe7nMObBRHdvXhS9V-0W0SjFfmqCitiCupmcN4-IqpUlnfW4ZUNIlmqKHOFMi3jWZ-VkH053vaZyrfwwHADQV9pVoypq3_d9UgxU1E9vVenMhCMOcbPrs5g9B6wzcKAXBhi8/s400/Zoo+043.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div>This tortoise looked right at Justin for the picture!</div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEE-_R_OL_jzcmoRUxtmrSm0SaYnE_TPlLTx3Sv0vRXqgCeNJLuKeOJG8cTDmnCKTWvx2k7FsJ0LKIyNnB6SGmYum-wwsefpWEBtK6ZfW51WCxru7rzoWsoafkJMg3r1g2YMkUoy0sexBC/s1600/Zoo+084.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591438237426602498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEE-_R_OL_jzcmoRUxtmrSm0SaYnE_TPlLTx3Sv0vRXqgCeNJLuKeOJG8cTDmnCKTWvx2k7FsJ0LKIyNnB6SGmYum-wwsefpWEBtK6ZfW51WCxru7rzoWsoafkJMg3r1g2YMkUoy0sexBC/s400/Zoo+084.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div>I always love the big cats and this one posed nicely.</div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid_JCrXvzHIeTvHarAyPgyY9Qzf-n_aXwc60KozMWfyYh9IyW2DDgAhWxHU88jfqrgU_0Zxh2i0wv_sOpDtIIhcZjfJdGhKJUurYVEsbd2Ta1F_VkyuS0t7UKXGhOfywdfrZ-WV39jnpDR/s1600/Zoo+019.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591438233581654882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid_JCrXvzHIeTvHarAyPgyY9Qzf-n_aXwc60KozMWfyYh9IyW2DDgAhWxHU88jfqrgU_0Zxh2i0wv_sOpDtIIhcZjfJdGhKJUurYVEsbd2Ta1F_VkyuS0t7UKXGhOfywdfrZ-WV39jnpDR/s400/Zoo+019.JPG" border="0" /></a>Hope you had a great weekend! </div></div></div>Pam Odomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596231761155914586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5470772656832251129.post-6682156826920124432011-04-02T14:22:00.000-07:002011-04-03T15:07:12.206-07:00ShineToday our church teamed up with The City of Philadelphia for a citywide spring clean up. Philadelphia has a reputation for being gritty and full of litter, so this was the <a href="http://www.philadelphiastreets.com/philly-spring-cleanup.aspx">4th Annual Philly Spring Clean Up</a>. <a href="http://fmchurch.net/">Bethel Church</a> organized several projects for volunteers and community members to work alongside each other to try and make a small difference. Justin and I signed up to help clean up Poquessing Park. There was a group of about 40 of us, including 10 "weekend inmates." The weather was very cooperative and we found a lot of garbage. I'd say the majority of the trash we picked up was beer bottles and cans, but I thought I'd share a list of the Top 5 Most Interesting things we found. <br /><ol><br /><li>A beer ball </li><br /><li>A man's shoe with moss growing on it </li><br /><li>A carburetor </li><br /><li>A pile of ?opossum bones </li><br /><li>A gas mask </li></ol><br /><p>And as I was writing this, I found what appears to be a tick on my neck. Awesome. Luckily it hadn't embedded yet and now its dead. </p><br /><p>I encourage you to find out if your city or neighborhoods are doing any Spring Clean Ups and then get out there and help!</p>Pam Odomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596231761155914586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5470772656832251129.post-882720163204964702011-03-20T10:18:00.000-07:002011-04-02T18:36:43.312-07:00I miss Syed!Well, another Philadelphian special. Justin and I are finally done with our taxes, but it wasn't easy. A few weeks ago I scheduled an appointment at H&R Block. We have used a Kirkland branch in the past, had our "own" preparer, Syed, and have been very pleased. It was a good company, efficient and professional. So why wouldn't I pick H&R in Philly? Right? So I scheduled the appointment for a Wednesday evening at 6:00. The very next day I got a call saying the person my appointment was scheduled with didn't work on Wednesday so if I wasn't busy, maybe I could just come in now, or maybe Saturday morning. No, that is why I scheduled it for Wednesday night. Turns out we were waiting for 1 more form anyway, so I cancelled and rescheduled it once the form came. Two days before the appointment, I got four calls in one hour, and finally on the fourth call they left a message to remind me of my appointment, and then to tell me since we were new