tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55842395974771250312024-03-05T18:18:42.889-05:00MidnightCoilerOccasional Blogger
... creative pursuits, nature, friends, etsy and treasuriesMidnightcoilerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01094784605434219222noreply@blogger.comBlogger64125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584239597477125031.post-24784526025899112782015-04-19T20:31:00.002-04:002015-04-19T20:32:24.013-04:00Etteam Cooks!<span style="font-size: large;">Here's a link to the first installment featuring a recipe from my friends and team members of Etsy Treasury Team. Click on the picture for the recipe. Enjoy! </span><br />
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<a href="http://etsytreasuryteam.blogspot.com/2015/04/etteam-cooks-midnightcoilers-pasta-feta.html"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXUoq0vKIn06eD7OllDP5AU7OXyP26leLSMCs3GBJsar9wUP1yzZsrnGNaC3pYcBjsmpaJZ5gcEPs0XygSg9VTGXcXp9-gvCAp0YhUVj4OlgxiiaZmzuoGrsMK3GuKbv7peafuZLr6CXV3/s1600/DSCF2093.jpg" height="558" width="640" /></a></div>
Midnightcoilerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01094784605434219222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584239597477125031.post-67772047802874858672014-11-23T12:57:00.001-05:002014-11-23T14:18:38.778-05:00Holiday Gifts for Him and Her<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">These rustic <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/midnightcoiler?section_id=6254198&ref=shopsection_leftnav_3">Toothpick Cases</a> for him double as needle cases for her. Options with or without personalization. </span><br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/90573229/personalized-toothpick-case-special-guy?ref=shop_home_feat_2"><img alt="Personalized Toothpick Case Special Guy Boyfriend Rustic Wedding Groomsman Dad Initials Custom Order" border="0" height="181" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/000/0/5241135/il_570xN.344098608.jpg" width="200" /></a> <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/211587010/mens-wood-toothpick-case-man-cave-rustic?ref=shop_home_active_12"><img alt="Mens Wood Toothpick Case Man Cave Rustic Toothpick Case" height="185" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/058/0/5241135/il_570xN.684089946_fe05.jpg" width="200" /></a> <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/211544036/cool-rustic-slim-toothpick-case-for?ref=shop_home_active_13"><img alt="Cool Rustic Slim Toothpick Case for Boyfriends Husbands Brothers Dad" height="183" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/056/0/5241135/il_570xN.683937558_3f0w.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/midnightcoiler?section_id=5393095&ref=shopsection_leftnav_1">Star Dishes</a> in various sizes are great for holding rings or tea lights. The tiny ones are cute party favors for holding one ring, chocolate kiss, incense cone, or for parking the kid's gum! </span><br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/209233234/star-dish-stoneware-pottery?ref=shop_home_active_20"><img alt="Star Dish Stoneware Pottery" height="183" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/050/0/5241135/il_570xN.675091690_mmts.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/207724392/star-dish-wedding-shower-favors-6-tiny?ref=shop_home_active_8"><img alt="Star Dish Wedding Shower Favors 6 Tiny Colorful Ceramic Plates" height="190" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/046/0/5241135/il_570xN.669386258_e0bi.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/155812603/ring-dish-star-mini-pottery-lime-green?ref=shop_home_active_13"><img alt="Ring Dish Star Mini Pottery Lime Green Stoneware Star" height="185" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/021/0/5241135/il_570xN.476226136_i7hl.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/midnightcoiler?section_id=5393094&ref=shopsection_leftnav_6">Gourd Birdhouses and Feeders</a> make lovely gifts for the backyard bird watcher and for the birds! Homegrown and handmade.</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/184229781/birdhouse-outdoor-garden-bird-lover?ref=shop_home_active_9"><img alt="Birdhouse Outdoor Garden Bird Lover Copper Red Black Star" height="185" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/013/0/5241135/il_570xN.416465064_b1h8.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/189402092/painted-gourd-birdfeeder-green-cream?ref=shop_home_active_6"><img alt="Painted Gourd Birdfeeder Green Cream Natural by Midnightcoiler" height="178" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/021/0/5241135/il_570xN.501014184_b66k.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/38467338/painted-gourd-birdhouse-purple-nest-box?ref=shop_home_active_4"><img alt="Painted Gourd Birdhouse Purple Nest Box Contemporary Radiant Orchid Pink Stripes" height="200" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/000/0/5241135/il_570xN.333082630.jpg" width="194" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">These little <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/midnightcoiler?section_id=5393095&ref=shopsection_leftnav_1">Coffee Spoon Rests</a> hold a teaspoon or tablespoon. Keep one next to the coffee pot to hold your coffee making spoon. Great stocking stuffer--- they'll never guess what it is! </span><br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/212420553/teaspoon-rest-coffee-spoon-rest-ceramic"><img alt="Teaspoon Rest Coffee Spoon Rest Ceramic Pottery Green Spoon Rest Star Nebula" height="177" src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/056/0/5241135/il_570xN.687376855_elm2.jpg" width="200" /></a> <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/210874399/ancient-turtle-pottery-coffee-spoon-rest?ref=shop_home_active_24"><img alt="Ancient Turtle Pottery Coffee Spoon Rest Ceramic Spoon Rest" height="191" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/059/0/5241135/il_570xN.681292476_ouya.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/210958483/coffee-spoon-rest-ceramic-pottery-spoon?ref=shop_home_active_22"><img alt="Coffee Spoon Rest Ceramic Pottery Spoon Rest Molecular Fizz" height="185" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/051/0/5241135/il_570xN.681612844_khfk.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Visit <a href="http://midnightcoiler.etsy.com/">Midnightcoiler</a> on Etsy for lots more Christmas gift ideas. Handmade and homegrown gifts from nature. </span>Midnightcoilerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01094784605434219222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584239597477125031.post-78499916144078350232014-03-18T15:54:00.000-04:002014-03-18T15:59:27.243-04:00Back from North Carolina Basketmakers Association Convention!<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, san-serif, Roboto; line-height: 25px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Hi All, </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span id="yui_3_14_0_3_1395169596681_12" style="word-spacing: normal;">I'm back from the North Carolina Basketmakers Association Convention and have posted photos I took in the exhibit room. </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/lynn.hoyt">https://www.facebook.com/lynn.hoyt</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI3l-PlKm6egYFQ7WAwW84K14ADkPiQH6x22j19Wi55hJSVuKJ-bOqrEdQhJ0jW4wrRjJX3kUK_dCZeKvs0Ixx_C2wShBNcyDFx1r0-7l8uRMhQRCO0Xt2yQIPEX1K1bb8zemJp3kXzUmo/s1600/DSCF0410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI3l-PlKm6egYFQ7WAwW84K14ADkPiQH6x22j19Wi55hJSVuKJ-bOqrEdQhJ0jW4wrRjJX3kUK_dCZeKvs0Ixx_C2wShBNcyDFx1r0-7l8uRMhQRCO0Xt2yQIPEX1K1bb8zemJp3kXzUmo/s1600/DSCF0410.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGWGR5tr27fyuE0tYfR_TiRiB9RkcG2pBw65GICPv9UmJgs-8H-i2-5fe71uduLgeC9laf1WuWHLZszCoqvx7HHVtuJ9QdNSsWoeSYDLvOaYRpjAO9yfXpLcU2ESm6P7nmQzCBBG6Ex1gY/s1600/DSCF0492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGWGR5tr27fyuE0tYfR_TiRiB9RkcG2pBw65GICPv9UmJgs-8H-i2-5fe71uduLgeC9laf1WuWHLZszCoqvx7HHVtuJ9QdNSsWoeSYDLvOaYRpjAO9yfXpLcU2ESm6P7nmQzCBBG6Ex1gY/s1600/DSCF0492.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span id="yui_3_14_0_3_1395169596681_26" style="word-spacing: normal;">I had a great time, as I do every year--- 4 days of weaving baskets, shopping, and fun at the largest basketry convention in the US. Took 2 classes- a willow basket taught by Sandy Whalen, and a miniature gathering basket with felted fruit, taught by Tonya Cubetta. I had always wanted to try felting and we were taught both wet and dry felting in that class. The classes I taught were Square to Round Florentine, a coiled basket with pottery start, and Splendorella (photo right,) a tall gourd cut on the bias with a sparkling beaded rim. There are more photos on the NCBA Facebook page. </span></span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_14_0_3_1395169596681_35"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/NCBasketmakers" id="yui_3_14_0_1_1395169596681_1148" style="color: #324fe1; text-decoration: none;">https://www.facebook.com/NCBasketmakers</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span id="yui_3_14_0_3_1395169596681_31" style="word-spacing: normal;">NCBA has members from all over the US and several other countries. I encourage everyone who can possibly attend our convention to join. For me t's the most fun a basketmaker can have (and the most exciting event for brand new basketmaker wannabes,) and I look forward to it every year. </span><span id="yui_3_14_0_1_1395169596681_1149" style="word-spacing: normal;">Here is the main website with all the details. <a href="http://www.ncbasketmakers.com/" id="yui_3_14_0_1_1395169596681_1156" style="color: #324fe1; text-decoration: none;">http://www.ncbasketmakers.com/</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">lynn</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">midnightcoiler.etsy.com</span></div>
Midnightcoilerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01094784605434219222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584239597477125031.post-9209885746297982202013-12-26T11:16:00.001-05:002013-12-26T11:47:08.334-05:00NCBA 2014- Two Classes I'm Teaching <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Hi, fellow NCBA members! I'm Lynn Hoyt, and h</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">ere's a good look at the <b>two classes I'm teaching at NCBA</b> in March, 2014. With sign-ups ongoing, I hope you'll consider taking a class (or two) with me! :) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">See you at Convention!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjmC40awS0UzVqV5-GJrk9DSSL2oOKTKwRMG49Xv7UC8nYk1AtGbuKagqSuLpQToMlVhXUQx4APhJT-QLLVTMNhowmfjzam3wCrxFUgjq_qgH87PJlgA6VUSydJroZT8Pwz3ABbMeePt-8/s1600/IMG_0412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="544" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjmC40awS0UzVqV5-GJrk9DSSL2oOKTKwRMG49Xv7UC8nYk1AtGbuKagqSuLpQToMlVhXUQx4APhJT-QLLVTMNhowmfjzam3wCrxFUgjq_qgH87PJlgA6VUSydJroZT8Pwz3ABbMeePt-8/s640/IMG_0412.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Square-to-Round Florentine</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">TH-6-66 Thursday 1:00pm-8:00pm</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">You'll use natural sweetgrass and pine needles </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">to create this square-to-round coiled basket. It </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">starts with my own pottery base with a delicate </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Florentine design. You'll learn the techniques </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">and tricks for coiling around a square,</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">transitioning from one material to another, and </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">for pine needle and bead patterning. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Color choices for pottery base and coordinating beads.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">6 Hours 1”Hx5¾” dia</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">All Levels $60</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxvtB3S2hUQkFWjFftESP05y0jLJ4WgbWeV01lMriUA7d1DkmzJhVmpuTJXB1aenZMgaIciWrH3vN3rmbOSx2S9bb98R1_0cxGuIEVLmhXhEMHrDHTXLPfofSEJbvTnTBN_FW-uDk4c40N/s1600/IMG_0405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxvtB3S2hUQkFWjFftESP05y0jLJ4WgbWeV01lMriUA7d1DkmzJhVmpuTJXB1aenZMgaIciWrH3vN3rmbOSx2S9bb98R1_0cxGuIEVLmhXhEMHrDHTXLPfofSEJbvTnTBN_FW-uDk4c40N/s640/IMG_0405.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Splendorella</b> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">SU-4-68 Sunday 8:00am-12:00pm</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">You'll create the crowning glory for this </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">stately feminine gourd vessel. It starts with an </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">organically grown prepared gourd from my </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">garden. The gourd has been footed and painted </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">with a black pearl finish. Learn to weave the </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">bias cut rim with color coordinated beads. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Bead color choices will be available. Gourd </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">prep discussed and all questions answered. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This gourd is enjoyable and relaxing to weave.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">4 Hours 8½”Hx 4”dia(gourds Vary)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">All Levels $50</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh54BvUo34FsRvpaHbG4Ohxv860pToRfw2IrxS2roFpvdFjlnGE4RZcPDFqCnOQhDnyE7GwIYe0JuCWqFfidwps1uLLpPqDoYhS-DdO69L_O7PDumtDIiVwxHyeY7M_fbqS4M0epmiDxtHC/s1600/leaf40.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="50" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh54BvUo34FsRvpaHbG4Ohxv860pToRfw2IrxS2roFpvdFjlnGE4RZcPDFqCnOQhDnyE7GwIYe0JuCWqFfidwps1uLLpPqDoYhS-DdO69L_O7PDumtDIiVwxHyeY7M_fbqS4M0epmiDxtHC/s320/leaf40.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Bio: </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Lynn Hoyt, </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Blounts Creek, NC</span></b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCenGA4gcrGJrZ187oDMj43fTZPzGjxHRuF-XFPTSXXNoR8ocohYaG3qt7MxOvbmOk3gEyQDGs8iAbKxqEqHmoVtmZ89hammwm5z0xS8CN97NNJsSM1YwMP4r71U8yb4MB8UZIqsMM1fYB/s1600/Copy+of+Copy+of+lynnhoyt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCenGA4gcrGJrZ187oDMj43fTZPzGjxHRuF-XFPTSXXNoR8ocohYaG3qt7MxOvbmOk3gEyQDGs8iAbKxqEqHmoVtmZ89hammwm5z0xS8CN97NNJsSM1YwMP4r71U8yb4MB8UZIqsMM1fYB/s1600/Copy+of+Copy+of+lynnhoyt.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Lynn loves using, learning and teaching </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">about natural materials. When she's not </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">traipsing through fields, woods and </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">swamps, she specializes in coiled </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">baskets, and carved gourds, and wins </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">awards for her work. Lynn is co-founder </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">and President of the Natural Fibers </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Group, is editor of the newsletter, <i>From </i></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>the Ground Up</i>, and maintains several </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">basketry related websites. She's </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">contributed articles to Reeders' Report </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">and has served as a Member-at-Large for </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">NCBA. Lynn enjoys encouraging </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">creativity and sharing her enthusiasm </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">and knowledge with both adults and </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">children. Classes on pages 16, 34 of brochure</span><br />
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Midnightcoilerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01094784605434219222noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584239597477125031.post-5529952185614842432013-12-14T11:22:00.003-05:002013-12-14T16:43:33.131-05:00Old Fashioned Peanut Brittle<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A family favorite at our house, peanut brittle is easy to make, if you have a candy thermometer. Oh so addictive- you can't eat just one piece! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://midnightcoiler.blogspot.com/2013/12/old-fashioned-peanut-brittle.html"><img border="0" height="355" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhnkrUehSZBqp4LtigigwjNC4Pmo3xfNrp7FZKocdhL6CNWzc8GDhGsQhTxtS4L_HxD9UbskET3vuhuVSDy0SuAVgC7W6ggEk0iecA0gPMc3EGKAXacSXJz7Y86OpP88nSotosSip7D2ln/s400/DSCF0289.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 cups granulated sugar</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 cup light corn syrup</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 1/2 cups salted peanuts</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/4 teaspoon salt</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 tablespoon butter</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 teaspoon baking soda</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Measure out nuts, salt, butter and soda and lightly spray 2 cookie pans before starting.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Heat and stir sugar, syrup and 1 cup water in heavy 3 quart saucepan till sugar dissolves. ( I use a stockpot to be sure it doesn't boil over.) Cook over medium heat to soft ball stage (234 on thermometer). Add nuts and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cook to hard crack stage (305) stirring often so it doesn't burn. (The color will darken to a deep amber brown.) Remove from heat, quickly stir in butter and soda. Work fast! Mixture will lighten and change texture. Pour immediately into 2 sprayed cookie/sheet pans. Spread quickly with spoon. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Break up when it hardens and cools- 1/2 hour or so.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Makes about 1 1/2 lbs.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span> Midnightcoilerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01094784605434219222noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584239597477125031.post-9072606147660666942013-06-08T10:23:00.002-04:002013-06-08T10:23:26.050-04:00My Latest Pottery<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCDK8winQWKx141fRRdld-Y1rQGV2XspE7gH1WRoqOrn-_e8WjAxYYrIel5wg7hd4h4qbpFF27uv4Edd8avkHEbYr1zJiv1ToHXJkXcxbdYac1KJ2AlNwEkPBZdHqVNP0WIRx3xVVKsHOg/s1600/IMG_0375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCDK8winQWKx141fRRdld-Y1rQGV2XspE7gH1WRoqOrn-_e8WjAxYYrIel5wg7hd4h4qbpFF27uv4Edd8avkHEbYr1zJiv1ToHXJkXcxbdYac1KJ2AlNwEkPBZdHqVNP0WIRx3xVVKsHOg/s400/IMG_0375.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://midnightcoiler.etsy.com/">Midnightcoiler</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Some of the latest pottery to come from my little kiln. I'm always excited to try new glazes and shapes. The two bud vases were reglazed in burnt orange- I was amazed that they turned out. Teaspoon rests, ring dishes, and a tiny dish for earring studs make up the rest. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/153192477/tiny-star-ring-dishes-set-of-6-ceramic?ref=shop_home_active"><img border="0" height="366" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/014/0/5241135/il_fullxfull.466484331_dqdf.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/153192477/tiny-star-ring-dishes-set-of-6-ceramic?ref=shop_home_active">Tiny Star Earring Stud Dishes</a></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/152563450/ring-dishes-set-of-3-ceramic-mini?ref=shop_home_active"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/014/0/5241135/il_fullxfull.464207515_ptcm.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/152563450/ring-dishes-set-of-3-ceramic-mini?ref=shop_home_active">Hexagon Ring Dish Set</a></span></td></tr>
