tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15770390686063779952024-03-12T22:11:16.510-05:00Teresa's Garden SongThere is a happiness in creating. Plants and flowers are
like musical instruments. Together their notes create an arrangement.
In this context, as gardener, I am a conductor and
my garden song sings to my soul.Teresa's New Leafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16781982976634416422noreply@blogger.comBlogger123125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1577039068606377995.post-40251364629411763622017-09-12T10:01:00.000-05:002017-09-12T10:01:02.109-05:00A Garden Cemetery<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jU6yqJZoPvE/Wbf0Yu5OovI/AAAAAAAACvo/4Nvy_Sa_IHU_BWDQJd37RINAjnEaDM7cwCLcBGAs/s1600/TGS-20170912v1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jU6yqJZoPvE/Wbf0Yu5OovI/AAAAAAAACvo/4Nvy_Sa_IHU_BWDQJd37RINAjnEaDM7cwCLcBGAs/s320/TGS-20170912v1.png" width="240" /></a>Well that's an odd name for a post you say and I agree!<br />
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On a recent trip to Germany, sitting in the office and just wanting a break, a coworker suggested that I walk two blocks to a flower shop and then stroll through the cemetery. Yup, that is the go-to place for people in this industrial/commercial complex to take a walk.<br />
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As I headed off in that direction, I could see other office workers heading in the same direction - or coming back from that path. How had I never noticed this in my part visits here?<br />
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The little flower shop was closed - but I pressed onward.<br />
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Sure enough just past the flower shop was a small but well beaten pathway into what appeared to be a wooded lot.<br />
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Then Viola!<br />
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Much to my surprise - the cemetery was like a garden. So much so that there were watering stations complete with watering cans to facilitate the maintenance of your loved one's garden. I was told that many if not most cemeteries in this country are that way.<br />
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How efficient to have watering locations and watering cans available for the public to use!<br />
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Each space takes on it's own personality. Many have heavy use of ground cover and evergreens. Each well maintained and clipped to the space. In the lower right hand side of the photo below - one takes on a bit more natural approach. <br />
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Aisle after aisle of both beautiful garden-ettes, and wonderful memories of loved ones. I ran into a few people who were gardening. I talked to one woman who was placing flowers on a grave who said that she didn't know the person - but every time she takes a walk here she places flowers on a different grave to thank them for sharing their home with her. The prevalence of fresh flowers all over might suggest that she is not the only one who shares that custom.<br />
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This space below was one of my favorites - if only because the grave stones were also natural in appearance. Largely unpolished markets with subtle wording included - not only in the large family market in the center-right, but also the smaller stones on either side. </div>
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Take Care My Friends.<br />
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Teresa Marie<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://chicagomastergardner.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default?alt=rss/
</div>Teresa's New Leafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16781982976634416422noreply@blogger.com4Mannheim, Germany49.4874592 8.466039499999965349.322461200000006 8.1433159999999649 49.6524572 8.7887629999999657tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1577039068606377995.post-27254892362806109172017-01-30T09:03:00.001-06:002017-02-06T08:17:37.761-06:00Review Glessner House - Chicago Historic Site<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A tour of <a href="http://www.glessnerhouse.org/" target="_blank">Glessner House</a>, in Chicago's Prairie District had been on my bucket list for a few years. Glad to have completed the tour and experience early in 2017. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #453636; font-size: 17px;">Prairie Avenue, once known as “millionaires’ row” </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #453636; font-size: 17px;">began subdivision in the 1850s. Chicago icons George Pullman and Marshall Field helped establish Prairie Avenue as Chicago’s premier residential street. Alas by the 1910's the area had fallen out of fashion as the city grew - and today only a few of the original houses remain. Luckily with the rebirth of the south-side- live seems good in the area.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The exterior of the house I found stark contrast to other homes of the period and on the street. This was the intent and desire of the owner and architect. Lots of good history to the home design can be found on the museum website. I especially liked that the house was devoid of windows on the north-side - environmentally sound and kept more private.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The front door of the house I found to be very similar to those in the <a href="https://chicagomastergardner.blogspot.com/2016/10/kilmainham-gaol-dublin-historic-prison.html" target="_blank">Irish Prison</a> I had toured recently. A fact that the tour guide also mentioned - a desire to replicate that old world feeling! </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Glessner House Entryway - Jan 2017</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The street side exterior also is a stark contrast to the interior court-side which was washed in windows. Albeit that the grounds for this home are sparse- at the time it was near the lake and other parks. Plus the family only resided here in the wintertime - the summer residence was a farm. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the photo above, the large curved portion of the building on the left - the upper level was a conservatory - the copper roof was originally glass. This was until they realized that it became too hot. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Immediately upon entering the home, the red oak quartersawn woodwork hit me - so gorgeous. Plus all the stair railings in the family portions of the home were supprted by four different styles of <a href="http://chicagomastergardner.blogspot.com/2013/05/barley-twist-antique-furniture.html" target="_blank">barley twist </a>spindles. Love that!</span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Barley Twist Spindles - Glessner House, Jan 2017</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The first room on the tour was the library - photo below. The partner desk was used by both Mister and Misses Glessner - which I found amazing. The more I learned about Mrs. Glessner I thought she and I would have been soul sisters. She was involved in managing the business, was a amateur botanist, beekeeper, silversmith, entertainer, mother...</span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Glessner Partner Desk - January 2017</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Deskside Phone List - Glessner, 2017</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On the corner of both sides of the desk was the above "phone list." I enjoyed that the numbers were 4 digits :)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ever wonder about the slang "in the crapper" or "crap?" It all goes back to an inventor named <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Crapper" target="_blank">Thomas Crapper</a>. In a bathroom off the main hall - there was a Crapper sink and accompanying W.C. (water closet) paper. Seems that Thomas Crapper was one of the first to actually promote bath fixtures and products - hence I guess his name is now slang. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Glessner House Bath - Jan 2017</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Crapper Paper :) - Glessner House, 2017</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The kitchen was very large - with a butler pantry, working kitchen, dry pantry and large walk in cooler. I enjoyed the dry pantry was staged with canning items and crocks. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #453636; font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #453636; font-size: 17px;">Well worth the visit! Also not other historic homes in the area - <a href="http://chicagomastergardner.blogspot.com/2013/01/the-1-in-gilded-age-dreihaus-musem.html" target="_blank">Dreihaus</a>, & Dawes.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #453636; font-size: 17px;">Teresa Marie</span></span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://chicagomastergardner.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default?alt=rss/
</div>Teresa's New Leafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16781982976634416422noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1577039068606377995.post-52253483892308680182017-01-26T13:32:00.001-06:002017-01-26T13:40:33.048-06:00German Christmas Markets - Review<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rothenburg, Germany</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I had the opportunity to be in Germany on a business trip at the start of the Christmas season. Luckily few colleagues took me to Christmas markets in four different towns! These Christkindlmarkt, are <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">street markets</span> during the four weeks of <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Advent</span>. The majority I went too were around the town square - or the oldest/largest church. There was always local food, hot drinks (several flavors of mulled wines!) and open-air merchants willing holiday items or trinkets. Many had a schedule of singing and performances from local artists. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">I was in markets in Frankfurt, Mannheim, Rothenburg, and at Schwetzingen Castle (and garden!) </span><span style="background-color: white;">Frankfurt was so very large! Almost too large. The one around Schwtzingen Castle was perhaps too small. My favorite was in Rothenburg as the whole town is historic and it just felt like a fairy tale! The only downside to this location was getting there - took four different trains from Frankfurt! Well off the beaten path for tourists (but not locals.)</span></span></div>
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As you can see from the photo above - many of the streets are lined with shops that are also in the holiday spirit. Many open with special displays, offerings, and treats!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rothenburg local pub - classic! 2016</td></tr>
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After walking around town we took refuge in this bar which was decorated in fashion becoming the period of the town!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SWEETS! Rothenburg, Germany</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Teresa Marie</span></span></div>
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</div>Teresa's New Leafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16781982976634416422noreply@blogger.com2Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany49.3801834 10.18673880000005749.2974584 10.025377300000057 49.4629084 10.348100300000057tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1577039068606377995.post-81951409658907942652017-01-17T13:24:00.000-06:002017-01-17T13:24:10.579-06:00Dublin Castle & Garden - Review<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Why am I posting so many things about Ireland? Maybe it's because I'm working for a Dublin based company and traveling there perhaps a tad too much...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A colleague asked it I wanted to visit the Dublin Castle and Garden. She had me at "garden." That said, without having done any research - it was not what I expected. I thought old ruins of a building with some acreage of grounds - similar to <a href="http://chicagomastergardner.blogspot.com/2016/07/review-powercourt-gardens-dublin-ireland.html" target="_blank">Powerscourt. </a> I learned that the Dublin Castle is really a government building in the middle of Dublin proper!</span></span></span><br />
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We first arrived before anything opened - and it was perfect to walk around the exterior, linger in the garden and really absorb the atmosphere. Later in the day there were hundreds of tourists which made it a tad difficult to place oneself back in time to get a feel for the history.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dublin Castle - Fall 2016</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dublin Castle Tour - Fall 2016</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The garden, Dubh Linn Garden, at first blush, I thought it small and rather disheveled. It is tucked behind the Dublin Castle. It's a jumble of formal garden, Celtic maze and raw natural areas. There are some very interesting sculptures scattered around. It is accessible before the other buildings open and nice to view without lots of people around. When I learned that the garden doubles as a helicopter landing pad I thought, given the dual purpose of the space, they had done an excellent job! So much better than a sterile patch of pavement. Sadly the garden did not lend itself to photos...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The castle underground was very interesting - worth the additional tour fee. Nice to get more understanding of the history and see old sections. Again - not very photogenic. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The church was a favorite - if only for the wonderful linen-fold woodwork. You know I'm a fan of old oak!. Reminded me of the details I found in </span><a href="http://chicagomastergardner.blogspot.com/2016/08/old-trinity-library-book-of-kells-dublin.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Trinity Library</span></a><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. It started construction in 1807 and took nearly 7 years to build this chapel. The stained glass was bought in Paris but came from Russia. Somehow I think that is a great deal of miles on stained glass - it works well :) The tour guide said there is a secret passage in the church - but didn't elaborate. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Church of The Most Holy Trinity, Dublin, 2016</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oak Details - Dublin Castle Chapel, 2016</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dublin Castle Chapel - oak details, 2016</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dublin Castle Chapel, Organ gift from Prince Albert, Tour 2016</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The State Apartment house the government offices and Entertainment rooms. Lots of nice antiques here too :) Below photos of nice pieces and the Throne Room. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This was a nice time at the Castle - all in maybe a few hours. Great to hit it early in the day to avoid the crowds. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have fun;</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Teresa Marie</span><br />