customers, they were going to have the best accountant (the manager) of the branch prepare our taxes. Super! So when we arrived to our appointment, the manager comes to the front desk, wearing dark, reflective aviator glasses, and told us he wouldn't be able to do our taxes but directed us to someone else. For the next TWO hours, our tax preparer, let's call her Tina, shuffled around our papers, asked the same things at least 3 times, and went back to the sketchy manager with "issues." Meanwhile, the receptionist, who was at the cubicle next to us, was on the phone, shouting (maybe I mean talking loudly, but it sure sounded like shouting) at previous customers to try and get them to make an appointment but kept saying things like "We really miss you," "We can't wait to see you again," and "Tina would love to do your taxes again for you this year." This may sound rather benign, but it was so loud, vexing and annoying. After the two hours, Tina and the manager came to tell us they would not be filing our taxes because they wanted someone else to go over them again. Now I can appreciate them wanting everything to be correct, but were they really that complicated? And now we were going to have to go back to the hole in the wall (it was in a very ghetto shopping plaza) with hoodlums and loiterers all around. Tina told us to come back in two days. Two days later I called to make sure everything was ready, Tina assured me it was and we could meet her at 5:30 to sign everything and file. My train was running a few minutes late, but I got there right at 5:30. Justin was already waiting for me. We walked in and the receptionist told us Tina had just stepped out. She had no idea where she had gone, but kept telling us she would be right back. What? How do you know she'll be right back, you don't even know where she went? And we had an appointment! The manager came out and started walking up and down the strip looking for her. She came back in at 5:45. Then she asked me many of the same things, all over again. But alas, we <em>finally </em>signed and were able to file. Plus, we never have to go back again! Now I know this was another complaining entry, but this is just another fine example of how things are different here. There were many other little incidents that kind of irked us, or that were completely Philly, but guess you had to be here ; ) But don't come.Pam Odomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596231761155914586noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5470772656832251129.post-78944951538345938072011-02-15T16:56:00.000-08:002011-02-16T02:29:53.920-08:00Valentine's DayJustin and I have never been one of those couples who goes crazy for Valentine's Day. I know it sounds cliche, but we have never felt like we need to have a special day to express our love with cards or nice things, we do that year round. But I was surprised with a beautiful card and a heart full of my favorite candy, Reese's Cups, on Friday night when I got home from work. We had already planned on making steaks for dinner either Saturday or Sunday night, but when we settled on Sunday, it quickly transitioned into a special Valentine's candlelight dinner. We recently purchased an <a href="http://www.google.com/products/catalog?rlz=1T4DKUS_enUS293US302&q=indoor+grill&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=14303437282623401528&ei=KCNbTciwIsH_lger9fzSDA&sa=X&oi=product_catalog_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CFYQ8wIwAA#">indoor grill </a>and were happy to put it to use with the delicious steak. Here is a picture of the indoor grillmaster.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574085706873986818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7I8ElZ7YLOUq8rvbN3dVd4mTg9pnnPin-SNc988gBm5n5ocwo6h1OkM7DuAdqF0IJBsrrwwWK9nCt0i9EuwFTs_VKDldZQSXDp00xRa9-1tcIpF8DJwK62HfNbbsYsI9LYKBXRtjXieLd/s400/Valentine2011+001.JPG" border="0" /><br />The grill did a pretty nice job for our medium rare steaks. Here is a close up of the grill and grill lines. Justin had seasoned the steaks with Montreal Steak Seasoning earlier that morning for some added flavor.