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Midnightcoilerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01094784605434219222noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584239597477125031.post-39632359984858845012012-06-13T22:21:00.001-04:002012-06-13T22:22:26.893-04:00King Snake<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil2cXxINtCclKS2-ztAmwWMKF87p0TPoe7zj8HDvBGzDR_egsIP2DTWEHVUJ4bkraKJrexLD_bwEoe3NJ_ecT-UzGT9Sy6Z0n6_jutmuJfqWf-YJu_YYTNjJ63SxbPIAp95ywJtC1et2Im/s1600/IMG_8937+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil2cXxINtCclKS2-ztAmwWMKF87p0TPoe7zj8HDvBGzDR_egsIP2DTWEHVUJ4bkraKJrexLD_bwEoe3NJ_ecT-UzGT9Sy6Z0n6_jutmuJfqWf-YJu_YYTNjJ63SxbPIAp95ywJtC1et2Im/s320/IMG_8937+-+Copy.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPnt_vZlXXHEIszXzIAVnUYAIWLjA6IZdS1SdoXalqUsT0jNBCTzS1f7pcm23P6zi68xSrqb5eSxwJMswdCjDs7GG6A1UJrWPyTok_rlutuWHZSwMdYZukPot0V5lu37UAunVKzD_A5lYy/s1600/IMG_8938.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPnt_vZlXXHEIszXzIAVnUYAIWLjA6IZdS1SdoXalqUsT0jNBCTzS1f7pcm23P6zi68xSrqb5eSxwJMswdCjDs7GG6A1UJrWPyTok_rlutuWHZSwMdYZukPot0V5lu37UAunVKzD_A5lYy/s320/IMG_8938.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Spent a while observing this small king snake on the property. It seemed to be digging a hole in the dirt with it's head. Checked on that spot later and the hole was about 4" deep. I've always heard that snakes don't dig holes. Since this happened we have seen the snake again in the same spot, though rain had pretty much filled in it's hole. We've also seen another much larger king snake, as well as a fat rattle snake, which was on our back steps. Midnightcoilerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01094784605434219222noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584239597477125031.post-4446819560159449142011-10-06T10:17:00.008-04:002011-10-06T13:07:10.732-04:00Wee Bindery: A Passion for BooksWhen I saw these adorable Leather Mini Notebooks in <b><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/WeeBindery">Wee Bindery's Etsy shop</a></b> I couldn't resist! My first thought was what wonderful useful little gifts to tuck into stockings for Christmas or give to any number of people I would like to remember during the holidays. Of course, I've already tucked one into my purse for handy notes. I'm the proud owner of several of Wee's books in various sizes, and what strikes me about her work is her beautiful stitching, attention to detail and quality materials. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy0o_jWDOR8EeZUhL3nTB7VSFwVsonGA0tjFb0vA_Z_DWYIATndFJeOq0x84A_9Glf49akyqTbLgwrwZ03H2TyVvFsNzk71wvj1fljty59L3866V9M8FhBe_jBviJh9HscL60bSfUsLJBG/s1600/IMG_7735.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy0o_jWDOR8EeZUhL3nTB7VSFwVsonGA0tjFb0vA_Z_DWYIATndFJeOq0x84A_9Glf49akyqTbLgwrwZ03H2TyVvFsNzk71wvj1fljty59L3866V9M8FhBe_jBviJh9HscL60bSfUsLJBG/s320/IMG_7735.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-oacArHyalr-J8EbuQhb6K0UkMpu9Eb8rIkcC68hZIymSc-TcMLsY8TsnzraYsTJPJDoTrj8809MDDcoFe9XotRQDEzdzbH4CTOROKueCWKDCoTLDU9vqwIziHDla0UwTpPmnAYocOrUz/s1600/IMG_7739.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-oacArHyalr-J8EbuQhb6K0UkMpu9Eb8rIkcC68hZIymSc-TcMLsY8TsnzraYsTJPJDoTrj8809MDDcoFe9XotRQDEzdzbH4CTOROKueCWKDCoTLDU9vqwIziHDla0UwTpPmnAYocOrUz/s320/IMG_7739.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Mini Notebooks I bought from Marie, aka Wee of <b><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/WeeBindery">Wee Bindery</a></b><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/83077466/wee-mini-notebook-leather-topaz"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2XpdnNOPCG9y1Hw_W5i6FFOm_J8kgu_0gkKSdV5uOBB8b5U_OwagFUWjGNbtL2Hrz_qxnKuSajV95N_8ZqQ25qVV4OZ-cALOxcXZGI3kTVnsxT759YPtb6LMZAxgVDRhxYaE26UEXdVbh/s320/mininotebook.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Just the right size for pocket or purse! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I asked Wee about what motivated her to create such beautifully crafted books: </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>"Ever since I was very young I was creating something. I made several books when I was young and always found the library fascinating with it's interesting books with their pretty covers. <br />
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Anyway, I have dabbled in so many different mediums over the years, taking workshops in jewelry making, etching, painting, pottery, etc. I have always sewed which was imbedded in me as a result of my mother and grandmother having been seamstresses (I have their Singer sewing machines dating from the 1920's and 1940's)."</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i> </i><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/76417484/wee-hardcover-notebook-or-sketchbook" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://img1.etsystatic.com/il_570xN.252487573.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> One of Wee's Hardcover Notebooks/Sketchbooks, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/76417484/wee-hardcover-notebook-or-sketchbook">Florentine Flowers</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>"What I am getting at here is that bookbinding has allowed me to incorporate many of the learned mediums, especially sewing, into the process. I find it relaxing (not when I do a custom order tho) when creating a book and exciting once the book is completed. </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br />
I am obsessed with book arts and binding. I look at everything and wonder how it is made and how I can turn it into a book. My husband is afraid I am going to take apart the lovely, but old, brown leather couch we have so I can make books out of it (I could make about 100 books out of it)." </i> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/75640458/handmade-leather-journal-or-sketchbook"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://img0.etsystatic.com/il_fullxfull.249815480.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">One of Wee Bindery's <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/76417484/wee-hardcover-notebook-or-sketchbook">Leather Journals </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/80322338/mom-handmade-journal-or-notebook-green"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://img1.etsystatic.com/il_fullxfull.265816329.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Exquisite stitching on this <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/WeeBindery?section_id=8062460">Name Notebook/Journal </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">For more <span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/WeeBindery">Wee Bindery</a></b></span> creations, visit her <span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/WeeBindery">Etsy Shop</a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Proud member of the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/teams/6249/etsy-treasury-team-etteam">Etsy Treasury Team</a></span><b> </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">If you'd like a chance to be selected for a feature in this blog, please follow my blog and leave a comment here. </span><b> </b></span></div>Midnightcoilerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01094784605434219222noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584239597477125031.post-65313421413984197172011-08-05T20:26:00.008-04:002011-08-05T21:49:02.273-04:00Snakeskin/Reptile Skin Challenge on the Etsy Treasury Team<div style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;">We do fun challenges from time to time on the Etsy Treasury Team. Our August Snakeskin/Reptile Skin Challenge will go on through August 25th. All the entries will be posted on our team blog when the challenge is over. Here are my creations so far! I have another in the works.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.261783929.jpg" width="320" /><span style="background-color: #ffe599;"></span><span style="background-color: black;"></span><span style="background-color: black;"></span></div><h1 style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/79170172/snake-skin-gourd-vase-bowl-in-red-black">Snake Skin Gourd Vase Bowl in Red Black with Arrangement</a></span></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.261361963.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.261361963.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><h1 style="color: purple;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/79047640/snake-egg-gourds-decopaged-nature"><span style="font-size: large;">Snake Egg Gourds Decoupaged Nature Inspired Bowl Filler Use for Crafts</span></a></h1><h1><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: purple;">Visit my </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/midnightcoiler" style="color: purple;">Midnightcoiler</a><span style="color: purple;"> shop for more gourds, baskets, pottery and other nature inspired artisan goods.