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</div>Teresa's New Leafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16781982976634416422noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1577039068606377995.post-15399913386128429372016-10-20T10:23:00.002-05:002016-11-02T13:37:46.277-05:00Kilmainham Gaol - Dublin Historic Prison (Review)<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On a recent trip to Dublin I had a meeting directly across the street from what seemed to be a very large tourist attraction. I learned it was Kilmainham Gaol prison and that I just had to take time to go! Super glad that I did - as a fan of history and wanting to get off the beaten path a bit. This was an excellent stop. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I didn't realize much of the history of Ireland until I took this tour. The prison was built in 1787 and many key figures in Irish history were incarcerated and executed here. There could be some really fun costume/haunted house events here. Lots of details on <a href="http://kilmainhamgaolmuseum.ie/" target="_blank">various websites</a> and books. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Everyone has to go through on a tour - which is a good thing. Our guide was knowledgeable and fun. She put into context the conditions in the country versus the prison - sharing that some were trying to get put into prison as the conditions her, which were harsh (overcrowding, dirty, little food) were better than on the streets. The prison was for both women and men - noted somewhere that 40% of inmates could have been women. This was attributed to lack of employment opportunities or marriage after males emigrated. (women arrested for vagrancy or prostitution or other...)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Perhaps owing to my love of antiques like old woods - I was fascinated with the doors and metal work as you can see in the photos below.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Other Dublin / Ireland events and tours on my blog can be <a href="http://chicagomastergardner.blogspot.com/search/label/Ireland" target="_blank">reviewed here</a>.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Doors of Kilmainham Gaol</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All these massive doors off dark dreary hallways. Wondering how they creaked and sounded being slammed shut :(</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Doors of Kilmainham Gaol</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then we went into the "new <span style="background-color: white;">wing" <span style="color: #303030;"> built in the 1860s, to reflect the ideals current prison theory. Every cell is visible from a central platform and there is a great deal more light. There were a few underground chambers, like dark solitary - which we were not able to see on this day. They say this area is frequently used for movies - I can see why!</span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kilmainham Gaol - new wing</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Teresa Marie</span></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://chicagomastergardner.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default?alt=rss/
</div>Teresa's New Leafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16781982976634416422noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1577039068606377995.post-36698625673834684532016-10-17T13:49:00.003-05:002016-10-17T13:56:20.496-05:00Preserving Fresh Herbs - Part 2<div style="box-sizing: border-box;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Before the frost in the next few weeks I'm scrambling to finish <a href="http://chicagomastergardner.blogspot.com/2014/06/harvesting-herbs-for-perfect-flavor.html" target="_blank">harvesting</a> and preserving the fresh herbs from my garden. Herbs can be kept for a long time by drying or freezing (or transforming into another ingredient like a flavored oil or butter.) Some I scoop up and take indoors too - for example chives, parsley and basil. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Most often herbs are kept for long periods by drying or freezing them. Some recommend using the </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">oven or a dehydrator, but I find air drying is easiest, the least expensive, accessible to all, and keeps the flavor better. While air drying is a slow, the herb leaves should retain flavor oils than other methods mentioned. Microwaves can also start your herbs on fire (now that's a funny story to share some other time...) </span></span></span></div>
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">All herbs can be dried successfully, but the easiest are the lower water-content ones: sage, dill, savory, oregano and thyme. High water herbs such as basil, tarragon, cilantro and mint, take longer to dry, better airflow when handing, and may need smaller bunches to avoid mold formation.</span><span style="color: black; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Harvest as previously noted in other blog updates</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Cut the stems, remove insects, dirt, flowers and less than desirable leaves</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Rinse in cold water, set aside to dry. Do not bunch up at all, try to spread on paper on a large horizontal surface.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Low water herbs: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When not wet (but they will also not be "dry"), take off several bottom leaves (use these now!) to create space to bunch them up</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Tie five-six bare stems stalks together, tie </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Place on a screen or drying rack without layering</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Place upside down where there is good airflow (I use a spare bedroom)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In 2-3 weeks - presto - your done!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now it's time to inspect your handiwork. Make sure the herbs are completely dry. Discard anything that has mold or discoloration. You can leave on stalks but I like to strip the leaves and store them in jars (these make great gifts) or air-tight bags. Place these containers in cool dark places; even the refrigerator. I always make a note to check the stored containers within the first 5 days - if there is any condensate in the container or fogginess - I open and dry longer!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Yes herbs can be frozen. The process is super simple and there are lots of variations. Harvest and prepare as noted above. After washing blanch them in boiling water for 50 sec. then immediately place in an ice bath. Then package in airtight container and freeze! Dill, chives, and basil I have frozen without blanching - others seem to do better that way. A neighbor just takes the herbs I give her late in the year and plops them directly in the freezer! She claims a 50% success rate. Another girlfriend recommended placing herbs into ice cube trays to freeze first, and then puts the "Herb Cubes" into zip lock bags - this makes it super easy to pull out a tablespoon for use! She also grinds herbs into pastes and then freezes these - I started too! Think basil, cilantro, parsley all ready to go in one cube :) How about Pesto?</span><span style="font-family: "arial";"></span><br /><span style="font-family: "arial";"></span></span></div>
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<span class="ACThead4 heading4" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For other ideas check out </span><a href="http://chicagomastergardner.blogspot.com/2014/06/make-your-own-herb-flavored-oil-butter.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">my blog on making herb vinegars and butters</span></a><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> :)</span></span><span class="ACThead4 heading4" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="ACThead4 heading4" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="ACThead4 heading4" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Happy Harvesting and Preserving!</span><span class="ACThead4 heading4" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="ACThead4 heading4" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Today singing <span style="font-size: x-small;">Simon and Garfunkel <a href="http://usesofherbs.com/parsley" title="Parsley">Parsley</a>, <a href="http://usesofherbs.com/sage-herb" title="Sage Herb">Sage</a>, <a href="http://usesofherbs.com/rosemary" title="Rosemary">Rosemary</a> and <a href="http://usesofherbs.com/thyme" title="Thyme">Thyme</a> from 1966. </span></span></span></span></span><span class="ACThead4 heading4" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"></span><br />
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</div>Teresa's New Leafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16781982976634416422noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1577039068606377995.post-76671999632247070892016-08-10T08:06:00.001-05:002016-11-02T13:37:46.324-05:00Old Trinity Library - Book of Kels; Dublin (Review)<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A colleague had attended Trinity University in Dublin and insisted that, as an antique and book lover, that I take a visit to the Trinity Library and Book of Kels exhibit. When I learned that this site, the Long Room, was the inspiration for <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">The Jedi Archives in the Jedi Temple on Coruscant in Star Wars II: Attack of the Clones (where they discovered that the planet had been erased) - yes I had to go!</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qg3C8jboWN0/V6n5sA_WYtI/AAAAAAAACkg/Vidwl56zIm0yMUXXm1f_rdfuDHtg8-eGQCLcB/s1600/TGS-20160809v4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="155" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qg3C8jboWN0/V6n5sA_WYtI/AAAAAAAACkg/Vidwl56zIm0yMUXXm1f_rdfuDHtg8-eGQCLcB/s400/TGS-20160809v4.png" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Long Hall, Trinity Library, Dublin, Ireland - Sept 2015</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">These photos are from a visit in <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">September 2015.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Book of Kels - Bible, Trinity Library, Dublin</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1e1e20; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_of_Kells" target="_blank">Book of Kels</a> is an illustrated bible created by Celtic monks 1200 years ago. The exhibit has a great deal of history in the exhibit. Entry into the exhibit is times - but even then it was very crowded. A new portion of the book is shown each day. You can also see it in <a href="http://digitalcollections.tcd.ie/home/#folder_id=14&pidtopage=MS58_007v&entry_point=2" target="_blank">these digital archives</a>. Today when people barely read a book or even write a letter - it is an interesting exercise to imaging how it could have taken so many people so many years to create this masterpiece. Some say it is one of Ireland's national treasures - which is easy to understand. No photos allowed - so I grabbed an image from the digital archive for your enjoyment. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #1e1e20; font-family: "arial";">Other Dublin Day-trips and tours are reviewed in <a href="http://chicagomastergardner.blogspot.com/search/label/Ireland" target="_blank">these blog updates.</a> </span><br />
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<a name='more'></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1e1e20; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Oak Bookcase details, Trinity Library, Dublin - Sept 2015</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1e1e20; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Layer in leaded glass windows for filtered light that sets the tone just perfectly. Place a dozen or so busts of great poets and scholars along the walls <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">(<span style="color: black;">from the sculptor </span></span><a class="new" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Pieter_Scheemakers&action=edit&redlink=1" title="Pieter Scheemakers (page does not exist)"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Pieter Scheemakers</span></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: black;"> )</span>.</span> I felt smarter already just being in the room.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old Library Dublin, Trinity Library, Dublin</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Long Library, Dublin</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Trinity Library, Stack Organization Skema, Sept 2015</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I thought that all the lettering in the aisles was a clever tracking system for all the volumes. Each tall column was lettered, each self was lettered and each section of the shelves was also cataloged. One side was lower case, the other upper case. It would have been interesting to see the system on the balcony. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The second story was an after-thought, put in place by raising the roof in the 1860's. They did an exceptional job! I wonder what the index file looked liked to track 200,000 volumes - was it a big book or was it a card file? By copyright law, the library receives (or can receive) a free copy of every published work in Ireland - and also the UK upon request. Over 100's of years, that is an amazing number of books.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Long Library, Dublin, Ireland Sept 2015</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">I also found myself wondering if the ladders used to reach the upper shelves were original. Nice system to move them around in each section. Not sure that I would trust these - but then I'm afraid of heights, even if it is only a few steps on a ladder!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old Trinity Library, Dublin, Ireland 2015</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1e1e20; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Note the glass display cases. Historic documents which include an original copy of the Declaration of the Irish Republic. </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1e1e20; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In a glass display case is what some say is the actual harp that was the inspiration for Ireland’s national symbol. <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">(<span style="color: black;">added in the 18th century it's called the </span></span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trinity_College_Harp" title="Trinity College Harp"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Brian Boru harp</span></a><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">)</span> This looked so rich and oiled from years of handling and care.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close up of Brian Boru Harp, Trinity Library, Dublin</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Historic Harp, Dublin Ireland</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1e1e20; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A very worthwhile visit. It's easy to see why this is a top tourist destination in Dublin. The wait in line was about 45 minutes and the tour through the library was about an hour. I lingered far longer than most in the old library :) Shopping is plentiful in the area - albeit a tad higher priced. Nice restaurants also within walking distance. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Happy Day</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Teresa Marie</span><br />
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</div>Teresa's New Leafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16781982976634416422noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1577039068606377995.post-17468332163168146692016-08-07T17:04:00.001-05:002016-11-02T13:37:46.281-05:00Review - Glendalough, Wicklow Ireland<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tower - Glendalough, Ireland, 2016</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">On prior trips to Ireland I had gone on day-trips north of Dublin to <a href="http://chicagomastergardner.blogspot.com/2015/09/wild-flowers-of-ireland-howth.html" target="_blank">Howth</a> and explored t<a href="http://chicagomastergardner.blogspot.com/.../ireland-national-botanic-garden-dublin.html" target="_blank">he Botanic Garden</a>. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">On this trip I had a half day free for another adventure, exploring more of Ireland. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I had the good fortune to be invited down to the<span id="goog_73055192"></span><span id="goog_73055193"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a> <a href="http://www.wicklowmountainsnationalpark.ie/" target="_blank">Wicklow area</a>. This is one of <a href="http://www.npws.ie/national-parks" target="_blank">Ireland's National Parks</a> and an easy day-trip from Dublin.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Although a raining overcast day (what else would it be?) this was a very enjoyable diversion! I think the light rain kept the majority our sightseers away - the trip did get very crowded towards the end of our stay. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Our focus was hiking with a close second for good food and a bit of shopping - so it was recommended to try Glendalough and Sally Gap and then head to the coast.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Woodlands at Glendalough, Wicklow, Ireland</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Glendalough is a pretty valley with bonus of historic sites and well groomed trails and easy access. There are ~9 trails that range from a few minutes to several hours or days. We started with the "green trail" to the ruins of an early christian settlement called Monastic City. We were fortunate to have gotten a very early start arriving as the parks opened. Later in the day the tour buses were pervasive and the trails a tad congested - at least near the visitor centers.</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Please see below for some additional photos of the day. <span style="color: #1e1e20; font-family: Arial;">Other Dublin Day-trips and tours are reviewed in </span><a href="http://chicagomastergardner.blogspot.com/search/label/Ireland" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial;">these blog updates.</span></a><span style="color: #1e1e20; font-family: Arial;"> </span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wicklow - August 2016</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cemetery at Monastic City - Aug 2016</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monastic City, Wicklow, Ireland</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ruins at Monastic City, Ireland</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green Trail, Glendalough, Wicklow, Ireland, 2016</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I really enjoyed the variety of woodlands and the bogs. Although my girlfriend has an irrational fear of frogs which was tested frequently, I rather enjoyed running into wildlife including red deer. </span></span></div>