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwIjHd6FJWFpJFOwHx7RUAqox4G8q9oBlIF_-pI6iXm9skWSJDFroizzwUyuu1YMO6kf9aeZYeDXwIlXTiE3qST25QCwrTM7adZd6kE7U6WHMCebNFTOj9RiqE3-idvbWIpHeWQnvnkzkl/s1600/Valentine2011+002.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574085695821660898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwIjHd6FJWFpJFOwHx7RUAqox4G8q9oBlIF_-pI6iXm9skWSJDFroizzwUyuu1YMO6kf9aeZYeDXwIlXTiE3qST25QCwrTM7adZd6kE7U6WHMCebNFTOj9RiqE3-idvbWIpHeWQnvnkzkl/s400/Valentine2011+002.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />The side dishes included some wedged red potatoes and brussel sprouts. We have recently discovered our like (love is a pretty strong word people!) of brussel sprouts. We cut them in half and then Justin sauteed them in about a tablespoon of EVOO. Then we baked them for about 20 minutes and added some toasted slivered almonds. Very tasty!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj501qfC2XeRhHJtM3jAMqWXHNJa6XnYvogpCAwDPaBFKNLr1MO28n8FUhBafOvf09MC0GToct4JQCM00aVgvim4sU9QT-9MnosvzXh7Tk5gfkJobb2Qrh_w2mr0Sf5MW9MQLnZMqrXbCxE/s1600/Valentine2011+003.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574085690642099810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj501qfC2XeRhHJtM3jAMqWXHNJa6XnYvogpCAwDPaBFKNLr1MO28n8FUhBafOvf09MC0GToct4JQCM00aVgvim4sU9QT-9MnosvzXh7Tk5gfkJobb2Qrh_w2mr0Sf5MW9MQLnZMqrXbCxE/s400/Valentine2011+003.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4p6W7-_e1_yKs8oHPqCJYRvcAOmctJO0bcxFxlUfhzDgn7WMyjEhqH7cMdYlWXwaZLPt-MuOCCwvceiKhWQkZxFjjUOtRXkvnrr3ViwZUe54288PNO7H3x6zNbnlhJ5ax7o3GoivI5kde/s1600/Valentine2011+004.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574085687881644482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4p6W7-_e1_yKs8oHPqCJYRvcAOmctJO0bcxFxlUfhzDgn7WMyjEhqH7cMdYlWXwaZLPt-MuOCCwvceiKhWQkZxFjjUOtRXkvnrr3ViwZUe54288PNO7H3x6zNbnlhJ5ax7o3GoivI5kde/s400/Valentine2011+004.JPG" border="0" /></a> It was a very delicious and romantic meal, with some soft jazz Muzak in the background. Happy Valentine's Day Love. You are the love of my life and my best friend, looking forward to spending many more special days with you!</div><div><br />Hope you had a nice Valentine's Day and were sure to tell those you love how special they are to you. </div></div>Pam Odomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596231761155914586noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5470772656832251129.post-33040654805386547872011-02-07T17:46:00.000-08:002011-02-07T17:52:56.962-08:00Low Impact Snow Zone Update<a href="http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/parking.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 550px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 386px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/parking.jpg" border="0" /></a> Many of you may remember my <a href="http://theodomodyssey.blogspot.com/2010/11/low-impact-snow-zone.html">earlier post about the snowfall in Philadelphia</a>. As of January 18, the snowfall was 22.1", that is 5.9" above the normal. We have had a few big snowstorms which have made the commute quite stressful. I have figured out how to drive to work, where the best (read cheapest) parking can be found, schedules for a bus, train and subway. My wonderful husband gets up early to clean off and warm up my car. There has been a lot of weather anxiety going on over here. And I am not an anxious person!! To top it off, I work at a hospital and am considered essential staff. That means I am required to be there, no matter what the weather is or how hard it is to get into work, or its a day without pay.