</span> </span></h1>Midnightcoilerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01094784605434219222noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584239597477125031.post-10161800644731879362011-07-30T08:13:00.004-04:002011-07-30T08:21:18.182-04:00Fig Newtons- Only BetterA friend gave me a bag full of ripe figs, one of my favorite fruits! These are a real delicacy as they don't keep well as a fresh fruit. After eating way more than I should have, I made homemade fig bars, starting with making fig preserves. See the fig preserve and bar recipe below.<span style="background-color: #741b47;"></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKgKQEweM2ECEYAhFJxycfcPgknhUa9dKUk5P9u49jqcMSeTK_x03vDNZPKYbzVOT2QCTBa3NSljTlFC2j1YJCytO1lobwVOzJEC5URAPJIv-fVsTrghdNgq8tA4L-srP7xUm6ya4CbhHV/s1600/IMG_7314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKgKQEweM2ECEYAhFJxycfcPgknhUa9dKUk5P9u49jqcMSeTK_x03vDNZPKYbzVOT2QCTBa3NSljTlFC2j1YJCytO1lobwVOzJEC5URAPJIv-fVsTrghdNgq8tA4L-srP7xUm6ya4CbhHV/s320/IMG_7314.jpg" width="320" /></a></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A few for snacking on while I make the preserves</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv7oStSek4oyXs0O98HIlAz4wzZzGARe_9_O-9T5nyqnHEU6vZyYoxp6mK9d5St5v4JxqlwQcZYd8MPWuSbjVc0r_RfQ9DsU32yYQWfQ5qW7Dbb29TUHF0mtITBk-FkFiTy1SeWCMu8hf3/s1600/IMG_7313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv7oStSek4oyXs0O98HIlAz4wzZzGARe_9_O-9T5nyqnHEU6vZyYoxp6mK9d5St5v4JxqlwQcZYd8MPWuSbjVc0r_RfQ9DsU32yYQWfQ5qW7Dbb29TUHF0mtITBk-FkFiTy1SeWCMu8hf3/s320/IMG_7313.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1 1/2 cups sugar to 2 lbs of figs, 1T lemon juice, cook stirring on medium low 45 minutes</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3fxf7FgeOiJkDRGtv-9wDo7_pNd-ysFeqYK-guzRZANQnCr3UkAp4ewddby_I9vdKenHIQQN9n_rpbQ3vyErWQrqTi3cT9ShML1aQJ7LtoNPJtp-OKDIFBytaoQV-2Y7myq0oZIA4WwwU/s1600/IMG_7315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3fxf7FgeOiJkDRGtv-9wDo7_pNd-ysFeqYK-guzRZANQnCr3UkAp4ewddby_I9vdKenHIQQN9n_rpbQ3vyErWQrqTi3cT9ShML1aQJ7LtoNPJtp-OKDIFBytaoQV-2Y7myq0oZIA4WwwU/s320/IMG_7315.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Preserves are done when they're nice and thick. If you have too much for the fig bars it freezes well. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0CzEgv7N9h5TQmgZFTeFfjh-qDXJxd58OoHrnMCDAVB6jmBSqUg2sTDmyVBIQtpp30IDfqVNESXzNLVBqQqZVr5ey4GZ0hby4K9QTsvpTty0444vDd4pTQAH-9xGQwIGLf-VJqfetxdtU/s320/IMG_7316.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These bars are so tender and delicious warm from the oven.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;">Cake Dough<br />
1/2 c soft butter</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 egg</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 T. milk</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/2 t. vanilla </div><div style="text-align: center;">1/2 t. salt</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 t. baking powder</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 3/4 c flour</div><div style="text-align: left;">Mix all in processor or mixer just until a soft dough forms. Divide in half and press 1/2 into a very lightly oiled 9 x 13 glass baking dish. Top with the preserves and spread evenly. Flour and roll out the remaining dough into a 9 x 13 square on a piece of floured waxed paper or plastic wrap. Dough is very tender, so hand forming will help. Transfer dough on the paper to cover the preserve. Some dough repair may be necessary to cover he figs. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Cut into bars while still warm. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji2a8VTcHsabTuZLO45BD-Bj_NCPr_uyBQFnorsNhPGBSnW0NWlGx7_ovjV1e6y_h3GEuB_goVbjAL_74I1N6g_gFK6ioyE4IvxSv6_CSZxtfGZYJWUF_vtgb6BA7hiIcLqtIFYfpbIjQm/s1600/IMG_7317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji2a8VTcHsabTuZLO45BD-Bj_NCPr_uyBQFnorsNhPGBSnW0NWlGx7_ovjV1e6y_h3GEuB_goVbjAL_74I1N6g_gFK6ioyE4IvxSv6_CSZxtfGZYJWUF_vtgb6BA7hiIcLqtIFYfpbIjQm/s320/IMG_7317.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> If you can keep them long enough, they can be made warm again in the microwave. </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"> ENJOY! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/midnightcoiler?ref=si_shop">Midnightcoiler</a></div>Midnightcoilerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01094784605434219222noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584239597477125031.post-9919239832266810602011-07-21T11:49:00.003-04:002011-07-21T12:01:04.330-04:00Gourds for Creating and Decorating<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Here's a selection of small gourds from my organic garden just right for holiday ornaments and crafts. They are also fun in primitive, country, shabby and cabin decor as bowl or basket filler. They make great conversation pieces! Right now I have eggs, bananas, mini bottles and tear drops. What will your imagination dream up? </span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/62199975/egg-gourds-organically-grown-bakers"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzZz7YLTPj2z78lDHMAOW-cNgvRFbZaJHJFgyxi2Fxyve8oGY9QRpGnOcJ-27f7oZm_n9fpdIf5s0XpQUDeoDm4f9ukMllNWvG6UqLiOl_UMrM4-gpUfcCeO1Tc_Q-NLXiECfT02Z9Nzcl/s320/egggourds.jpg" width="320" /> egg gourds</a> Egg Gourds, Baker's Dozen</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/77936982/banana-gourds-5-good-sized-beauties"><img border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8WNtfI-EW6FtsU5ggACTLCrl7GY-nFzISocvJJ4OrlI2oScY3jrb-nedvFfOnR4Wx85yYs0WpUNwQNil0PX7jlCTkxbCRqKoEEnD5NUxkYG1ry9uJuoAQmOUoDiN4mauJCI3xatxkGtcm/s320/banana+gourds.jpg" width="320" /> banana gourds</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/78155820/mini-snowman-bottle-gourds-5-for-folk"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeB9fxtYuqdnNgLwv3fEKlP6lveCzrcCl-p4CKMuazvFX6-YCYWP-dqckHbW62hydpWf7fVAjvbp1AsB-5hj6cuLaHH7JuPW2dKOGv8BEQ3BSRwjli11o7PhroRUjNxtTFgiMD8T1tinGT/s320/IMG_7254.jpg" width="320" /> mini bottle gourds</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/78149500/gourds-for-ornaments-10-tear-drop"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyIwCSgU2MOvXj_U9zmVLSWQkKxWiPAop1NnWh10b44FlLBSr5YThuXaDmi9aLYUd_ruvppYKp5k3TeQRvruWNR0QDII94bmB6HIbVrOPRBcNTpMTjnDMxXnRxhOljjAL7abN2sM2cS1R0/s320/IMG_7250.jpg" width="320" /> tear drop gourds</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For more raw gourds and also gourd art, pottery, baskets, willow cases, and kits, visit me at <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/midnightcoiler"><span style="font-size: large;">Midnightcoiler </span></a> </div>Midnightcoilerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01094784605434219222noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584239597477125031.post-10812965361872502512011-05-05T16:32:00.001-04:002011-05-05T18:13:45.304-04:00Our New Doggie!Celebrating the new addition to our pack- Missy! The vet estimated she's a year old. At 35 lbs she's a bundle of energy and naughtiness. She was spayed the same day we adopted her from the shelter. She and Scamp are getting along amazingly well! She has figured him out and he's been pretty tolerant with her. We're all happy to have this little sweetie. We know she's part Lab, but we guess she is also mixed with Doxie. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS0QCogpfgDc28pBkh1Ba_lOP3CEUoitkI3OU1ppYA_CIsHkp5CgZpJwVcYaWdRLCyZ54fS5zGj4RjJAIf6yGDfa8MZ6bruv0fV1-XDdvV4SWm89AqV6u4RbCVjdS9RhXGQ2aQC_cYYzRG/s1600/IMG_6441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS0QCogpfgDc28pBkh1Ba_lOP3CEUoitkI3OU1ppYA_CIsHkp5CgZpJwVcYaWdRLCyZ54fS5zGj4RjJAIf6yGDfa8MZ6bruv0fV1-XDdvV4SWm89AqV6u4RbCVjdS9RhXGQ2aQC_cYYzRG/s320/IMG_6441.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Missy loves to play</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxibEnhjkG8tMA-pLxt3qF2nXy-M4Ks0KR4KXBTbbxLY5iAvpIX9RcxPKXOa0fBCUfFYF48fsEGyrlvg59XoAqlBWZBfMBsa-uJCJKfsKPGN82yYoO7uvkCDxH9jLn00VruP5Vh3Z0ZVj8/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_6431.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxibEnhjkG8tMA-pLxt3qF2nXy-M4Ks0KR4KXBTbbxLY5iAvpIX9RcxPKXOa0fBCUfFYF48fsEGyrlvg59XoAqlBWZBfMBsa-uJCJKfsKPGN82yYoO7uvkCDxH9jLn00VruP5Vh3Z0ZVj8/s320/Copy+of+IMG_6431.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In between play she gets sleepy</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVJN1-Ai_P6kLWdgDuy-RcyTGRx6yQFw8Mw0VgDyEHoZp-UvqVbosX8rYlCwOGFFkgRu1_a9_aCqJGi5lgZTbaXj99H2zMsdjD7R6NpIBGYXZ-s929FoI7g0EXbSfu-ebsS5JszTc4WVV9/s1600/IMG_6446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVJN1-Ai_P6kLWdgDuy-RcyTGRx6yQFw8Mw0VgDyEHoZp-UvqVbosX8rYlCwOGFFkgRu1_a9_aCqJGi5lgZTbaXj99H2zMsdjD7R6NpIBGYXZ-s929FoI7g0EXbSfu-ebsS5JszTc4WVV9/s320/IMG_6446.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Long flappy ears</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUnQyiBbTtOdnx-c3pTiuwRIUYI6HSwUPFsMlVNVE-5UC_fkGcj95ECTyoyg9twBUnchPd_bTaLi7ufL3VkgHoDiYulfPN0n5fbTwE-1zhA5b6Y0Hl8r4P4bZXgKdX_4fWG26LaHchYf2s/s1600/IMG_6448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUnQyiBbTtOdnx-c3pTiuwRIUYI6HSwUPFsMlVNVE-5UC_fkGcj95ECTyoyg9twBUnchPd_bTaLi7ufL3VkgHoDiYulfPN0n5fbTwE-1zhA5b6Y0Hl8r4P4bZXgKdX_4fWG26LaHchYf2s/s320/IMG_6448.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scamp and Missy playing tug</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg43_IPxisAbsYksPnE3uFYhOg-43eCXasqeYhPidlK0IIlBSQ1E9aoT2DpWrK1c3o5IxwrUY-I5HyOslxM3SlVYnBzwnUvChb5SS-OH5fs72bB6ubrLDfcEPubOai2COmBb8i0ki_JZ1-W/s1600/IMG_6435.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg43_IPxisAbsYksPnE3uFYhOg-43eCXasqeYhPidlK0IIlBSQ1E9aoT2DpWrK1c3o5IxwrUY-I5HyOslxM3SlVYnBzwnUvChb5SS-OH5fs72bB6ubrLDfcEPubOai2COmBb8i0ki_JZ1-W/s320/IMG_6435.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Out for a walk</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Midnightcoilerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01094784605434219222noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584239597477125031.post-57621014799623030592011-04-28T08:49:00.001-04:002011-04-28T08:53:54.103-04:00A Ton of Steel Tower Twisted like a PretzelThis is what a recent severe storm did to my husband's (N4AF) 150 foot steel radio tower. A tower like this is built piece by piece, erector set style. Thousands of hours of work go into erecting and maintaining a ham radio tower and antennas. It's unusual to see a downed tower so twisted. <br />