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</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">We packed in a lunch and snacked by the Upper Lake and a bit higher up on the trail. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">We hit 26k steps this day. Very enjoyable.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u><i>Getting there:</i></u> There are many tours via bus available to the area - also private hire cars. The cost is ~25 euro for the former and close to 800 euro for the latter. The DART (train) will get you in the area - but it would potentially be challenging to get to differently locations one there. It could also be an easy drive - should you hire a car, but know that the roads in the area are extremely narrow, windy, and not well marked. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Luckily my girlfriend offered to take me on the tour! It gave us lots of flexibility. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I was so nervous about the drive that at one point I sat in the back seat and "slept" so that I didn't have to see the road. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Happy Day!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Teresa Marie</span>
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</div>Teresa's New Leafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16781982976634416422noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1577039068606377995.post-1879219551187144142016-08-02T11:49:00.001-05:002016-08-02T11:49:29.799-05:00Preserving Fresh Herbs<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="background-color: white; font-style: inherit; text-decoration: inherit;">It's no secret that I love to <a href="http://chicagomastergardner.blogspot.ie/search/label/Herb" target="_blank">grow my own herbs</a>. When <a href="http://chicagomastergardner.blogspot.ie/2014/06/harvesting-herbs-for-perfect-flavor.html" target="_blank">harvesting fresh herbs</a> it's best to nearly decimate the perennials - so that often leaves me (pun intended) with large quantities of herbs at one time. That has lead me to investigate different ways to <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">preserve their freshness. Keeping herbs fresh is mostly about water - preserving water in the plant and avoiding excess condensation on the leaves to cause rot.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">For the love of fresh Herbs!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="background-color: white; font-style: inherit; text-decoration: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">Leafy herbs - like parsley, basil or mint, do not keep as long as non-leafy ones (like tarragon, rosemary, chives, thyme, or dill.) More large leaves gives greater surface area for water loss and space to capture moisture which lends to rot. So keep that in mint when you harvest or buy fresh.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="background-color: white; font-style: inherit; text-decoration: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="background-color: white; font-style: inherit; text-decoration: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">Once during a class, a gentleman asked me when fresh herbs were no longer suitable for use. I wanted to say "when they don't look fresh" :? but instead the reply was </span></span></span></span>when the leaves turn dark, dry out or any part of the plant begins to show traces of mold or rot. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="background-color: white; font-style: inherit; text-decoration: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="background-color: white; font-style: inherit; text-decoration: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">Not all herbs are equal - they need to be treated differently. </span></span></span></span><br />
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="background-color: white; font-style: inherit; text-decoration: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="background-color: white; font-style: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><u><b>Preserving Freshness of Hard Stemmed Herbs </b></u></span>- these have a woody stem, particularly for older growth. These include rosemary, oregano, marjoram and thyme. </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">When I think about keeping these woody herbs fresh - I think about putting wood in water. What happens to a log or stick that is kept moist? It rots. So for hard stemmed herbs, I find it best to keep them wrapped in a moist towel, and placed in an open zip lock in the produce drawer in the refrigerator. I also punch a few holes in the zip-lock to make sure that there is good air-flow and less condensation in the bag. I do not wash these until I m ready to use them - also keeps down the threat of mold or rot. I use this technique if I'm going to use the herbs within a week. Otherwise, I tie these up with a decorative thread or yarn and dry them upside down - I discuss that technique below</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-style: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><b><u>Preserving Freshness of Soft-Stemmed Herbs</u></b></span> - have pliable stems. These include basil, cilantro, parsley, and tarragon. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-style: inherit; text-decoration: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">Think of soft stemmed herbs like fresh cut flowers. strip leaves from the lower portion of the stem and then place them in water. Put the vase of cut herbs into the refrigerator - for longest freshness water loss can be reduced further by covering them with a plastic bag. I don't usually do this because I like just reaching into the frig and grabbing a bunch of herbs :) Make sure to change the water daily. If you keep them in the window, especially for basil (which some say should never go into the refrigerator), you may end up with the cuttings forming roots. Yeah! more plants for your garden or friends. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="background-color: white; font-style: inherit; text-decoration: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><b style="color: #38761d;"><u>Freezing Herbs:</u> </b>Wash and let the herbs dry. Remove leaves from the stems - unless it's an herb where you would use the stem in cooking (Parsley, dill.) Throw the leaves into a zip-lock, remove air, seal and then into the freezer. It's easy to break off a piece for use rather than thawing the entire bag. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Fresh Herbs - Chives</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><b>Drying Herbs</b></span>:</u> If I harvest more herbs than I think I can use right away, and the freezer is full, and I'm not making them into <a href="http://chicagomastergardner.blogspot.ie/2014/06/make-your-own-herb-flavored-oil-butter.html" target="_blank">herb flavored vinegars or oil or compound butter</a>, the option left is drying them. I will chop them up and dry on a paper towel. Also a bunch of tried herbs makes a great gift! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Here are the quick steps for drying herbs:</span><br />
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Rinse excess sand and soil off herbs. Easy option is filling a bowl with water and submersing the herbs </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 13px;">Remove the herbs and place the herbs onto paper towels and pat dry </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Once the surface water is gone, I tie them up and invert.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Place out of direct sunlight and in a spot with good airflow</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Add a pretty bow and gift away</span></span></li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Do not try drying your herbs in the microwave or oven. It reduces flavor and can start a fire</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thank you so much!</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Happy Gardening</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Teresa Marie</span></span></div>
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</div>Teresa's New Leafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16781982976634416422noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1577039068606377995.post-20989855083511423372016-07-30T20:01:00.001-05:002016-11-02T13:37:46.293-05:00Review - Powerscourt Gardens, Dublin Ireland<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dMOzeTGua_0/V51Ma9OPXCI/AAAAAAAACis/ypE_VZEBw4sm5Mf65Z3kTyP4Ux5nHeVpgCLcB/s1600/TGS-20170729v11.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dMOzeTGua_0/V51Ma9OPXCI/AAAAAAAACis/ypE_VZEBw4sm5Mf65Z3kTyP4Ux5nHeVpgCLcB/s320/TGS-20170729v11.png" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Powerscourt Tower Garden - 2016</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One a recent trip to Europe I had the opportunity for a day trip from Dublin to visit <a href="http://powerscourt.com/gardens" target="_blank">Powerscourt Estate and Gardens</a>. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">It has been dubbed one of the most beautiful gardens in Ireland and at some points in history - perhaps the world. The gardens were designed in the 1700's with rose gardens, reflecting ponds, tree plantations, long vistas and even a pet cemetery. As you can imagine over 300 years - there could be lots of pets :(</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Top-line - an enjoyable visit and nice to get out of the city. I would not say it compares in quality for gardens in other parts of the world..</span></span><br />
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Pros - a great historic site and good long vistas over the formal garden, very nice cafe</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Cons - a bit of a distance, trails beyond the core garden are not well maintained, on the bus route so can get crowded, pricey.</span></span></li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">One the way back into Dublin we took the coast road and spent time at the <a href="http://jamesjoycetower.com/" target="_blank">James Joyce Museum</a> which was quaint and very interesting. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entrance to Powerscourt Estate and Garden 2016</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Please read on for some photos of the day. Also see <a href="http://chicagomastergardner.blogspot.com/search/label/Ireland" target="_blank">my other reviews</a> of Ireland sites and adventures. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Powerscourt Golf Course 2016</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Patio at Powerscourt overlooking Italianate Terraces </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cottage Garden - Powerscourt 2016</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Overlooking Triton Lake back to Powerscourt Estate</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View over to farmland from Powercourt - 2016</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lower Terrace, Powerscourt - June 2016</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Girls Day Out - Powerscourt June 2016</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Irish Jig seems to be appropriate :)</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Thanks for Reading</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Teresa Marie</span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://chicagomastergardner.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default?alt=rss/
</div>Teresa's New Leafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16781982976634416422noreply@blogger.com0Powerscourt, Waterford, Ireland52.2467111 -7.071330799999941526.7246766 -48.379924799999941 77.7687456 34.237263200000058tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1577039068606377995.post-91211463196460788962016-07-28T09:59:00.001-05:002016-08-07T17:27:27.563-05:00Writing a Eulogy for an Abusive Parent - Honest and Respectful Approach<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Every day there are millions of people who lose loved ones. Some portion of those people, like me, may have lost an abusive or less-than loving parent and be wondering: Should I go to the funeral of my abusive parent?, How do you have a funeral for a bad parent?, How do I give a Eulogy for my abusive parent? I struggled for many weeks with this dilemma. I'm one of 5 kids and all of them kept saying "someone needs to say something." Yet nobody was raising a hand. As one of the children planning the funeral, it seemed like it would fall to me. It seemed like they all assumed I would handle it. I'm one of the strong ones, albeit a tad of an outsider within the family... </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">How could I attend the funeral for a woman that physically and mentally abused me, a bad mother, a grandmother who was critical and difficult with my children, an alcoholic and prescription drug abusing woman who had fits of rage, a woman who I believe sexually abused my older brother. a mother that put family members in the hospital with injuries she inflicted? This woman, my mom has just passed away - I was numb. I didn't want to be around my siblings. I didn't want to go anywhere let alone the funeral. I couldn't decide how to be respectful yet honest. There was no way I was going to stand up saying she was the best mother ever. Yet I didn't want to write a scathing eulogy. I wanted to be honest about her poor treatment and how I felt - that was mixed emotions. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After much deliberation about what my mother had done to me and for me - I choose a road with subtle sign posts to the informed listener of the story of my mother's treatment of her children. It's here in between the lines, in the words said or not said. Here is how I wrote a eulogy for my bad-mom who didn't really love me or her other kids. Here is how my grieving and healing began.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm posting a portion of my eulogy here - so perhaps others might have a bit of a guide to how one person approached their own difficult situation. This is a long long blog...</span></div>