<br /><br />About a week and a half ago, we got a huge storm. It had snowed all night and there was at least a foot. I got up extra early, like 4:45 AM, to check the situation. The train was delayed, but running. Justin got out nice and early to start digging my car out. I joined him once I was ready for work. After about an hour of shoveling, by both of us, and multiple attempts to get both cars out, we were stuck. We were tired, sweaty and defeated. I had to call in, which felt pretty bad. I didn't want to leave my co-workers hanging, but I couldn't get out of my parking lot. To top it all off, a car had gotten stuck in the exit driveway so the plow truck couldn't even get in/out. I will admit, I did enjoy a snow day home with my husband, and let's not forget <a href="http://theodomodyssey.blogspot.com/2010/12/snow-dog.html">Scout the Snow Dog</a> (who had a blast by the way, bounding through 3 foot drifts), but it was kind of ridiculous. Justin spent about another hour helping neighbors shovel and push out their stuck cars. And then once people had spots shoveled, they began reserving them with lawn or camp chairs. And if you didn't, your assigned spot could be gone next time you came home. So we had to do the same, put out a chair in order to have a spot saved.<br /><br />We haven't needed to use our chains yet, but at least we're ready, I guess. Hope you are staying safe and warm this winter season.Pam Odomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596231761155914586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5470772656832251129.post-16927982739144133812010-12-28T15:59:00.000-08:002010-12-28T16:02:05.021-08:00Snow Dog 2.0Here are a few more pictures. He loves running in the snow and then jumping full force into a drift. The second picture is of him trying to find his tennis ball. He's really getting down there!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijXqOul7fv4-2trydgQaWade3Av8gsLktEPDmsnmV1FG5QM28ivpuXpyk3Eb8X8ll2ulaP9FxcrSLg3dBhJ6hnmP21dSr1K8GcTrUpXmQDzGospO7z-g9o6qI6pR3ncw0mQOgd9hGByLm0/s1600/IMG00073-20101228-1010.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555887375548537858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijXqOul7fv4-2trydgQaWade3Av8gsLktEPDmsnmV1FG5QM28ivpuXpyk3Eb8X8ll2ulaP9FxcrSLg3dBhJ6hnmP21dSr1K8GcTrUpXmQDzGospO7z-g9o6qI6pR3ncw0mQOgd9hGByLm0/s400/IMG00073-20101228-1010.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWR5YoHRRTrhB_5u4rBRdT6s6qC28bH4p2pzmUue5dcCz1TVTlE3MDBrf2T28pIY_U52J6bmNf4MPkN8UQZNbuASo6zVgpDL_jwgWurVamKWucFEK3vR82KDwHelB-dkFPIeepg9Uv3aEW/s1600/IMG00074-20101228-1018.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555887371303399282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWR5YoHRRTrhB_5u4rBRdT6s6qC28bH4p2pzmUue5dcCz1TVTlE3MDBrf2T28pIY_U52J6bmNf4MPkN8UQZNbuASo6zVgpDL_jwgWurVamKWucFEK3vR82KDwHelB-dkFPIeepg9Uv3aEW/s400/IMG00074-20101228-1018.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div></div></div>Pam Odomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596231761155914586noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5470772656832251129.post-55502465786350348192010-12-28T15:40:00.001-08:002010-12-28T15:55:58.442-08:00Snow DogScout is a Snow Dog. He has been snow-shoeing a few times, but since we didn't get a lot of snow in Seattle, he hasn't had a ton of time to play in it. That was until we moved to the East Coast. We spent Christmas weekend in Ohio at my parents and he could hardly contain himself. They had several inches for him to play in and we could barely keep him inside. We'd play with him for awhile, bring him in the front door and he'd immediately race towards the back door to try and get back outside. He tried to incorporate fetch and snow playing, but this often led to a ball getting lost in deep snow and him trying to dig it out, which actually drove it even deeper. Here are a few pictures, not the greatest quality, but to give you an idea. Justin has taken some pictures with his camera over the last few days now that we are back in Philadelphia and had a bad winter storm, you know, in our <a href="http://theodomodyssey.blogspot.com/2010/11/low-impact-snow-zone.html">low impact snow zone</a>. I'll try and get those up too. Hope you are staying safe and warm this winter season. And Happy New Year!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjNb1hQONhkdYgCxQcJGy8APlWflK8lsEsk9U0WneYtSrDNKz3fIBYWCZxdJBA6ZW5sYVKekTo2muNx7Nuy66aYjtErmpTM9QFJwWc29kGaVblXHEG-M93pUoi4uwS8q2GpiwyR0nHjt8S/s1600/Winter2010+004.