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It took us a little over a week to dismantle the fallen tower. Most of it will be hauled to the scrap metal yard. Howie still has 3 other radio towers still standing. This tower fell into guy wires of one of the other towers, causing it to lean. He had to climb up the leaning tower to attach a new wire. It was pretty scary watching that. Get another hobby? Naw, rebuilding has started!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKb6lQBDgQIAR01iAJJWlyji-QodMtGk6M3r0_zQ7lPPvog3MO-PrjPNzJgTyijmAoyWZ4gI9E-k6bBwOBD3nu-SIYBvtoQxH1tv6rFT3HOlgxZRwKS7QmX9LHQxHRBipJduF0mgfOCFh3/s1600/IMG_6375.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKb6lQBDgQIAR01iAJJWlyji-QodMtGk6M3r0_zQ7lPPvog3MO-PrjPNzJgTyijmAoyWZ4gI9E-k6bBwOBD3nu-SIYBvtoQxH1tv6rFT3HOlgxZRwKS7QmX9LHQxHRBipJduF0mgfOCFh3/s320/IMG_6375.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">twisted at base </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgRZb43eRJl83nNFNTH8ZunOzuje4DWOQJB-Y4_T9nYgK5pQAa0e8se-uG2xPjgHnhomSYNPC7P4EhydFCRAjVXF7rMhguuzlyqYMSwzVBF8J_9hBPwN-o-ZZvx7IvbetUO59xh4VP_3Jq/s1600/IMG_6388.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgRZb43eRJl83nNFNTH8ZunOzuje4DWOQJB-Y4_T9nYgK5pQAa0e8se-uG2xPjgHnhomSYNPC7P4EhydFCRAjVXF7rMhguuzlyqYMSwzVBF8J_9hBPwN-o-ZZvx7IvbetUO59xh4VP_3Jq/s320/IMG_6388.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Howie examining damage the next day</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8jB-G9NUxETvIOQamxi2Fy8xdOUfMRSUu679i-KQeiNk89JpE_MgLyKR2ZGmBQ1IqSHEnzfvzBfBxMAdoz_CKCJN03Mi81ePEb01djYSOazLXyhHZZRI6PA1jTwEYmcRYS4tMceNJSmk3/s1600/IMG_6369.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8jB-G9NUxETvIOQamxi2Fy8xdOUfMRSUu679i-KQeiNk89JpE_MgLyKR2ZGmBQ1IqSHEnzfvzBfBxMAdoz_CKCJN03Mi81ePEb01djYSOazLXyhHZZRI6PA1jTwEYmcRYS4tMceNJSmk3/s320/IMG_6369.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">top of tower Any bent steel cannot be reused. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisJXMllZ2-MCcqnTMCTmHzXlYtRVlAFzDG1ZdwYhjyDVadMATfTCZYq1hHse20wo_85JokWcSruo_VrDzKPapBcIgjg7ee1bkk5SpvZNANJfoU_DclGYtJvlwVpbC4AesPAR_Ba0d_LAg1/s1600/IMG_6370.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisJXMllZ2-MCcqnTMCTmHzXlYtRVlAFzDG1ZdwYhjyDVadMATfTCZYq1hHse20wo_85JokWcSruo_VrDzKPapBcIgjg7ee1bkk5SpvZNANJfoU_DclGYtJvlwVpbC4AesPAR_Ba0d_LAg1/s320/IMG_6370.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">top of tower, diagonal pieces bowed</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixUI4FMXJCJmo7exONbqHRhsO_T1Re7yvE40sfvAspnI6GRQQzKHQW2Xn3yJPd2zWG6uJhqzQmCFyFY9z41XrRSzaOL6dhUMpVxwEdBeMlK3xgsGsYvS7dmIc7gFpEfR1hCqgSoNBZP7dl/s1600/IMG_6371.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixUI4FMXJCJmo7exONbqHRhsO_T1Re7yvE40sfvAspnI6GRQQzKHQW2Xn3yJPd2zWG6uJhqzQmCFyFY9z41XrRSzaOL6dhUMpVxwEdBeMlK3xgsGsYvS7dmIc7gFpEfR1hCqgSoNBZP7dl/s320/IMG_6371.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">tower fell on guy wires of another tower</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Midnightcoilerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01094784605434219222noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584239597477125031.post-26974838249286682082011-01-02T17:17:00.011-05:002011-01-02T18:36:23.343-05:00Five Ways to Improve Your Etsy Shop and Sales<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">by Lynn Hoyt of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/midnightcoiler">Midnightcoiler</a>, Team Leader of the <a href="http://groups.yahoo.com/group/etsytreasuryteam/">Etsy Treasury Team</a></div></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/56781079/pottery-mini-bowls-nested-set-of-2"><img border="0" height="175" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.176005504.jpg" width="200" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">It's 2011 and many are reevaluating what to do to maximize sales. Here are 5 points to consider that may help in that quest! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> 1. Offer variety in your items and prices and keep a well-stocked shop. For example, if you sell </span> <span style="font-size: small;">prints, offer a variety of sizes, framed and unframed. Consider making cards, shirts and other items with your images. This way you can vary your offerings and price points to appeal to a wider range of buyers. It's also fine to sell a variety of goods under an umbrella theme. For </span> <span style="font-size: small;">instance, in my shop I sell things made from nature: gourd items, pottery, wood toothpick/needle cases, and natural fiber basketry. Variety gives people choices, and they may discover things they love along with the things they came for. Keep your shop full of goods. A page or two of items is really not enough for maximum exposure. The more items you have, the more search hits, which means more visitors in your shop and probably more sales too. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/57110426/3-art-block-paintings-6x6-piney"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.200070432.jpg" width="200" /></a> </div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">2. Sell in sets. This can be especially effective for small inexpensive </span> <span style="font-size: small;">and moderately priced items. When fees and other expenses are figured, there is little or no profit in selling items for just a few dollars if you are not always receiving multiple sales. Instead, sell in sets or collections, and price for a more substantial profit. Group them attractively so buyers will see how they look together. You will save on listing fees, postage and handling. The buyer will receive an instant collection that can be kept intact to make more of a statement, or given individually as gifts. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/42537007/my-rainbow-colorful-stones-long-necklace"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.190779491.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/42537007/my-rainbow-colorful-stones-long-necklace"></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">3. Use all 5 photo spots in your shop. Stage some of your items. In </span> <span style="font-size: small;">other words put them in a setting that shows how they look and how they can be used. This gives the shopper a sense of scale and gives them ideas that may convince them that the item is just what they can use. If you sell jewelry, show some of the first shots on a model or mannequin. Home decor items look great in their natural environment. Make each of your item photos show a different view, angle, setting, use. <br />
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/60611903/print-original-art-8-x-10-inch-miranda"><img border="0" height="175" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.188833707.jpg" width="200" /></a></span> </div><div style="text-align: left;">4. Create imagery in your descriptions. Do your descriptions lack a <span style="font-size: small;">spark of magic? Do you associate something special with your item and are you excited about it? Write about your inspiration! It doesn't have to be a lot, just a sentence or two. Help shoppers relate to you and your item. Share that experience of imagination with a little story and/or a hint of your passion for what you do. As Whoopie Goldberg said in Sister Act, "This is not just quacking..." </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/63364353/hand-knit-fingerless-gloves-arm-hand" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.198274166.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"> 5. Tag and title for maximum exposure! Use every one of your 14 tags for </span> <span style="font-size: small;">14 chances to be found in a search on Etsy. Your title has an even wider reach, and should include what the item is and some descriptive key words. Not only will title key words be picked up in an Etsy search, but a Google search will show them as well. Currently, Google is picking up around 43 spaces (give or take a few) of our Etsy item titles, followed by your shop name. Think carefully. Make the most of those 43 spaces by using descriptive keywords that you think someone would search on to find your item. If you title your artwork and the title is not something someone would search on to find your product, use it in your description instead. <a href="https://adwords.google.com/o/Targeting/Explorer?__u=1000000000&__c=1000000000&ideaRequestType=KEYWORD_IDEAS#search.none">Google Ad Words</a> is a tool you can use to find the most searched on words and phrases that describe your items. </span><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
<br />
Happy 2011, and may it be a positive and profitable year for all!</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Interested in applying to the Etsy Treasury Team? Visit these links and learn more about us. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Visit the<a href="http://www.etsy.com/teams/6249/etsy-treasury-team-etteam"> Etsy Treasury Team Profile</a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Visit the <a href="http://etsytreasuryteam.blogspot.com/">Etsy Treasury Team Blog</a></div>Midnightcoilerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01094784605434219222noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584239597477125031.post-9795103779440421252010-12-27T10:12:00.000-05:002012-07-30T21:53:22.653-04:00Snow, 12/27/10<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">