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<a name='more'></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here is the actual eulogy - although a few section have been shortened. Also I generally used her first name or mother not Mom - because I thought Mom was too endearing all the time. Note that each phrase that is italics and underlined, for me, had a different meaning --- which I explain below.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;">MY EULOGY FOR AN ABUSIVE MOTHER</span></u></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b id="docs-internal-guid-c722b6fa-31a5-aee7-64ab-75cd7563d674" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My mother, leaves behind five children and eleven grandchildren and we are grateful to those who could be with us today. One last bit of “family togetherness.” Each of us will remember her in our own way. In our family </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u><i>we all had a unique relationship with Mom(1)</i></u></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. That said, while Mom had her </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u><i>favorites(2)</i></u></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, I know my mother </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u><i>treated us all similarly and loved us all the same(3)</i></u></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b id="docs-internal-guid-c722b6fa-31a5-aee7-64ab-75cd7563d674" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So let me talk about the woman that has brought us to this place. Let me share </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><u>some of the positive impacts(5)</u></i></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> she has had on me and that I find myself embodying in my everyday life.</span></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b id="docs-internal-guid-c722b6fa-31a5-aee7-64ab-75cd7563d674" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mom was an adventurous cook. Grandma's cookbook had nearly a dozen pickle recipes and an equal number of bread recipes; there wasn’t great diversity in cuisine during my mom’s formative years. That didn’t stop her. Mom ordered Time-Life Foods of the World cookbooks. 24 cookbooks delivered to our home one per month, starting in the mid 1960’s. These contained page after page of Foodie delight with background, recipes and tips for regional ethnic cooking. To create these delicacies Mom needed to find the exotic spices and ingredients not to be easily purchased in our small town. Thus her resourcefulness lead to spice distributors in New York that became her mail-order source for rare ingredients. We enjoyed dishes such as Kibbeh, Syrian bread, tabbouleh, curry, patacones, and coconut rice. ...My favorite food in the world – Nasi Goreng – an Indonesian fried rice dish, was a common comfort food around our dinner table then and it remains so for me today. I’m also an </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u><i>adventurous cook(6)</i></u></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and I pass on these family recipes and traditions and this is my tribute to her.</span></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b id="docs-internal-guid-c722b6fa-31a5-aee7-64ab-75cd7563d674" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mom was an Antique lover. My mother introduced me to flea markets, estate sales and auctions and the wonderful world of antiques. First there were the family heirlooms to cherish - like her grandmother’s sewing machine or items from her Uncle’s store. Then there were many days that she and I would pass the time going from sale to sale looking for new treasures. Starting at an early age Mom taught me to research, plan, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><u>negotiate, then buy(7)</u></i></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. Among her passions – Croesus and decorative plates. It was likely no surprise that upon my college graduation, the first items I bought for my apartment were antiques, which I still use today. My passion is a late 1800’s oak barley twist; like Mom, from a great distance I can discern a desired antique object from a sea of junk as if with eagle eyes. As an adult when we would get together, I could always count on going antiquing with Mom. My children have a keen appreciation of my passion for antiques. And that is my tribute to her.</span></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b id="docs-internal-guid-c722b6fa-31a5-aee7-64ab-75cd7563d674" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My Mom was an extremely hard-working woman. I asked Mom about raising a large family and she said the key was everyone did everything together, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u><i>family togetherness(8)</i></u></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. We all took naps at the same time, bathed at the same time, played at the same time....I do not recall my Mom sitting down in the family room to watch TV for hours like we children often did. She seemed to always be getting up to go do something. She had a determination and will which at times made her </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u><i>a force to be reckoned with(9)</i></u></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. I have strong work ethic and that is my tribute to her.</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Keeping track of five children these days would take a village – but then it was just one hard-working woman. Mom and one enormous chalkboard. The chalkboard was Mission Control for our family's operations. A three foot by four foot space that had every black inch covered with writing. Mom was the list maker and keeper of the chalkboard that organized our lives. Nobody else got to, or perhaps felt </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u><i>allowed to(10)</i></u></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, write on that chalkboard. There were </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><u>items to do(11)</u></i></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, to remember, to follow-up on or to pass along. Family priorities and future commitments were journalled there. Even when children were not living at home, there would still be items flagged on the chalkboard with their names. This list would be reviewed with you immediately upon your return. The chalkboard eventually gave way to </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><u>pieces of paper and then post-it notes(12)</u></i></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. In preparing for today I had my own list which kept me on track. My list was a constant reminder of a skill that Mom imparted to me. I’m a list maker, an organizer, and that is my tribute to her.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mom was very focused on getting value for her money; looking for a deal. Let’s use the term frugal. It wasn't about what you wanted but what was needed. I recall getting my hair cut at the beauty school instead of the beauty parlor because students don’t charge as much. I remember opening bank accounts just for the free gift and getting our carpets cleaned during the sales pitch for a new vacuum which we would never buy. Back-to-school clothing was purchased out-of-state where the sales tax was lower. Mom also ruled over the utility budget and the thermostat setting. Recently my daughter turned up our thermostat up from it’s winter setting of 62F. As I was suggesting to her that she could just put on a sweater I had a flashback to my teenage sister having the exact same interaction with Mom. .... There were always ways to economize which made opportunity for other things like family vacations or saving for a rainy day. Most importantly, and perhaps significantly to all of us, her frugalness and perhaps </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u><i>the sacrifices we all made(13)</i></u></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, provided for undergraduate and grad school funds for not only her 5 children but also all 11 of her grandchildren. Perhaps </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u><i>we were her rainy day(14)</i></u></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. I have a great education and also have a keen eye for seeking value and that is my tribute to her.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I am frugal, hardworking, organized, antique lover, and an adventurous cook. I am my mother’s daughter.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I have passed and am passing </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u><i>her best life skills(15)</i></u></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> to my children not just in words but in meals cooked, gardens grown, homes built, promises kept, hugs given, sacrifices made, and beauty shown. I, and I hope my family, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u><i>often think upon the characteristics of a good and kind parent, or grandparent and the impact that parenting has long into the future(16)</i></u></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Given all this, I know that there are many things my Mom accomplished and </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><u>did throughout her life that I will never be able to do(17)</u></i></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When I last saw Mom, she was a most serene woman. Happy to sit calmly. We played with a small puppy and she talked about her parents and happy times on the farm where she grew up (and where we put her to rest today). I pointed to the photos on her wall of a family get-togethers - </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u><i>she thought she saw, and pointed out her daughter(18)</i></u></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> (me) amongst other faces which had long faded for her. I was happy that, in her mind, when she thought of family togetherness I was there with her.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My last words to Mom were “I love you.”</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When I say “I love you” to my children, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u><i>which I do often(19)</i></u></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, I do so while remembering who showed me what those words </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><u>could mean(20)</u></i></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. </span></div>
<br /><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mom is now at peace. My hope is that in some way each person leaves today honoring the best parts of themselves which stem from a legacy that started in this community and was handed down to us through our mother. Let that be our tribute to her. </span></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here is the rosetta stone to decode the above:</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "" , "calibri" , "" , serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; text-decoration: underline;">we all had a unique relationship with Mom(1)</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"> - </span>Each person was abused but not all in the same way. My mother had a good eye for weaknesses and hot buttons and used them on each child and to pit children against each other. To the determent of many sibling relationships to this day.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "" , "calibri" , "" , serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; text-decoration: underline;">favorites(2) </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">- Favorites meant at times being treated better, but it also meant being treated more poorly too. My older brother was her "lover boy" - I can't believe she really called him that. When she was happy with him it was great, when she was made at him she would whip him terribly. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "" , "calibri" , "" , serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; text-decoration: underline;">treated us all similarly and loved us all the same(3) </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">- which is to say not much love and poor treatment, generally 24-7-365</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "" , "calibri" , "" , serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; text-decoration: underline;">sad and troubling times(4)</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> - My mom had very poor health as she aged, I'm sure people thought I was referring to that. Really I was recalling much of my youth and interactions with her.</span></span><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "" "calibri" "" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></u></i>
<i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "" "calibri" "" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">some of the positive impacts(5)</span></u></i><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "" , "calibri" , "" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">- I spent lots of time thinking about the things that I did that were because of my mother. Many skills are from her, and I talked about those. In addition, because of her abuse - I take care everyday to be the type of mother I never had.</span></span><br />
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<i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "" "calibri" "" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">adventurous cook(6)</span></u></i><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "" , "calibri" , "" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;">- </span>Cooking was often delegated to the children - at 7-8 years old I remember being in the kitchen helping to prepare meals or clean dishes. Part of the adventure was trying to keep out of my mothers way especially if she had been drinking. It was typical for her to be angry and gesturing at us with a large knife in her hand. Luckily I was never cut. My adventures in cooking are really just different recipes!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "" , "calibri" , "" , serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; text-decoration: underline;">negotiate, then buy(7)</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> - Unsaid, the other option my mother employed was stealing. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "" , "calibri" , "" , serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; text-decoration: underline;">family togetherness(8) </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">- This was a double edged sword in my mom's toolkit. Family togetherness was not generally about fun - but about doing work. I learned to hate this term.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13; font-family: "calibri" , serif; font-size: 16px;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i><u>a force to be </u></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><u style="color: #274e13; font-family: calibri, serif; font-style: italic;">reckoned with(9)</u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> - Abusive parent, drug fueled or drunk, best to stay away but not always possible. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "" , "calibri" , "" , serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; text-decoration: underline;">allowed to(10) </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">- There were many unstated rules and it was challenging to understand initially. One simply did not write on this board - ever. Also did not go into her bathroom or question all the bottles of medicines and gallon jugs of wine....</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "" , "calibri" , "" , serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; text-decoration: underline;">items to do(11)</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> - There was always a never ending list of chores. If they did not get accomplished in the timeframe specified or to the level of detail anticipated, the punishments were swift. Perhaps this is why I was so lax on kids helping me out at home. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13; font-family: "calibri" , serif; font-size: 16px;"><i><u>pieces of paper and </u></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><u style="color: #274e13; font-family: calibri, serif; font-style: italic;">then post-it notes(12)</u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> - My mom had issues with mental acuity as she aged. There was paper everywhere. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "" , "calibri" , "" , serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; text-decoration: underline;">the sacrifices we all made(13)</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> - We put up with the abuse and we kept quiet about it. We built walls. We bear the scars to this day.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13; font-family: "calibri" , serif; font-size: 16px;"><i><u>we were her rainy </u></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><u style="color: #274e13; font-family: calibri, serif; font-style: italic;">day(14)</u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> - I often wonder what my mother would have been like if she had not had so many children. She would frequently jab at us with words of discust regarding "ungrateful children." She was an only child and I think ill equiped to mother so many children. Did we fuel her into the pit or would she have gotten there all by herself? Did we bring the clouds and keep her from shining?</span></span><br />