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555882622166654594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjNb1hQONhkdYgCxQcJGy8APlWflK8lsEsk9U0WneYtSrDNKz3fIBYWCZxdJBA6ZW5sYVKekTo2muNx7Nuy66aYjtErmpTM9QFJwWc29kGaVblXHEG-M93pUoi4uwS8q2GpiwyR0nHjt8S/s400/Winter2010+004.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSycEP2fV6jnlxEYkbO4FTF_vZRGPBti6pqmpe6tCCT_zafDgQ_czGvtb0QZ4FVbbIRcGKonvlc-dEpLnHi1Ep4QcdnBqvVDsjpK0ApzjKgtcU4TZxe319RKKmpCQizo5j1agu2ReG5vLl/s1600/Winter2010+007.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555882617669541442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSycEP2fV6jnlxEYkbO4FTF_vZRGPBti6pqmpe6tCCT_zafDgQ_czGvtb0QZ4FVbbIRcGKonvlc-dEpLnHi1Ep4QcdnBqvVDsjpK0ApzjKgtcU4TZxe319RKKmpCQizo5j1agu2ReG5vLl/s400/Winter2010+007.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDD1UFHRKOru4HHBz65kM4i83pJ6tMPeGthnowHr_ZAbRAfnxjknlQQfrWMDTPgehxFntq8nfHBIY03XLtD_dS6I4kNo45GcCIsmisWR5MuddVLvpOHNGGfzxLljiGHYgoMDxD46WIkkBZ/s1600/Winter2010+009.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555882612276885730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDD1UFHRKOru4HHBz65kM4i83pJ6tMPeGthnowHr_ZAbRAfnxjknlQQfrWMDTPgehxFntq8nfHBIY03XLtD_dS6I4kNo45GcCIsmisWR5MuddVLvpOHNGGfzxLljiGHYgoMDxD46WIkkBZ/s400/Winter2010+009.JPG" border="0" /></a></div></div>Pam Odomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596231761155914586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5470772656832251129.post-19814924554937678772010-12-14T12:07:00.000-08:002010-12-14T12:11:27.087-08:00New ToyScout with one of his new "sports ball tug" toys. Doubles as a pillow. Love that guy!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifsVc6luzSW_WGgqsmboD2JWZhzJ8z4Tb5bOumJ0FAsEaq8HUhI08W1nmzYxUZHi5s6IXvuY2RlUVqIeML3Fr0oZHZNebadY83Lj0MNVQTnNhGPw6i0SwDQOphqGL_9tA1HmeaCKK4shVc/s1600/FallWinter2010-11+002.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550632470345895378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifsVc6luzSW_WGgqsmboD2JWZhzJ8z4Tb5bOumJ0FAsEaq8HUhI08W1nmzYxUZHi5s6IXvuY2RlUVqIeML3Fr0oZHZNebadY83Lj0MNVQTnNhGPw6i0SwDQOphqGL_9tA1HmeaCKK4shVc/s400/FallWinter2010-11+002.JPG" border="0" /></a>Pam Odomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596231761155914586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5470772656832251129.post-53807364718057429212010-12-14T11:23:00.001-08:002010-12-14T12:06:51.772-08:00Make Your Own Sushi NightWhen I was in OT school I worked part time at a Japanese Steakhouse. It was a fun place to work, plus <em>delicious</em> food, but one of the best things I picked up during my tenure was how to make sushi. I was never great at it, but had the basics down and knew many of the basic rolls and techniques. I have hosted a few "Asian feast" nights with friends, practicing some rolls and pieces, but it had been awhile. We found out one of Justin's classmates and his wife liked sushi and were up for learning how to make it. I returned to the delightful Reading Terminal Market for some fresh fish and supplies and prepared for a fun night of sushi making and fellowship with friends. Everyone made their own roll with their favorite ingredients and by the end, everyone was pretty stuffed. Fun time!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIjwlDZVWeRi1GslCzdhc3pHEJbI-X9TU8ikObJApN_pL-6tKfSXTPnKYSzZqITfth5epBikiS9PmUmoEpsedZ60G-iB10WylLIATI98KI0g4oOOHe8BKyDX3-dxndi66NRmzA8munmrIT/s1600/FallWinter2010-11+027.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550628691637020002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIjwlDZVWeRi1GslCzdhc3pHEJbI-X9TU8ikObJApN_pL-6tKfSXTPnKYSzZqITfth5epBikiS9PmUmoEpsedZ60G-iB10WylLIATI98KI0g4oOOHe8BKyDX3-dxndi66NRmzA8munmrIT/s400/FallWinter2010-11+027.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieX71iI7gI3dGundWUwlZc9OG314WyNxum5UpD3f1kUZGtYzh1Ir_blXHND2ZL7jrl5nvNXA2UIa6DBKL9JLjABHTq1i60zA_VaqDWrp6H1THteH7We0Q2UNmQhgc70MM3n1E3p8PJWPAJ/s1600/FallWinter2010-11+029.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550628670089765346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieX71iI7gI3dGundWUwlZc9OG314WyNxum5UpD3f1kUZGtYzh1Ir_blXHND2ZL7jrl5nvNXA2UIa6DBKL9JLjABHTq1i60zA_VaqDWrp6H1THteH7We0Q2UNmQhgc70MM3n1E3p8PJWPAJ/s400/FallWinter2010-11+029.