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The Great Blizzard of 2010! Eastern NCMidnightcoilerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01094784605434219222noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584239597477125031.post-428738271877683872010-11-04T05:32:00.003-04:002010-11-04T05:39:21.979-04:00Turtles, from Residents to Art!<div style="color: #660000;"></div><div style="color: #660000;">We always see turtles at our place during the warm months. We have two ponds, and one of our favorite residents are mud turtles. It's fun to feed them a little turtle food. Sitting by the lily pond, it doesn't take long before a few turtles swim over for a handout. Here is a mud turtle that went for a walk, and may have been looking for a place to lay some eggs. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb_Nid0r8A6P0u6n25zAQRmEtR114h0aLDbPcO1sp1AZSl22Vr2YJEt2MzeNHWJ5FzExGmI-V3jS2SNhi8DYYM4rN2GAy6tuOmd-bwL5e6YilJVhb8sDY1kSJSFNS9kQksEdY6Jjp9w7ZW/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_5014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb_Nid0r8A6P0u6n25zAQRmEtR114h0aLDbPcO1sp1AZSl22Vr2YJEt2MzeNHWJ5FzExGmI-V3jS2SNhi8DYYM4rN2GAy6tuOmd-bwL5e6YilJVhb8sDY1kSJSFNS9kQksEdY6Jjp9w7ZW/s320/Copy+of+IMG_5014.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="color: #660000;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #660000;">This is the first snapping turtle I've seen at our pond. It's a fairly good-sized one, about 15" long. It was just outside the edge of the pond and I ran to get my camera. Just a few shots and it quickly slipped back into the water. I wasn't going to argue with it!</div><div style="color: #660000;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtiy2f1zdxhiajvc47YV2DEve9m9MnKIttxbzWKfzvAchGyzYGWHRYFqXtsdG_sbWuCYDgNRfntbbDvqmcA3yV6mVRNyZr1JUy0noJDFUIgZFvp05PHQZycy015qvul_-PTjYlP8A38Myy/s1600/IMG_4749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtiy2f1zdxhiajvc47YV2DEve9m9MnKIttxbzWKfzvAchGyzYGWHRYFqXtsdG_sbWuCYDgNRfntbbDvqmcA3yV6mVRNyZr1JUy0noJDFUIgZFvp05PHQZycy015qvul_-PTjYlP8A38Myy/s320/IMG_4749.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="color: #660000;"></div><div style="color: #660000;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #660000;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #660000;">I love turtles of all kinds and take inspiration from them. Here's my most recent </span><b style="color: #660000;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/60257922/turtle-box-gourd-woodburned-trinket-box">Turtle Box</a></b><span style="color: #660000;">. The turtle is hand drawn and woodburned (pyroengraved) on one of my own organically grown gourds.</span> </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.187635012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.187635012.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
For more of my work visit <b><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/midnightcoiler">Midnightcoiler</a></b>.Midnightcoilerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01094784605434219222noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584239597477125031.post-43744431356614278262010-10-14T09:37:00.002-04:002010-10-14T09:45:38.231-04:00Natural Selections for Gifts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; text-align: left;">These beautiful and yummy items were selected because they all contain or represent natural elements: bark, acorns, shell, stone, flax, leather, and organic ingredients. Enjoy these and consider if there's someone in your life who would be the perfect match for one of them! Click on the captions to go to the item page.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_2042296151"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.123257777.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="370" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/40655935/native-american-style-bark-necklace">Native American Style Bark Pouch, by PurpleToedGypsy</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_2042296174"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.174178898.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="280" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/56238054/acorns-colors-of-fall-original-water">Acorns Colors of Fall Original Water Color, by TheJoyofColor</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_2042296194"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.181611148.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/58460078/the-hiker-wee-chunky-book-handmade-blank">The Hiker- Wee Chunky Book- Handmade Blank Book, by WeeBindery</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_2042296200"><img border="0" height="249" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.154036183.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/50217626/abalone-and-crystal-earrings-peacock?ga_search_query=shell&ga_search_type=user_shop_ttt_id_5247112">Abalone and Crystal Earrings- Peacock, by FuchsiaBloomStudio</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_2042296211"><img border="0" height="255" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.176901117.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/56537040/coffee-butter-sugar-scrub-8oz-emulsified">Coffee Butter Sugar Scrub, by SweetSallysSoaps</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.176901117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_2042296224"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.176116598.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="335" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/56817097/baked-apple-granola-all-natural">Baked Apple Granola- All Natural- Preservative Free, by Nikid</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Featured: <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/purpletoedgypsy">PurpleToedGypsy</a>, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheJoyofColor">TheJoyofColor</a>, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/WeeBindery">WeeBindery</a>, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/fuchsiabloomstudio">FuchsiaBloomStudio</a>, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/SweetSallysSoaps">SweetSallysSoaps</a>, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/nikid">Nikid</a></span></div>Midnightcoilerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01094784605434219222noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584239597477125031.post-2483394121524932332010-10-12T19:00:00.007-04:002010-10-12T19:19:47.549-04:00"O" is for October<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
October is my favorite month! It means breezy cool days and beautiful fall leaf displays. All creatures are preparing for the winter months ahead, and that includes us. These fall-abulous gifts reflect the season, and I've chosen to use them to spell out the great month of O-C-T-O-B-E-R ! <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1477414894"><img border="0" height="322" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.178187797.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">"O" is for<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/57434201/owl-and-tree-silhoutte-pillow"> Owl and tree silhouette pillow</a>, by Yellowbugboutique</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1477414857"><img height="300" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.93777043.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">"C" is for <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/24960751/cellphone-charm-orange-hamsa-polymer">Cellphone Charm. Orange Hamsa</a>, Polymer clay Handmade Accessories, by Efiwarsh</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1477414870"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.79870090.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr align="center"><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: large;">"T" is for <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/16316707/tiger-iron-and-jewel-tone-crystal?ga_search_query=tiger&ga_search_type=user_shop_ttt_id_5342253">Tiger Iron and Jewel-tone Crystal Necklace</a> by Abacusbeadcreations</span></td><td class="tr-caption"></td><td class="tr-caption"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><h1 style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1477414887"><img border="0" height="289" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.173798112.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="font-family: inherit;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"O" is for <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/56124889/orange-black-yellow-white-green-fringe-o?ref=sr_list_1&ga_search_query=etteam%2C+autumn%2C+o&ga_search_type=all&ga_page=&order=&includes[0]=tags&includes[1]=title">Orange, Black, Yellow, White, Green Fringe O Rama Scarf</a>, by Cricketscreations</div></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1477414945"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.173872669.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">"B" is for <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/56146531/black-long-sleeves-mini-dress-tunic-with?ref=sr_list_23&ga_search_query=etteam%2C+fall&ga_search_type=all&ga_page=8&order=&includes[0]=tags&includes[1]=title">Black long sleeves mini dress/tunic with beautiful golden metal belt</a>, by Onor </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/efiwarsh"></a></span></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1477414979"><img border="0" height="315" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.152841955.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">"E" is for Earrings - <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/49859538/earrings-copper-garden-stamped-circle?ref=sr_list_19&ga_search_query=etteam+earrings&ga_search_type=all&ga_page=2&order=&includes[0]=tags&includes[1]=title">Copper Garden Stamped Circle Hoops Mixed Metal Accessory</a>, by Lindenleafstudio</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1477414989"><img border="0" height="370" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.92182378.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">"R" is for <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/31445292/rust-stoneware-mug-handmade-pottery?ref=sr_list_19&ga_search_query=etteam%2C+fall&ga_search_type=all&ga_page=5&order=&includes[0]=tags&includes[1]=title">Rust Stoneware Mug / Handmade Pottery Wheelthrown Clay</a>, by Patspottery</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><h1 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Visit these great shops for more gift giving ideas! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/YellowBugBoutique"><b>YellowBugBoutique</b></a><br />