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<i style="font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><u><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "" "calibri" "" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">her best life skills(15)</span></u></i><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "" "calibri" "" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">- I found a silver lining. I took the best and left the worst far behind.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><u><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "" "calibri" "" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></u></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><u><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "" "calibri" "" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">often think upon the characteristics of a good and kind parent, </span></u></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "" "calibri" "" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; text-decoration: underline;">or grandparent and the impact that parenting has long into the future(16) </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">- Think about good and kind, and know that the impacts a parent can have stem from all that they do. Evil parents impact long into the future too.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "" "calibri" "" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; text-decoration: underline;">did throughout her life that I will never be able to do(17) </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">- I've never been to China or Egypt like she did - I'm sure that's what people were thinking about, but I've also never abused my kids. I rarely drink alcohol, and I don't like taking any kind of medications.</span><br />
<i style="font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><u><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "" "calibri" "" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></u></i>
<i style="font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><u><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "" "calibri" "" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">she thought she saw, and pointed out her daughter(18)</span></u></i><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "" "calibri" "" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">- This was to my siblings that had excluded me, or at a minimum not invited or made me feel welcome, at family gatherings. While my mom at the end didn't remember many people, it was significant that in these photos she picked out my sister-in-law and thought it was really me. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "" "calibri" "" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; text-decoration: underline;">which I do often(19) </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">- My mom rarely said "I love you" and if she did it was a prelude to something she wanted. Hugs were also infrequent and uncomfortable. I say I love you, and really mean it, to my kids so so frequently. At this point in the funeral they both shot me a silent "I love you" hand sign and we all started to cry. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><u style="color: #274e13; font-family: calibri, serif; font-style: italic;">could mean(20) - </u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I think if we had asked our mother if she loved us, she would had stated that that was obvious and true. Love to her meant something very different that it means to the rest of the world. How could she abuse those she loved? I don't think she ever thought of it. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In a few weeks once the headstone is completed, I'll travel back to the cemetery to oversee the placement. I'm going to take some plants from my garden and put them around the headstone. It's not likely that any of her children or grandchildren will ever go visit the gravesite. I'll put in some hostas, daffodils, and maybe Showy sedums. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">That somehow feels right...</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Thanks for sticking with me here!</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Teresa Marie</span></span></div>
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</div>Teresa's New Leafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16781982976634416422noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1577039068606377995.post-50514314114844416302016-03-18T14:40:00.000-05:002016-03-18T14:55:46.703-05:00For the love of Irises <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4SBa2ALoVxs/VuxVa84-9QI/AAAAAAAACds/7UsWUMfAZccNIM2o4_3kC0jTb-j7GUMcw/s1600/TGS-20160318v8.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4SBa2ALoVxs/VuxVa84-9QI/AAAAAAAACds/7UsWUMfAZccNIM2o4_3kC0jTb-j7GUMcw/s320/TGS-20160318v8.png" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Springtime means irises and I'm lucky to have many varieties in my garden. Did you know that name iris comes from the Greek work for rainbow. I have a pluthera of blue/purple, white, and yellow colored iris perennials. Most I've secured free off Craigslist or Freecycle. I have a few unique and native ones I purchased which I'm nurturing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It's not a native flower for U.S. gardeners - its originally from Syria. While used in perfumes, medicinals, and even to produce beer and wine, for me it's purely decorative. I do have some challenges being in a cold climate garden. Not all iris varieties will do well with such a short growing period. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Want to get inspired by iris? Check to see if there is a local flower show with this theme or try to visit one of the <a href="http://www.historiciris.org/display-gardens/" target="_blank">Historic Iris Display Gardens</a>. My closed one in a state away and they have a wonderful end of season "garage sale" which I'm already planning on attending in July. Now that's planning! </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sbIZRjGuwxQ/VuxVd0IRArI/AAAAAAAACd0/7ytj1vrzBCE01_JcabKmIdMI3aekzwbSQ/s1600/Iris1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="121" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sbIZRjGuwxQ/VuxVd0IRArI/AAAAAAAACd0/7ytj1vrzBCE01_JcabKmIdMI3aekzwbSQ/s320/Iris1.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Iris - endless variety</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Here are some tips for growing iris in a cold climate garden: </span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">WHEN AND WHERE TO PLANT:</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; display: inline !important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 17px; text-align: -webkit-left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">As Iris bloom in the spring it's best to plant them in July, August or September. This is also the best time to divide and replant iris. Planting at this time gives the roots time to establish before the end of the growing season. Plant iris at least four to six weeks before the first hard freeze or killing frost. Select a location that gets at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight with good drainage and air circulation. (note there are iris that are water loving and make great additions to a rain garden, so check variety requirements closely) I have mine planted on a sunny slope on the edge of a woodland. </span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Note that when planting, the rhizome (big root) should not be buried, the top of the rhizome should be exposed slightly on the top of the soil. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This photo below is one of my favorite iris - it blooms first and is rather short. As such I've placed it at the front of the woodland garden. I enjoy having it peek out in early spring. </span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iFNjgZKcqcQ/VuxVcA5Ws6I/AAAAAAAACdw/WvE9mBMjUPEiZNR6THfdDRgwnKETC6yJQ/s1600/TGS-20160318v7.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iFNjgZKcqcQ/VuxVcA5Ws6I/AAAAAAAACdw/WvE9mBMjUPEiZNR6THfdDRgwnKETC6yJQ/s320/TGS-20160318v7.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">WATERING:</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The irises should not dry out during the growing season. If dry spells occur the beds need watering. However, iris are very sensitive to too much water. Excess or standing water can result in rot.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="display: inline; float: none; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 17px; text-align: -webkit-left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">A general rule of thumb is that every three to four years healthy iris will become over crowded and the bloom will decline. At this time, the iris clumps should be thinned. I try to remove the entire clump, refresh the soil in that area, create several divisions and replant the healthiest rhizomes. This is a good mid summer-early fall garden chore.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The shorter growing season in Chicago to achieve maximum growth possible i believe an early fertilization is best. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> I don't often have multiple types of fertilizer laying around. I use a general </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">well-balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 or 5-10-10. The American iris Society recommends avoiding fertilizers high in nitrogen as it encourages soft growth which can make the iris susceptible to disease. I apply the first application in early spring and again a month after bloom. I try to place fertilizer around rhizomes, not on them. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">As you might see in the photos from my garden - I plant iris in mass. At times I give attention to creating large beds of the same color. Other times I pop in the odd iris that is off color. It creates an odd note of interest. Just following the lead of the artist Van Gogh in his painting Irises from 1889.</span></span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">MULCHING:</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I find that it's important to keep the iris free from fallen leaves and too much mulch to keep the rhizomes from rotting. Prior to application of mulch I cut back the foliage. In the winter some mulch of pine needles helps with soil acidity but I remove it asap in the spring while the ground is still frozen and well before growth starts to appear. P</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">roblem with mulching include rodent / insect damage and "mushiness" in spring. This can cause loss of bloom from well developed plants of certain varieties. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Have fun!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Teresa Marie</span></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://chicagomastergardner.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default?alt=rss/
</div>Teresa's New Leafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16781982976634416422noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1577039068606377995.post-45704093294621835042016-02-22T08:29:00.001-06:002016-11-02T13:37:46.307-05:00Ireland National Botanic Garden - Dublin (Review)<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1Za5joAinEM/VssV1_TTsBI/AAAAAAAACcY/ZN-rcymkEvU/s1600/TGS-20160222v1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1Za5joAinEM/VssV1_TTsBI/AAAAAAAACcY/ZN-rcymkEvU/s200/TGS-20160222v1.png" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Entrance - Dublin National Botanic Garden</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When on holiday I am compelled to visit local Botanic Gardens. You can see my prior reviews of the Huntington Garden in California, then Denver Botanic Garden, the Garfield Park Conservatory in Chicago, the Bird Haven Conservatory outside Chicago... well you get the points. I love these places. So I was delighted when I was able to <i>drag</i> my traveling companion to Ireland's National Botanic Garden located just outside Dublin. Easy to reach by bus!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I was attracted to the location based on the history. The first glass houses were built in the 1700's - then expanded as unusual plants from around the world started to make their way to Ireland. Between 1840 - 1860 the major glass display houses were created. This is the same time as conservatories were springing up in Chicago. It was so nice to see the similarities and differences. Oh the Victorian / Edwardian times when strolling in Greenhouses was the best day out, and when great strides were made in understanding the plant kingdom. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Dublin National Botanic Garden</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A very interesting role of this garden was the assessment of exotic trees to the Ireland environment. Strolling the grounds these old trees look simultaneously majestic and out of place. Many of these are planted in groves - so you can see several different species of Oak tree, Larch, Holly and others side by side.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here's a quick review of garden overall - in addition I have some specific posts for the <a href="http://chicagomastergardner.blogspot.com/2015/09/for-love-of-roses-dublin-botanic-garden.html" target="_blank">Rose Garden</a> and an outdoor <a href="http://chicagomastergardner.blogspot.com/2015/09/dahlias-display-planting-in-dublin.html" target="_blank">Dahlia display</a> at the Dublin National Botanic Garden. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">All photos taken in the spring of 2015. Also see <a href="http://chicagomastergardner.blogspot.com/search/label/Ireland" target="_blank">my other reviews</a> of Ireland sites and adventures. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #252525; line-height: 22px;">I enjoyed the Curvilinear Range which was was completed in 1848 and extended in the 1860s and restored and updated in keeping with the original design. I wonder if at the time of its construction if the design was radical and controversial. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1;"><sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-opw_1-1" style="font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1; unicode-bidi: -webkit-isolate;"></sup></span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Curvilinear Range, Dublin National Botanic Garden</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">With the design- tall plantings inside the range are clustered to the center. Along the exterior are the heating elements and raised beds. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Curvilinear Range, Dublin National Botanic Garden<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jyplgBiONkg/VssV4cX_a0I/AAAAAAAACck/jvTngeIeCR8/s1600/TGS-20160222v4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="183" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jyplgBiONkg/VssV4cX_a0I/AAAAAAAACck/jvTngeIeCR8/s320/TGS-20160222v4.png" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Interior Panorama, <br />The Curvilinear Range, Dublin National Botanic Garden</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In one area I found the interior raised bed to be rimmed with a very thick root bed - not seeming to be hardscaped in place. Maybe started with some highly fibrous materials - such as palm. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Tucked behind one of the display houses was this xeriscape - a nice start with several interesting species. Our tour guide said the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #252525; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">soil is strongly alkaline which limits some of the plantings. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Inside many of the display houses it's "plants in pots" which was the standard at the time. I'm not a fan of this type of presentation but... </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One of the low lights for me was the level of care for the plants both exterior to and interior to the display houses. Lots of infestations and unhealthy plants. Many areas of rot and decay. My traveling companion was oblivious to this until I pointed it out. For example - the plants below from the Palm house and desert room - so sad. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Parting shots - one of my favorite areas was the vegetable and herb garden - a relatively new addition at the National Botanic. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dublin Botanic - Herb Garden</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dublin Botanic Rose garden - <a href="http://chicagomastergardner.blogspot.com/2015/09/for-love-of-roses-dublin-botanic-garden.html" target="_blank">see prior post</a>.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dublin Botanic Outdoor Dahlia display - <a href="http://chicagomastergardner.blogspot.com/2015/09/dahlias-display-planting-in-dublin.html" target="_blank">see prior post</a></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Have a wonderful day!</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Teresa Marie</span>
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</div>Teresa's New Leafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16781982976634416422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1577039068606377995.post-47018958490387936442016-02-18T16:09:00.001-06:002016-03-18T15:05:22.948-05:00Veg Garden Envy and Creative Ideas<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raised Bed - Vegetable Garden</td></tr>