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvTbbyNxcojGyBYhZTXkEDMBI-fLpdPAtRtebhgXCCJmGA4El4VX6DxGj8HB64ivSkURcsNFsm6LCwrijY0yqiBE1d-EPd03c2UJpw9qjNjSygo43tPoaUycdEDlC2dHK4Hvk_1zY9lnz7/s1600/FallWinter2010-11+035.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550628663529086290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvTbbyNxcojGyBYhZTXkEDMBI-fLpdPAtRtebhgXCCJmGA4El4VX6DxGj8HB64ivSkURcsNFsm6LCwrijY0yqiBE1d-EPd03c2UJpw9qjNjSygo43tPoaUycdEDlC2dHK4Hvk_1zY9lnz7/s400/FallWinter2010-11+035.JPG" border="0" /></a></div></div>Pam Odomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596231761155914586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5470772656832251129.post-7754429656215708262010-12-14T10:53:00.000-08:002010-12-14T11:22:18.574-08:00Thanksgiving WeekendA few weeks ago my mom and step dad made it down to Philadelphia for Thanksgiving. It was the first time they had been here since we moved. We did a traditional turkey dinner with all the regular dishes. The turkey turned out pretty well, even though it took over 2 hours longer than we had planned for. Here is the set table, with hand made name cards and all. I'll take any chance I can to do papercrafting :)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVErAxwfXqC9ehDLuSZrWTjb0iSi-GwASCyGU3NGdeibGJ5LG0XziBV62hJ0XrbnP7IIZg27EdUqbXbwy6mCdrhfap0RNSdtLUCVDbqPWy-7B5pVK1_-XRo6Fv8g7uyUUimAjfBhTiW4Qt/s1600/FallWinter2010-11+010.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550614390366340402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVErAxwfXqC9ehDLuSZrWTjb0iSi-GwASCyGU3NGdeibGJ5LG0XziBV62hJ0XrbnP7IIZg27EdUqbXbwy6mCdrhfap0RNSdtLUCVDbqPWy-7B5pVK1_-XRo6Fv8g7uyUUimAjfBhTiW4Qt/s400/FallWinter2010-11+010.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Saturday we went into the city to tour around. We stopped by The Liberty Bell, walked around the court house where the first Supreme Court met, and spent some time at <a href="http://www.readingterminalmarket.org/">Reading Terminal Market</a>, a really cool indoor farmer's market that has just about any type of food you could want. They also had a large train display set up for the Christmas season.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1msw2Ct-b7Ee_1KlesGq_AN_P-yLp05wlWPMuwO_NUimfmds9JW73J2g2WPeLBZX3y_4IWh0zOpyO9qc_3hNj1HGh5djgy1v2-jyfgi7HszmLsWZTKssj8XuFx-PIhCtAJh5zLj-OSjS_/s1600/FallWinter2010-11+013.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550614388894331410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1msw2Ct-b7Ee_1KlesGq_AN_P-yLp05wlWPMuwO_NUimfmds9JW73J2g2WPeLBZX3y_4IWh0zOpyO9qc_3hNj1HGh5djgy1v2-jyfgi7HszmLsWZTKssj8XuFx-PIhCtAJh5zLj-OSjS_/s400/FallWinter2010-11+013.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAlE-U1W9EJFCFI-cxgp7kuYpcZTHGY6murDGMvdqAyEMJ_vJ7yqtLIGKB9EfL_77wCXcPGgHgK0OIAEjUpOg4Hr-oqs7yAe6kT0WLanZtXSSt06bTsabCwv5ZddW8vAYRtZ_leuBy5G1G/s1600/FallWinter2010-11+017.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550614383175336738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAlE-U1W9EJFCFI-cxgp7kuYpcZTHGY6murDGMvdqAyEMJ_vJ7yqtLIGKB9EfL_77wCXcPGgHgK0OIAEjUpOg4Hr-oqs7yAe6kT0WLanZtXSSt06bTsabCwv5ZddW8vAYRtZ_leuBy5G1G/s400/FallWinter2010-11+017.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnZEsjJBk3ZsMUb8eGkaEOC42XuJHG0hALdCUx7eAwlngSCsm4pfTvm-U_fIR109WoQK-PBTUPxAud-8RxMBUDvLIf79hEISmVvsQT-hjTlozrMmdT7IQ4ejhM-YJq3GvaYS90H84UeiF3/s1600/FallWinter2010-11+024.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550614380295235650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnZEsjJBk3ZsMUb8eGkaEOC42XuJHG0hALdCUx7eAwlngSCsm4pfTvm-U_fIR109WoQK-PBTUPxAud-8RxMBUDvLIf79hEISmVvsQT-hjTlozrMmdT7IQ4ejhM-YJq3GvaYS90H84UeiF3/s400/FallWinter2010-11+024.JPG" border="0" /></a> Tickets were sold out for the the tour of Independence Hall, but maybe next time. Thanks for coming Mom and Jack, it was a lovely visit. </div></div></div>Pam Odomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596231761155914586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5470772656832251129.post-78454063324408135632010-11-21T13:44:00.001-08:002010-11-21T13:59:30.542-08:00Low Impact Snow Zone<a href="http://images.intellicast.com/App_Images/Article/222_1.