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/efiwarsh"><b>EfiWarsh</b></a><br />
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/abacusbeadcreations"><b>AbacusBeadCreations</b></a><br />
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/CricketsCreations"><b>CricketsCreations</b></a><br />
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/onor"><b>Onor</b></a><br />
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/LindenLeafStudio"><b>LindenLeafStudio</b></a><br />
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/patspottery"><b>PatsPottery</b></a></span></span></h1>Midnightcoilerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01094784605434219222noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584239597477125031.post-87588584110066670292010-10-12T08:41:00.002-04:002010-10-12T08:47:41.089-04:00Egg Gourds as Home DecorI've always been intrigued with the idea that gourds grow into so many<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/midnightcoiler?section_id=5393097"> interesting shapes</a>. One of my favorites are <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/midnightcoiler?section_id=5393093">egg gourds</a>, which I grow in my organic garden. They can range from quite small, like Bantam eggs, to hen-sized or even goose-sized! For me, it's not only the amazing shape that makes them appealing, but that they are a classic symbol of birth, life and renewal. <br />
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These painted egg gourds make a versatile centerpiece that will fit with a variety of decorating styles. <br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1615789405"><br />
</a> Display in a shallow glass or pottery dish or tray on a coffee or dining table, in a brandy snifter or in a basket mixed in with potpourri. They are fun additions to wreaths and floral arrangements, or make into ornaments. For entertaining, nestle in a cloth napkin and add to place settings as elegant party favors. How would you use them? <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.181207232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/58742065/home-decor-egg-gourds-bowl-filler-1"><img border="0" height="362" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.182557240.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/58339239/home-decor-egg-gourds-bowl-filler"><img border="0" height="362" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.181207232.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/58339239/home-decor-egg-gourds-bowl-filler"><img border="0" height="327" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.181207135.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Visit my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/midnightcoiler">Midnightcoiler</a> shop for more gourd art, raw mini gourds and more. Looking for custom colors? Just <a href="mailto:gourddust@gmail.com">contact me</a>!</div>Midnightcoilerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01094784605434219222noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584239597477125031.post-63558414600564360192010-10-09T12:50:00.001-04:002010-10-09T12:52:05.200-04:00Introducing my Love Bird series of Bird houses and Feeders<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-size: small;">My new "Love Bird" <b><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/midnightcoiler?section_id=5393094">bird houses and feeders</a></b> make thoughtful wedding gifts for your favorite newlywed love birds or a loving couple celebrating an anniversary. (Special love bird poem enclosure card for newlyweds or anniversary (specify) sent with order on request!) </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">These organically grown, bird friendly items will give the birds a place to nest in the summer, roost in the winter, or feed during any season. They help our feathered friends and give the gift of viewing enjoyment to the kind providers. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"> They are also great as housewarming or holiday gifts, and just about for any other occasion. </span> Want a <span style="font-size: large;"><b>custom color combination</b></span>? <a href="mailto:gourddust@gmail.com"><b>Contact me</b> </a>and lets talk about it. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.152920330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.181787783.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="382" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.181787783.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.179587490.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="383" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.179587490.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.152920330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="388" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.152920330.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> Visit my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/midnightcoiler"><b>Midnightcoiler</b></a> shop for birdhouses, feeders, baskets, and other handmade items "of the earth!"Midnightcoilerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01094784605434219222noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584239597477125031.post-25827778106169148672010-09-06T09:39:00.002-04:002010-09-06T09:53:09.357-04:00End of Summer BountyWell, I admit, the summer garden is petering out about now, but we still had a few veggies to put together this sauteed melange of bell and banana peppers, red onions and grape tomatoes. They were added to the sauce that topped off a pasta dish. I love the addition of fresh veggies with pasta-- Delish! <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGJdZpxLSLdzExgPMyqLHW_-qXPhaLU9D6hWelxaAXT5mqHh4pA9wYB4Qpxaptr65X5Tpj5F40zQOWk3CywZkDd2Yk-boJJTBmTeiiatg3zMARCFrlb9OROppSN63RKv2EKdhdV-oGM2sj/s1600/IMG_4923.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 348px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGJdZpxLSLdzExgPMyqLHW_-qXPhaLU9D6hWelxaAXT5mqHh4pA9wYB4Qpxaptr65X5Tpj5F40zQOWk3CywZkDd2Yk-boJJTBmTeiiatg3zMARCFrlb9OROppSN63RKv2EKdhdV-oGM2sj/s400/IMG_4923.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513797763674453106" border="0" /></a>Midnightcoilerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01094784605434219222noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584239597477125031.post-83288930476805263972010-07-27T18:13:00.008-04:002010-07-27T22:45:13.255-04:00Natural SelectionsNature is a main source of enjoyment and inspiration for me. When I'm exploring Etsy, I'm always on the lookout for sellers who use earthy materials or represent the natural world in their work. Here are some items that catch my eye, created by these talented Etsyans: <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Waterrose">Waterrose</a>,<a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/AngelEllie"> AngelEllie</a><span style="font-weight: bold;">, </span><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/bazketmakr">Bazke</a><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/bazketmakr">tmakr</a><span style="font-weight: bold;">, </span><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/leapinggazelle">Leapinggazelle</a><span style="font-weight: bold;">,</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/jennyhoople">Jennyhoople</a><span style="font-weight: bold;">, </span><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Mymothersgarden">Mymothersgarden</a><span style="font-weight: bold;">, </span><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/artyecological">Arty</a><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/artyecological">ecological</a> Check out their shops for more beautiful things!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjProP6WUHGngaPFQbQSttrVvGCaTuJzPO0RmV_2vgJYYM3auBUNI-3wnIYNhVZZjDLnCpTkqgqS2rrYv7QwJL0T0NV3nIm31WW-ywvp_n0tCCg1gI9kK94JxBDT6bNlDZV35tkDUTRUIa6/s1600/aae.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 374px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjProP6WUHGngaPFQbQSttrVvGCaTuJzPO0RmV_2vgJYYM3auBUNI-3wnIYNhVZZjDLnCpTkqgqS2rrYv7QwJL0T0NV3nIm31WW-ywvp_n0tCCg1gI9kK94JxBDT6bNlDZV35tkDUTRUIa6/s400/aae.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498781095435458322" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"> Hand Embroidered Cuff by <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.161100319.jpg">Waterrose</a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbwqDjQGJCZhTcYYecAPj2vM0JB04Zw6guaauW46c8qphcIpGah9Lp844WWVzUKHkrsDYAH6AVK5pS9fiTnqfUQOtVGZauv0lAsqMMp3LLuHOp2vF9xS5xltLJUSagfVoJM4X02ASyky_q/s1600/aad.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbwqDjQGJCZhTcYYecAPj2vM0JB04Zw6guaauW46c8qphcIpGah9Lp844WWVzUKHkrsDYAH6AVK5pS9fiTnqfUQOtVGZauv0lAsqMMp3LLuHOp2vF9xS5xltLJUSagfVoJM4X02ASyky_q/s400/aad.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498780704889635682" border="0" /></a>Personalized Coasters by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/AngelEllie">Angelellie</a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeuNguxgnsb0pxKn32rj71X4dqQVktiziGo3RdH0pl3dgPc9jzCQbF4MO2wBudrD16j-5JHaJUDtiBUxGXoEUucNuiyB2qC-rvE_tpQVa8wWzI2sbwVRLda-xtYlRsMyVe9rlh3N0swzgq/s1600/aac.