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This past weekend I had the opportunity to visit a very avid home gardener in Austin, Texas. I have a serious case of garden envy going. Even though I visited in the off season - it was easy to tell that there was a good deal of planning and learning that went into this garden design.<br />
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From the overview photo you can catch a glimpse of the numerous raised beds, use of arbors too. Off to the side are more raised beds in the shade, a field for native flowers, a spot where a cistern is going up this year, and fruit trees including an olive. The front yard also has a man-made creek running through it for wild-life. One of the features that helps make this a certified wildlife habitat.<br />
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The beds were extremely high relative to what I've typically seen. The owner said that she planned that height to make it easier to work in old age when bending and squatting would be too much work. Love that planning ahead aspect.<br />
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Built on a small hill - there was also careful consideration to the height of the crops in each bed, time for maturation, and light needs. For example, in the front of the beds were many of the herbs for easy access to the house. Along the lower side and in what would be the shade in full summer was a spot for strawberries - an early season crop. On the far side of the garden, sheltered by other tall crops and man-made curtains, is where lettuce and greens are grown most of the year. Keeping out the hot Texas sun is a prime consideration. I visited in February and it was 85 degrees!<br />
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Many of the crops in her garden had survived and produced through the winter. That included this super large hot pepper plant. Helped by the height of the beds - but still over 8 feet tall. I guess it's true that everything is bigger in Texas!<br />
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Talking about that sun - she had created a clever curtain that was strung over the garden in the peak of summer. In some cases a flowering vine was grown, in other spots vertical gardening included cucumbers, squash and melons. Yes, melons in the vertical garden. Her tip - tie them up with old pantyhose. The hose is soft enough not to hurt the plant, won't rot, and will catch the fruit when it falls. I'm using this tip in my garden this year!<br />
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The other tip that was excellent was the use of a mailbox for storage. Keeps the rain and critters out - and puts all kinds of items right where needed. Gloves, twine, pruners - in the garden but safe! I'm always going from my veggie garden back to the garage for something or other. Will consider this add to the garden. Most likely I'll put in a cement bucket to make it more mobile - same concept a tad adapted to my garden.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Surprise! Not just for Mail!</td></tr>
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I really loved her raised vegetable garden, commitment to natives and habitat development, in addition to the creative tips she provided. She'd been at it for over 8 years. Lots of trial and error to make the garden this nice. She is a member of the National Wildlife Federation and maintains a Certified Wildlife Habitat - you can too! <a href="http://www.nwf.org/CertifiedWildlifeHabitat/UserAccount/SignIn?s_subsrc=Web_Content_CWH_GardenWebsite_Create" target="_blank">Apply here.</a> </div>
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I'm so ready for spring! Ready to start reaping the harvest from my veggie garden :)<br />
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Happy Day<br />
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Teresa Marie<br />
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</div>Teresa's New Leafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16781982976634416422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1577039068606377995.post-80690512466361657902016-01-14T12:03:00.000-06:002016-01-14T12:03:26.302-06:00Antiquing in Germany<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Friedrichsplatz Square<br />Photo From: http://www.fotocommunity.de</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have a number of posts on antiquing and also on some of my travels. Generally I end up seeing lots of botanic gardens while on holiday. This week, as I am traveling in Germany, I happened to come across a street which was filled with antique shops while out for a long walk and a little exercise!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> These shops were in the area of Friedrichsplatz Square - this is from 1800's. Gorgeous arched walkways around the square. Centerpiece garden and fountain. I bet this is stunning in the summertime. Concerts on the square would be fun!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was ever so pleased!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The stores were very well staged and had such a nice assortment of wooden goods, paintings, furniture and silver. Everything just looked so interesting - and yes, foreign!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Antiquing in Mannheim, Germany</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I often go junking and antiquing in Illinois, the Midwest, the US - I'm am used to seeing a general cross section of items. Perhaps expected - the crock pots, linens, depression ware, oak and pine primatives, etc. So the assortment was just so fresh and new - if that classification applies to several hundred year old items!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Most of the store owners did not let me take photos inside the shops - I hope you can see from the street windows just how much fun exploring in new geographies can be!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Window Shopping - Loved the boxes!!! Mannheim, Germany</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LQueG4g90Pk/Vpfe53tn0EI/AAAAAAAACZY/DBNXx8SrJF8/s1600/TGS-20160114v1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LQueG4g90Pk/Vpfe53tn0EI/AAAAAAAACZY/DBNXx8SrJF8/s320/TGS-20160114v1.png" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Barley Twist Lamp! Mannheim, Germany</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Luckily, nothing fit my budget or suitcase!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just for fun, I've attached below a fun representation of Men's and Women's bathrooms. I noticed the vertical line before I noticed the spheres :) I was laughing out loud and had to take my traveling companions over to see. We were all entertained!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy Day;</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Teresa Marie</span><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://chicagomastergardner.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default?alt=rss/
</div>Teresa's New Leafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16781982976634416422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1577039068606377995.post-77590339659160833952015-09-23T08:06:00.001-05:002016-11-02T13:37:46.326-05:00Dahlias - Display Planting in Dublin<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A few years ago I enjoyed and reviewed on this blog <a href="http://chicagomastergardner.blogspot.com/2011/09/dahlia-diversity-impressive-showing.html" target="_blank">the Dahlia show</a> at the Chicago Botanic Garden. I really enjoyed the diversity which was shown there. Dalia's were always a flower that my mother loved to grow - but my father didn't like the digging up and replanting which is required for these <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;">tuberous-rooted tender <span style="background-color: transparent; border-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">perennials when growing in cold climate gardens. </span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"><span style="background-color: transparent; border-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">None-the-less, t</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;">hese bright and colorful flowers bloom from midsummer to first frost, long after many other plants are fading away. The range in color and size is so large - flower shows or clustered plantings of Dahlias can really highlight the spectrum from giant 10-inch blooms to smaller pompons. As many varieties grow 4 to 5 feet tall, these plants can take a commanding place, a statement piece, in many gardens. </span></span><br />
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On a recent tour of the National Botanic Garden outside Dublin, I was so pleased to see a large section of their Annual Bed dedicated to Dahlias. The outer beds were all daisies, the middle beds were mums and dahlias respectively . It was so nice to be able to not only see the blooms but also understand the slight differences in height, leaves, and structure of the plants.</span><br />
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I've captured shots of my favorite dahlias. I hope you enjoy too! Also see <a href="http://chicagomastergardner.blogspot.com/search/label/Ireland" target="_blank">my other reviews</a> of Ireland sites and adventures. </span><br />
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<a name='more'></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I tend to like the flowers like the one on the right below - with the rounded petals and such fullness of a powder puff. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The very subtle color variation - multi-color pops in the dahlia to the right below were unexpected.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">These two below had similar coloring overall - but clearly different impacts. I really liked that pollinators were going crazy for these dahlias too! Not the bee stopping to take a drink :0</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">These next four are so spiky! Love the multi-color pops on the tips.</span><br />
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There was also a plethora of roses in this Botanic Garden - equally beautiful which I've captured on <a href="http://bit.ly/1KuVbFW" target="_blank">this blog post.</a><br />
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Have a great day;</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
Teresa Marie</span><br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://chicagomastergardner.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default?alt=rss/
</div>Teresa's New Leafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16781982976634416422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1577039068606377995.post-83702467488254867082015-09-15T09:39:00.004-05:002016-08-08T13:41:00.475-05:00DIY Pallet Container Garden - Large Version<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pallet Container Garden</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A few weeks ago I posted about a <a href="http://chicagomastergardner.blogspot.com/2015/08/diy-pallet-vertical-container-garden.html" target="_blank">DIY container garden I made from a pallet</a>. Then just a few weeks later I was at the Garfield Park Conservatory and saw this very large option, up-cycled pallets, in their vegetable garden. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Please do not attempt to put this design on a porch! This must weight a ton. Especially after the rain or a good watering. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That said, if my yard had extremely poor soil, or I was growing a root crop, this would be in my yard most certainly!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Same basic considerations are used create this architectural element for the garden as in my smaller version. </span><br />
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<a name='more'></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This item used four pallets of essentially the same size and configuration. The were joined at the sides by braces and large wood nails. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The liner was applied to the inside of the container versus my design that covered the outside. I can imagine someone crawling around inside the cube tacking down the water barrier!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's harvest time. Later today pulling up garlic. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have a great day!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Teresa Marie</span><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://chicagomastergardner.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default?alt=rss/
</div>Teresa's New Leafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16781982976634416422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1577039068606377995.post-20911061262205894522015-09-08T10:56:00.000-05:002016-11-02T13:37:46.289-05:00For the Love of Roses - Dublin Botanic Garden, Review<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rhapsody in Blue Rose</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In a recent tour of the National Botanic Garden outside Dublin we walked through the Rose Garden. Virtually every botanic garden I have ever visited has a Rose Garden. Roses are from China - a great export. The first "Rose Garden" occurred in the late 1700's in France. One avid (and wealth) gardener put in place a garden with over 250 rose varieties. The Huntington Garden in California is the only </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #252525; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the World Federation of Rose Societies Award of Garden Excellence recipient rose garden that I've visited. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #252525; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I generally stroll through and think about how much love roses need - and how I've never been so lucky in my garden. Wild roses, no problem, but more typical roses never seem within my grasp. I enjoy the variety and the aroma! </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Little did I know that on this visit in Dublin, I would find my most favorite rose ever - that being the Rosacea Rosa Rhapsody in Blue - shown above. This picture makes it look a tad more pink. The quest for the blue rose continues...</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dublin Botanic Garden - Rose Garden, Sept 2015</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Take a look below for some of the great rose variety I saw.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Which will be your favorite?</span><br />
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<a name='more'></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All the photos here were taken in the Botanic Garden just outside Dublin, Ireland in early September, 2015. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The rose on the right above was my second most favorite. The subtle color changes and unique shades were so engaging!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Does the one on the left above strike you as a bit carnation-ish?</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The salmon/orange one below left was my traveling companion's favorite - her second best was the pink one to the right. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know I should have probably got all the proper names... shame on me.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There was also a large planing of Dahilas which were very photogenic. You can see those items from the National Botanic Garden <a href="http://chicagomastergardner.blogspot.com/2015/09/dahlias-display-planting-in-dublin.html" target="_blank">in this blog here</a>.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I don't like getting cut flowers as a gift - I much prefer a live plant that I can put into my garden. If receiving roses, I've tended to like white roses. However, a bouquet of all these shades would be so bright and cheery how could they not be loved and well received!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Singing Rambling Rose!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Teresa Marie</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://chicagomastergardner.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default?alt=rss/