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 475px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 359px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://images.intellicast.com/App_Images/Article/222_1.jpg" border="0" /></a>We are getting ready for an East Coast winter. Snow boots have arrived, I am trying to find an alternate commute in case my train isn't running, and we went to purchase chains for Justin's car. The route he takes to school has a few Emergency Snow Route roads and we want him to get to school safely. I already had chains for my car, purchased when I went to Montana for Christmas several years ago. I understand that many people here get snow tires or studded tires, but we were trying to save some time, hassle, and money so went to look for chains.<br /><br />We went to our local Pepboys Auto Store, despite our <a href="http://theodomodyssey.blogspot.com/2010/06/transition.html">previous negative experience</a>. This was the closest and most convenient parts store. You'd think we'd have learned our lesson from all the other things that have gone wrong since living here, but alas, we just went to the store expecting to get what we wanted.<br /><br />We looked around for a few minutes and then I went to the help desk asking for chains. The salesman told us they don't carry chains because this is a "low impact snow zone." Are you kidding me? Philadelphia? The same city that by February 10, 2010 broke its snowfall record with a whopping 70.3 inches? The salesman proceeded to tell us we wouldn't need them. He's lived here a long time and has never needed them. What happened to trying to sell product to your customer?<br /><br />I understand the city has plows, salt, etc. . . to help make the roads safer, but really, no chains? Not to worry though, my in-laws found some on Amazon for us so we will be good to go out and brave the roads. Hope you enjoyed the photo at the top, taken during Philadelphia's Snowmageddon of 2010.Pam Odomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596231761155914586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5470772656832251129.post-2337769198450796552010-11-18T16:59:00.000-08:002010-11-18T17:16:15.881-08:00Southwestern Chicken SoupI have never been all that great in the kitchen. I like the idea of cooking and trying new things, but when it comes down to planning it all out and actually executing it, I haven't been very successful. Or shall I say motivated? Until this past month. I felt like we were kind of in a rut for our evening meal rotation and I wanted a change. I am all for eating more healthy options, but not at the cost of taste. I also find that so many recipes call for too many ingredients and not stuff that we typically stock. I took some time at Barnes & Noble to select a few cookbooks, ones with healthier options, limited ingredients and for busy people. I had already been doing a monthly meal calendar which definitely helped with grocery shopping/budgeting, but this month I added 3-4 new recipes to each week and wanted to share one of my new favorites. It is super easy, makes a lot, and best of all, is really delicious. Give it a try!<br /><br />Southwestern Chicken Soup<br /><ul><li>2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite size pieces</li><li>3 quarts water</li><li>12 chicken bouillon cubes</li><li>2 cups salsa</li><li>1 box Spanish rice (I used Rice-a-Roni)</li></ul><p>In a large pot mix the chicken, water, bouillon, salsa and Spanish rice. Bring to a boil. Boil 3 to 4 minutes. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Serve hot.</p><p>Suggested side- corn bread</p><p>A 1 cup serving has 110 calories, 4 g fat, 30 mg cholesterol, 10 g carbs, 13 g protein and 1088 mg sodium. </p><p>Enjoy and let me know if you have any tasty, quick recipes to share. </p>Pam Odomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596231761155914586noreply@blogger.com1