</div>Teresa's New Leafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16781982976634416422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1577039068606377995.post-31927685439524819342015-09-05T12:17:00.001-05:002016-08-10T08:14:31.967-05:00Wild Flowers of Ireland - Howth<div class="clear" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; clear: both; color: #333333; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">On a day trip from Dublin, Ireland, I had the pleasure of taking the DART (train) to the town of Howth. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Howth is a rocky headland or peninsula that extends into sea in north Dublin Bay. Much to my delight, it is an area of wild natural beauty supporting many wildflowers. Here is encountered gorse for the first time. These pictures were taken in early September, 2015. We had a perfect day walking around. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Howth has two distinct habitats sea cliffs and dry heaths. From the train station there is a bus to the summit and then choice of two walking routes that meander around the cliff-side slopes above the sea. The day we visited there where people from many nations enjoying the blue skies and colorful patchwork of flora and abundant bird life. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I especially liked the blazing yellow gorse and vibrant purple heathers - the contrast with stones and grasses was beautiful. Gorse is a spiny evergreen prone to seaside dry condition. It was so abundant. No fragrance sadly. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Howth Sea Cliff Path - Sept 2015<br />Gorse and Heather</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Read on for more sites and wild flowers we enjoyed. Also see <a href="http://chicagomastergardner.blogspot.com/search/label/Ireland" target="_blank">my other reviews</a> of Ireland sites and adventures. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Below are some of the wild flowers we saw this day. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">These blackberry bushes were so plentiful. We were not the only ones to be foraging along the trail. No need to bring a snack - mother nature provides :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">While on the trail we also encountered large portions of the cliff side which were covered in ferns. It seems that each turn gave way to a new dominant plant. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Above is more Gorse and Heather with bright white rocks of the cliff. Below is a a close up picture of the gorse, on the right hand side you can start to see the spikes to the evergreen. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">These tall purple flowers were not on the cliff side but on the walk through the village up to the Summit. The look a little bit like phlox. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The trail is highly variable and in portions rocky and difficult to pass. With many tourists along the route, some not so courteous, those of us with fear of heights may find it a bit challenging. None-the-less, the views and experience were spectacular. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Bird watching also seemed to be very popular. I'm told it's a national breeding ground for seabirds. All we saw were sea gulls and crows. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The day from Dublin to Howth, around the city and the cliffs was just over 6 hours and 9 miles walking. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Highly recommend. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Teresa Marie</span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://chicagomastergardner.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default?alt=rss/
</div>Teresa's New Leafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16781982976634416422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1577039068606377995.post-54658755205656041602015-08-16T19:11:00.002-05:002016-08-08T13:41:00.465-05:00DIY Pallet Vertical Container Garden <span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Using pallets for something other than shipping platforms is fun and easy to do. I see lots of furniture and household items created from pallets. I have a posts on a few items I've created along these lines. This spring I wanted to make something for my garden - that being a pallet vertical garden.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ym3Vf0NWH4A/VdEdCVmRQMI/AAAAAAAACEo/1GCbSTyEh0A/s1600/TGS-20150816v10.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ym3Vf0NWH4A/VdEdCVmRQMI/AAAAAAAACEo/1GCbSTyEh0A/s400/TGS-20150816v10.png" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Vertical Container Garden from Old Pallets</span></td></tr>
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I created two planters this year, one which I placed in the shade near some hostas. Nothing tall seemed to want to grow here and I thought a little vertical interest would be a nice add. The second I put against a wall with lots of sunshine and perhaps too hot for other items. The latter was great for succulents :)</span><br />
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The pictures are from the shade pallet container garden - my first attempt. I also note some lessons learned that I incorporated into the second garden.</span><br />
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Here is my supply list:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Wooden Pallet</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Additional wood (optional depending on the pallet) I used old wood flooring</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Heavy duty garbage bags (large)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Hammer / Nails</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Staple Gun</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Old Coffee Sacks or Burlap Fabric</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Plastic milk jug or other beverage container</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Scissors or Knife</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Potting Soil</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Plants</span><br />
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1) Use your spare pieces of wood to reinforce any large gaps you may have in your pallet. As you can see in the photo below, mine had only three pieces of wood on one side - so I put in a piece of flooring diagonally across this section. This is important to add strength to the structure.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h7sMfo6ZqIw/VdEdNEJwfEI/AAAAAAAACE8/6ZTqjyyx5OQ/s1600/TGS-20150816v2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h7sMfo6ZqIw/VdEdNEJwfEI/AAAAAAAACE8/6ZTqjyyx5OQ/s320/TGS-20150816v2.png" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2) Pick the back side of the Planter. I chose the side I had just reinforced in (1) above as the back. To this side I applied a double layer of plastic - the heavy duty garbage bags. I used the staple gun to attach the bags to the side and along the cross bars.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7xA_OVqIJfc/VdEdMjSVU7I/AAAAAAAACE0/6EVvvFFn4n4/s1600/TGS-20150816v3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7xA_OVqIJfc/VdEdMjSVU7I/AAAAAAAACE0/6EVvvFFn4n4/s320/TGS-20150816v3.png" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3) Next I applied an old coffee bad to cover the whole back. This was just for aesthetics.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gOzR6UP0VkM/VdEdMMePXgI/AAAAAAAACEw/xA9c8JMkgPA/s1600/TGS-20150816v4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gOzR6UP0VkM/VdEdMMePXgI/AAAAAAAACEw/xA9c8JMkgPA/s320/TGS-20150816v4.png" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4) Next I cut strips of coffee sack and applied across each section on the front. I attached with a staple gun to all sides. For the second planter, I started at the bottom, attached the burlap to the lowest opening, and then filled up to that point with potting soil. Then I put burlap over the next highest section and filled with more soil and so on. This helped to make sure there were no pockets of air. (see the other note in number 6 below)</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c3aSvQnx_W0/VdEdTLcFm7I/AAAAAAAACFM/8fC7IhR91dU/s1600/TGS-20150816v5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c3aSvQnx_W0/VdEdTLcFm7I/AAAAAAAACFM/8fC7IhR91dU/s320/TGS-20150816v5.png" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Unplanted Pallet Vertical Garden with Coffee Sacks</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That's one of my dogs who kept dropping a tennis ball at my feet through this whole effort. That girl is relentless :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5) I decided to add something to help water the garden. I chose to cut the bottom off a juice container and invert it into the top of the garden. This helped as I could fill it with water to allow slow soaking. </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MMfer81nZwc/VdEdSgJd4EI/AAAAAAAACFI/z5t7M7Slg2Q/s1600/TGS-20150816v6.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MMfer81nZwc/VdEdSgJd4EI/AAAAAAAACFI/z5t7M7Slg2Q/s320/TGS-20150816v6.png" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6) Create openings to put in the plants. In the first attempt I simply cut an opening in the burlap where I wanted to insert the plants. This was done after filling the whole thing with soil - so it was a bit challenging. In the second, I tried two different things. One - I planted as I filled it up with soil. This made it easier to place the plant and then insure proper fill with soil. Another option I used was to leave a pocket in the burlap on the top section so that the plant could be put into this pocket rather than having to cut into the fabric. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wv27UnDOZ58/VdEdVBMcgWI/AAAAAAAACFY/K6F5YSuLUIU/s1600/TGS-20150816v7.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wv27UnDOZ58/VdEdVBMcgWI/AAAAAAAACFY/K6F5YSuLUIU/s320/TGS-20150816v7.png" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">7) Plant and water - I layered in a mix of petunias, coleus, ivy, and impatiens. On the top was an asparagus fern and some sweet potatoes mixed in.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Planted Vertical Garden<br />From an old Pallet</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I thought it looked rather nice. You can see from the first photo that it grew in rather nicely. This will become a regular in my garden. I had several girlfriends "order" one too!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy Gardening! This time of year I'm listening to the song of Cicadas. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Teresa Marie</span><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://chicagomastergardner.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default?alt=rss/
</div>Teresa's New Leafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16781982976634416422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1577039068606377995.post-83437006600325126002015-08-02T21:08:00.002-05:002016-08-08T13:45:03.958-05:00Bee Yard - Helping Mother Nature<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This year I decided to lend my garden to be a<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #252525; line-height: 22px;">n apiary or bee yard. Yes please bring on the beehives of honey bees. I reached out to a few beekeeper associations and within a day or so I have several beekeepers who offered to keep hives in my yard in exchange for honey (or not depending on the health of the hive.) Bring it on! </span></span><div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X5rOOPXFw3g/Vb7Jhg2753I/AAAAAAAACCE/K6bg2JNW5x4/s1600/TGS-20150802v2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X5rOOPXFw3g/Vb7Jhg2753I/AAAAAAAACCE/K6bg2JNW5x4/s320/TGS-20150802v2.png" width="239" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #252525; line-height: 22px;"></span></span><div style="text-align: left;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #252525; line-height: 22px;"></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #252525;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;">I don't really care if I get any </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #252525; line-height: 22px;">honey well just one jar would be awesome. I wanted to let someone expand or learn their craft while helping Mother Nature bring back the bees, and potentially help out my own garden productivity. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #252525;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;">We selected a spot in the sun nestled up next to some Arbor Vitae and away from the road and pedestrian traffic. That also means away from the mosquito foggers. The beekeeper also put in a little water fountain with a solar pump so they would have a ready water source - and the mosquito larvae wouldn't thrive. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #252525; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was a grand experiment for all of us.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #252525; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;">From my side, it has been so easy. The beekeeper comes and goes regularly and only my dogs seem to notice. No issues with the neighbors at all (one is very allergic to bees!) Every few days I get to take a stroll over by the hives and watch them working, flying in and out. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nisvY6WIC0Q/Vb7JkyCjJyI/AAAAAAAACCM/k96xmYRywSs/s1600/TGS-20150802v3.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="216" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nisvY6WIC0Q/Vb7JkyCjJyI/AAAAAAAACCM/k96xmYRywSs/s320/TGS-20150802v3.png" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The New Queen Has Arrived -Aug 2015</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #252525; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;">Unfortunately, I hadn't noticed them on any of the flowers or plants in my yard. Not even the Bee Balm. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #252525;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #252525;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #252525;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;">So regular inspections ensued. T</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #252525; line-height: 22px;">oday we inspected the hives again - the weight has been low, there is little activity, there is little pollen and no brood. Not Good! </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #252525; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #252525; line-height: 22px;">So the beekeeper introduced a new Queen Bee to the hive. 7-10 days we will know if they accept her. Plus she started feeding the bees in the interim. It was an interesting concept, I had never thought about feeding bees! A little bottle of sugar water with a slow drip was installed into the hive. Darn clever. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #252525; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;">Poor little guys. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #252525; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;">So late in the season, I hope it goes well.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--hhCUxmGer4/Vb7JfIpGjuI/AAAAAAAACCA/mgmp1SZ1Okg/s1600/TGS-20150802v1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--hhCUxmGer4/Vb7JfIpGjuI/AAAAAAAACCA/mgmp1SZ1Okg/s320/TGS-20150802v1.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Hive Inspection - August 2015</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NGv_KiNlK1M/Vb7Joz5x08I/AAAAAAAACCU/QvcpzDHpqbs/s1600/TGS-20150802v4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="216" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NGv_KiNlK1M/Vb7Joz5x08I/AAAAAAAACCU/QvcpzDHpqbs/s320/TGS-20150802v4.png" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Honey Production Below Trend - August 2015</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Have a Beautiful Day!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Teresa Marie</span></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://chicagomastergardner.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default?alt=rss/
</div>Teresa's New Leafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16781982976634416422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1577039068606377995.post-67859449975792009012015-07-29T14:46:00.003-05:002016-11-02T13:37:46.318-05:00Review Bird Haven Victorian Conservatory - Joliet<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bird Haven Conservatory, Joliet, IL Jul 2015</td></tr>
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South of Chicago, in Joliet Illinois, there is a nice example of a Victorian Conservatory which was once common as part of large mansions and residential estates of the well to do. I visited the Bird Haven Conservatory and was surprised by what I found and didn't find. I very much enjoyed the visit and recommend this as a day trip from Chicago particularly in conjunction with <a href="http://chicagomastergardner.blogspot.com/2015/07/midewin-tallgrass-prairie-restored.html" target="_blank">Midewin Tallgrass Prairie</a> previously reviewed on this blog.<br />
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In particular I couldn't help but compare and contrast to Chicago's Garfield Park Conservatory which was built around the same time - but with a very different philosophy. Also updates and additions to the facilities has shown some major differences.<br />
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<li>At Bird Haven, typical to the period, plants are placed in pots within the conservatory. At the Garfield Park Conservatory plants were planted in the ground to provide a sense that one is actually in a tropical or other exotic environment. This approach was considered very radical at the time. </li>
<li>Both facilities have been updated over time. At Bird Haven a very <a href="http://Andrew B. Barber & Clarence D. Oberwortmann Horticultural Center" target="_blank">large brick structure</a> was added adjacent and connected to the site. I thought this really detracted from the historic integrity. The Garfield Park Conservatory was also expanded - to accommodate groups and catering. In this case a similar glass structure and style was used. So it seems more cohesive. </li>
<li>Updates on the inside of the conservatory were also a bit different - similar to the comment above. Some of the adds at Bird Haven, to me, detracted from the overall design. </li>
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Please enjoy the additional photos.<br />
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This is a panorama view of the desert section of the conservatory. Diversity was not extensive yet the room was beautiful and engaging. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bird Haven Conservatory - Desert 2015</td></tr>
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While I'm used to seeing a white wash on greenhouses in the summertime to reduce and manage temperatures on the interior, I know that fabric can also be used. At Bird Haven the solar barriers were deployed to block out the sun. As shown below.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bird Haven - Sun Blocking</td></tr>
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I mentioned above that there were many plants in pots dispersed in the beds inside the conservatory. The photos below give a few examples. One be looks great as one walks by - then on closer inspection the plethora of plastic pots can be seen.<br />
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During a renovation someone decided that a water feature would be a great add in the main show house at Bird Haven. In the left most photo below you can just see the waterfall - which is a nice feature. The challenge I had is that it was constructed on these massive stone pillars with extra large wood beams which seemed too clumsy for the space and time period. Plus to the side of the structure all the supporting pumps and pipes are clearly visible. Boo.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Modern Addition - Bird Haven Conservatory, Joliet, IL</td></tr>
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Parting shot - there are several garden beds outside with more native plants. A nice walk around. In this photo below you can see the additional brick building on the side mentioned above.<br />
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Have a great day!<br />
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Teresa Marie<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://chicagomastergardner.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default?alt=rss/
</div>Teresa's New Leafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16781982976634416422noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1577039068606377995.post-11903306671838786272015-07-19T17:58:00.000-05:002016-11-02T13:37:46.268-05:00Midewin Tallgrass Prairie - Restored lands park<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Midewin Tallgrass Prairie - July, 2015</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie has been on my bucket list for a while. It's about an hour and a half from Chicago. That's close enough to have a nice day trip and just far enough to take some planning. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Thus, when I had the opportunity to take a trip to Joliet area to participate in a charity bike ride, naturally I took a side trip over to see this prairie restoration. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Despite the near 100 degree weather and thunderstorms - I loved it! Around every turn were wide open spaces, blooms, bugs and a restorative calm. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This location is the first national
tallgrass prairie. It's massive at 19,000 acres, the largest piece of contiguous open
space in northeastern Illinois.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> The panorama below does little justice to the feeling you get talking around the park. On this hot hot day - there were hardly any other people there. I felt like an explorer or pioneer woman!</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Midewin Tallgrass Prairie - July 2015</td></tr>
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<a name='more'></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I have a very small section of garden I'm trying to make into a prairie with lots of native plants. This area was such an inspiration. It was started 20 years ago on the site of a military Arsenal. Several areas are completely blocked odd as they are "under construction" - this area above in in process. The photos below are other areas which were considered fully restored. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Compass Plant on the Prairie</td></tr>
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They said the most vibrant plants are:<br />
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<li>Tall Coreopsis</li>
<li>Pale Purple Coneflower</li>
<li>Purple Prairie Clover</li>
<li>Rattlesnake Master</li>
<li>Rough Blazing star</li>
<li>Wild Quinine</li>
<li>Pasture Rose</li>
<li>Spiderwort</li>
<li>Compass Plant</li>
<li>Golden Alexanders</li>
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I was a particular fan of the Royal Catchfly. The bright red color stood out so well amongst the yellow and white of all the other flowers.<br />
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T<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">he section above had a high number of Queen's Anne Lace. This is a plant that I regularly pull out of my garden / restoration area. In this setting, it looked so nice. I think I may need to reconsider.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Part of the park, as part of restoration, is still planted in farmland. Certain crops or rotations help to restore balance to the soil. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I'm a big fan. I think I hit the timing just right - everything blooming. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I also visited the near-by Bird Haven Conservatory (review post coming.)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Next time maybe in the fall and take my bike. Would be nice to ride around here and the locks/river trails. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Happy Day,</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Teresa Marie</span><br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://chicagomastergardner.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default?alt=rss/
</div>Teresa's New Leafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16781982976634416422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1577039068606377995.post-18665873081349930012015-07-14T16:42:00.001-05:002016-11-02T13:37:46.285-05:00Review Chicago Antique Malls: Part 4 - Lake County (Zurko Productions )<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This past weekend I had the opportunity to journey to the Antique Show at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Grayslake, Illinois. This is an event run by Zurko Promotions - details of which are on their website <a href="https://www.zurkopromotions.com/grayslakeantiquemarket.html" target="_blank">(linked here) </a> A really fun part of summer for me is going to garage sales, flea markets and these outside antique shows. I was super exited to head to Lake Country after a fun girls day to <a href="http://chicagomastergardner.blogspot.com/2015/06/review-chicago-antique-mall-sandwich-il.html" target="_blank">the Sandwich Antique Market </a>just a month earlier. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Lake Country Antique Show - Photo From Zurko Promotions</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I should have taken heart in the photo provided on the Zurko website - that being a very large indoor room with vendors displaying on tables - i.e. not a great deal of larger items like furniture. </span><br />
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What you see is what you get! Table with lots of costume jewelry, post cards, maps, buttons, bits and pieces. Lots of glassware too. </span><br />
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There were also about 30 stands outside this main building. Five of which were selling beads - all the same merchandise and same price points. I enjoyed the exterior vendors more - unique furniture, old boxes, garden items. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Read on the the 4th of my Antique Mall and Fair reviews...</span><br />
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There were a number of items that followed me home - two antique maps from 1860; Mitchell. One of New York City (Lower Manhattan) and the other of the State of California. I like old maps. I have one of every place I've lived. Spoiler - These are sent off to my baby in NYC so that he has some artwork in his place. </span><br />
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The other items I purchased were antique linens. Four European lace pillow tops and a tablecloth. These will be updated into contemporary sized bed set. Another project for my sewing machine and crafty self. Yeah! I've had dreams of a white lacy bed set - this must be the time. </span><br />
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Otherwise my camara did the shopping - I found lots of interesting things. Many of which I have inherited and was interested more in the price and in purchasing. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Antique Fair Price Comparison Shopping - 2015</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">For each of the items in the photo above I have something very similar at home. That makes it fun to see what the prices are and wonder if I'll sell one day. Well certainly my kids will upon inheriting. For example, I picked up copper boilers and use them as dirty clothes hampers. I have 4 of them. I have my old red wooden sled. It's propped up in the corner by my desk. I also have a very old milk can off my grandfathers farm. I picked up an old rotary phone at a garage sale just days before. I paid $1 - this one was $50! I have all the old marbles from my grandparents.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MDT1kmxG0lk/VaV-v-jgK7I/AAAAAAAAB8g/BcFEIkG2_mY/s1600/TGS-20150714v2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MDT1kmxG0lk/VaV-v-jgK7I/AAAAAAAAB8g/BcFEIkG2_mY/s320/TGS-20150714v2.png" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Antique Sale Steam Punk Glasses</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Also interesting were the old wire rimmed glasses above. None of these had any glass in them. They were being sold for parts. I have my grandfathers old welding glasses - similar wire construction with yellow glass and leather side shields. The vendor told me I could probably sell for several hundred dollars. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So I had a nice day of it. If I go back I'll take my bike and enjoy the trails the run past the entrance. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So many antique malls and shows around to enjoy. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Happy Days!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Teresa Marie<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://chicagomastergardner.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default?alt=rss/
</div>Teresa's New Leafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16781982976634416422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1577039068606377995.post-76579763167256514702015-06-25T14:36:00.004-05:002016-11-02T13:37:46.321-05:00Review Chicago Antique Mall - Sandwich, IL Antique Fair (Part 3)<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DsgIfWZYCi4/VYxXA4MMNmI/AAAAAAAAB4k/DSxXOPGicWE/s1600/TGS-20150625v2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DsgIfWZYCi4/VYxXA4MMNmI/AAAAAAAAB4k/DSxXOPGicWE/s320/TGS-20150625v2.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Antique Wrought Iron Fencing</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have given a <a href="http://chicagomastergardner.blogspot.com/search/label/antiques" target="_blank">few reviews of antique malls</a> and stores around the Chicago area (link here.) In the summertime there is added adventure to getting to any of a number of larger antique events such as <a href="http://www.sundayatsandwichantiques.com/" target="_blank">Sunday's at Sandwich Antique Show. </a> I remember going to an antique market in Sandwich maybe 15 years ago or longer. It was almost too overwhelming and too much to cover in a day. Today the market is undergoing a bit of revitalization having contracted significantly since my visit years ago. Under new management and a few years into the rejuvenation. I really enjoyed my visit and highly recommend as a day trip.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> We went for the show on June 14th 2015 and as luck would have it the day's weather looked catastrophic from the start. We drove for an hour in an oppressive downpour which lifted in the last 15 minutes of the drive. Lucky Us. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We arrived near opening at 9AM and stayed until Noon. It was enough time to visit all the booths and buy a few items :) All the vendors had a nice assortment of antiques and there were few who tended over into "junk", "Shabby Chic" or the old tools/car parts categories. Moreover we found the vendors friendly and happy to engage in discussions about the show, other vendors, and the items they were offering. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here are a few of the items that I found very interesting.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oir_p4wVWK4/VYxW_kPiI9I/AAAAAAAAB4g/WlijwdtBDn0/s1600/TGS-20150625v1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oir_p4wVWK4/VYxW_kPiI9I/AAAAAAAAB4g/WlijwdtBDn0/s320/TGS-20150625v1.png" width="307" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Iron Grill / Fretwork - going into remodeling project :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QPY3AnZ4y3Y/VYxXCEtdG2I/AAAAAAAAB4w/ocNXVM1S4vA/s1600/TGS-20150625v3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="291" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QPY3AnZ4y3Y/VYxXCEtdG2I/AAAAAAAAB4w/ocNXVM1S4vA/s320/TGS-20150625v3.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Antique Barley Twist Tables which did not come home with me!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0MzaRqy9Ado/VYxXDRUJHTI/AAAAAAAAB40/nsGyTQfYxQk/s1600/TGS-20150625v4.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0MzaRqy9Ado/VYxXDRUJHTI/AAAAAAAAB40/nsGyTQfYxQk/s320/TGS-20150625v4.png" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glasswork galore!</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After walking the fairgrounds we head into the town of Sandwich both for lunch as well as to check out the numerous antique shops there. Everyone was having a sale (classic retailing strategy) and the first place we went in had a postcard with addresses of many other shops. That was a nice touch. The table below was in one of the shops. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qvnFvg0Qd4I/VYxXEhUKBEI/AAAAAAAAB5A/KUiA99cLlPI/s1600/TGS-20150625v5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="261" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qvnFvg0Qd4I/VYxXEhUKBEI/AAAAAAAAB5A/KUiA99cLlPI/s320/TGS-20150625v5.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Up-cycled Double-hung Window into Coffee Table</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We found the food selections a bit lacking. We both agreed that there was no way we were going to eat at the Walmart or fast food - but in retrospect that might have been the best option. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next month I'm heading up to an antique fair in Grayslake area. Can't wait. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Happy Hunting;</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Teresa Marie</span><br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://chicagomastergardner.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default?alt=rss/
</div>Teresa's New Leafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16781982976634416422noreply@blogger.com0