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 389px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeuNguxgnsb0pxKn32rj71X4dqQVktiziGo3RdH0pl3dgPc9jzCQbF4MO2wBudrD16j-5JHaJUDtiBUxGXoEUucNuiyB2qC-rvE_tpQVa8wWzI2sbwVRLda-xtYlRsMyVe9rlh3N0swzgq/s400/aac.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498779902436288018" border="0" /></a>Rustic Cornucopia by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/bazketmakr">Bazketmakr</a></div></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ5FM7gDpZKYzsN3J5-UfcRuqK57rrv9zIIzVgTgH3ref0IrRN2Kr1JU7xS8qbZijw2SAOsmzvmPfOFzL4J0WuG0VbbEeaWa4kCYMmLD-mkF5HbhHf-2LqWUbitROnO0u51IZy6kJHBUHO/s1600/aab.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ5FM7gDpZKYzsN3J5-UfcRuqK57rrv9zIIzVgTgH3ref0IrRN2Kr1JU7xS8qbZijw2SAOsmzvmPfOFzL4J0WuG0VbbEeaWa4kCYMmLD-mkF5HbhHf-2LqWUbitROnO0u51IZy6kJHBUHO/s400/aab.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498779269217607730" border="0" /></a>Nautilus Shell Photography Print by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/leapinggazelle">Leapinggazelle</a></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZZMBxdI9LwMsPBqVWfQM_d0s8vUMO_biHhG2d8oFGUQaTH_tJo9Bw4zLoWhNOa2sceX-PJqzBsWRjO6u6AoVWOKwVZxsifrCAc7WR2IQmuVdiWOdU3-wbTznu2JnoEwfQ06Ja6BRfOxqa/s1600/aaa.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZZMBxdI9LwMsPBqVWfQM_d0s8vUMO_biHhG2d8oFGUQaTH_tJo9Bw4zLoWhNOa2sceX-PJqzBsWRjO6u6AoVWOKwVZxsifrCAc7WR2IQmuVdiWOdU3-wbTznu2JnoEwfQ06Ja6BRfOxqa/s400/aaa.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498778817713742674" border="0" /></a>Dunes Necklace by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/jennyhoople">Jennyhoople</a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgscj23zAMqEw-yag_m0OJO7KoMmLWotg4XBWNFsMKGpZUH8JtxUqStNp8DdXEbEopOguTlZuBYzdSEoD6mEhTzQLEI5qE0sBdDNTwfeHTA6piyzOiAtM1NHm43LMkT05VSZAjvinzt4WCw/s1600/toadabode.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgscj23zAMqEw-yag_m0OJO7KoMmLWotg4XBWNFsMKGpZUH8JtxUqStNp8DdXEbEopOguTlZuBYzdSEoD6mEhTzQLEI5qE0sBdDNTwfeHTA6piyzOiAtM1NHm43LMkT05VSZAjvinzt4WCw/s400/toadabode.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498778079829383410" border="0" /></a>Frog House Toad Abode by <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCKGnXSctV1IkVy4iljzqBTFdYZbITc8_VYy_b8heAgRRfZqkpuuH1tz2RxEvrJKCk6vQbh-PxHD5ShyfhKQgLVOsnlzyYxIfd1KNTqRU5KQTPsLLvEKude-Y88-KPzYmVNSjmSbGy9eji/s1600/il_430xN.157397296.jpg">Mymothersgarden</a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCKGnXSctV1IkVy4iljzqBTFdYZbITc8_VYy_b8heAgRRfZqkpuuH1tz2RxEvrJKCk6vQbh-PxHD5ShyfhKQgLVOsnlzyYxIfd1KNTqRU5KQTPsLLvEKude-Y88-KPzYmVNSjmSbGy9eji/s1600/il_430xN.157397296.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCKGnXSctV1IkVy4iljzqBTFdYZbITc8_VYy_b8heAgRRfZqkpuuH1tz2RxEvrJKCk6vQbh-PxHD5ShyfhKQgLVOsnlzyYxIfd1KNTqRU5KQTPsLLvEKude-Y88-KPzYmVNSjmSbGy9eji/s400/il_430xN.157397296.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498777055913714162" border="0" /></a>Blue Hydrangea No 2 Fine Art Print by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/artyecological">Artyecological</a><br /></div><br /></div><img src="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/Lynn/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot.png" alt="" />Midnightcoilerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01094784605434219222noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584239597477125031.post-47108451947532219742010-06-28T10:09:00.004-04:002010-06-28T11:13:23.553-04:00For the Birds, and MoreSome of my best sellers are my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/midnightcoiler?section_id=5393094">birdhouses and feeders</a>. I grow my own gourds using organic methods, so they are safe for the birds and you. My techniques and applications are skill and labor intensive- hand carving, painting, dying, and pyroengraving. A lot of attention is paid to detail, adding up to unique houses that are functional for the birds and beautiful in your garden or yard. They make artful and practical gifts for those who enjoy the birds! Here are some selections from what I currently have available, including my new butterfly house.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz4KC_UfOLhIHBhzH0-OIFEEVp8i0ToZO7S0RTRRnbWajA3JlMKLHEh2Yry7D7xBoMnLmdxYKm_VNe2zAJ9q4EAsCI-KP5tY7Mha9HeaFRWXFeP-hx2ALA2B3jin6Se6f-WqOWFpBu_OuQ/s1600/IMG_3734.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 386px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz4KC_UfOLhIHBhzH0-OIFEEVp8i0ToZO7S0RTRRnbWajA3JlMKLHEh2Yry7D7xBoMnLmdxYKm_VNe2zAJ9q4EAsCI-KP5tY7Mha9HeaFRWXFeP-hx2ALA2B3jin6Se6f-WqOWFpBu_OuQ/s400/IMG_3734.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487833793018167170" border="0" /></a> Golden Glow Birdhouse<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-kfKieois8gW9CvZHeH4IQQedeFucPu_PLTi_5guGreTM6gxJoQWrLe9WnVk4l-9XYgESU2VN9byo8VDBfXDD4nroRiUfh1ZpRkAe26KAh6yjCHxz3YxHlRj4gkobseIYiakG3R-Wc3le/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_3933.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 361px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-kfKieois8gW9CvZHeH4IQQedeFucPu_PLTi_5guGreTM6gxJoQWrLe9WnVk4l-9XYgESU2VN9byo8VDBfXDD4nroRiUfh1ZpRkAe26KAh6yjCHxz3YxHlRj4gkobseIYiakG3R-Wc3le/s400/Copy+of+IMG_3933.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487833784190425762" border="0" /></a> Turquoise Treat Bird Feeder<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitCsC7QQvW8UyIZLRaMFbfySLVLlhwqQpldVHjjsor04xrBBx6HJJcdMJ5uJ86VSxL5_5DjfHWUomO850zwIX2LGcHDfBTg3hqJLEq6Wan3wGy5NQv4EHriG0BV62wkrGM8Ke0fzJlkaC5/s1600/IMG_3784.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 369px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitCsC7QQvW8UyIZLRaMFbfySLVLlhwqQpldVHjjsor04xrBBx6HJJcdMJ5uJ86VSxL5_5DjfHWUomO850zwIX2LGcHDfBTg3hqJLEq6Wan3wGy5NQv4EHriG0BV62wkrGM8Ke0fzJlkaC5/s400/IMG_3784.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487833781301116466" border="0" /></a> Purple Palace Birdhouse<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQVMh0vVncMNrurfpb5xSYY0pyy-fGPIX8L7lOkbLfb-gDeqjS8EINaprAPYw9t2xZBVI8qgCOA5kyVl5D7YvzBki4tqv-VN0eZ69mLaXsE1Sl_Fh6b2YccfaVuBLoAlfzDgDUmBkkpdDQ/s1600/IMG_4313.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 372px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQVMh0vVncMNrurfpb5xSYY0pyy-fGPIX8L7lOkbLfb-gDeqjS8EINaprAPYw9t2xZBVI8qgCOA5kyVl5D7YvzBki4tqv-VN0eZ69mLaXsE1Sl_Fh6b2YccfaVuBLoAlfzDgDUmBkkpdDQ/s400/IMG_4313.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487833776849889858" border="0" /></a> Plum Pretty Bird feeder<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCpMYgXKF1vKElgWQ4iHMj95azjr3U6Dn_jV493TtHagkkdYequtvXv1-jL9v9DBdB5hDURtxsOS3CvlBGnyVpG6tMrUSxSKefK2e_MIZB6iAIQhjfKPlbKvKnBZR2DrKC_2rH4cF3mEVV/s1600/IMG_4769.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 387px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCpMYgXKF1vKElgWQ4iHMj95azjr3U6Dn_jV493TtHagkkdYequtvXv1-jL9v9DBdB5hDURtxsOS3CvlBGnyVpG6tMrUSxSKefK2e_MIZB6iAIQhjfKPlbKvKnBZR2DrKC_2rH4cF3mEVV/s400/IMG_4769.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487831050050165394" border="0" /></a> Butterfly House<br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/midnightcoiler?section_id=5393094"><span style="font-weight: bold;">View more houses and feeders here</span></a>.<br /><br />Visit my <span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/midnightcoiler">Etsy Shop</a></span> .Midnightcoilerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01094784605434219222noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584239597477125031.post-44854938638519904332010-06-01T15:52:00.002-04:002010-06-01T16:53:43.899-04:00The Garden in Late MayHere's our garden in late May, when the weeds haven't overcome the veggies. We have 2 garden areas for vegetables, and these photos include both. Howard inherited his love of gardening from his father. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjARE8229UkvhlIm6UQdibnFjSitudwS8iZaHh-T-nBMwD_6WX9YBi38VFyJc53xucXCFUV6l7JLXdGocGoNYaFN-KH0fl5usxQaDoh_MhDy2uoh8OyBFswAijhlYfcORWUNq59V0h5CwP7/s1600/IMG_4471.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjARE8229UkvhlIm6UQdibnFjSitudwS8iZaHh-T-nBMwD_6WX9YBi38VFyJc53xucXCFUV6l7JLXdGocGoNYaFN-KH0fl5usxQaDoh_MhDy2uoh8OyBFswAijhlYfcORWUNq59V0h5CwP7/s320/IMG_4471.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477905133495483426" border="0" /></a> Above: Asparagus, onions, several rows of green beans, beets, squash, potatoes<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFwMh-_f4LOJYhlG3-skDH1ZUAuTumqcDKO-ig1sRY2dAp3O8NE93YZp2frfW68LNdl6srdwKqxDiHsELKi3D2C4I34Gil7dv6OYBW9b3ZAhyLXeP8XLo5_XmA6nffwQKKE4oZOLCsTZCa/s1600/IMG_4472.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFwMh-_f4LOJYhlG3-skDH1ZUAuTumqcDKO-ig1sRY2dAp3O8NE93YZp2frfW68LNdl6srdwKqxDiHsELKi3D2C4I34Gil7dv6OYBW9b3ZAhyLXeP8XLo5_XmA6nffwQKKE4oZOLCsTZCa/s320/IMG_4472.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477905127659525298" border="0" /></a> Taking a break from hoeing<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih5lXn6Vy2a7Tl3NlbgtzJMaKlCl06ZdR4Rc-tlydBXg-LeLriXv4Htq10doBG8U9Wv9fGbtFEkzBw0yyBhQH4reW7xZ21juy9pNJnvU0RB6HlONRlUWDVKrTxYCnYvRYcvcYiZdrBTZ4h/s1600/IMG_4473.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih5lXn6Vy2a7Tl3NlbgtzJMaKlCl06ZdR4Rc-tlydBXg-LeLriXv4Htq10doBG8U9Wv9fGbtFEkzBw0yyBhQH4reW7xZ21juy9pNJnvU0RB6HlONRlUWDVKrTxYCnYvRYcvcYiZdrBTZ4h/s320/IMG_4473.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477905115494723122" border="0" /></a> Lynn's ornamental gourds<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieD5SZlOybkpetFEf3Gz6MUylr4nEZRyxMW0P5xwdAQN2lXpNvvKhFFH1ysKWYDIxJHVrzxcTN_a0KO0NSs118ltivkSXdCbgpDVx3A4fSzs9a-RIFzhrI1AYNmGAhrGEKb_ID7vP0NZU0/s1600/IMG_4474.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieD5SZlOybkpetFEf3Gz6MUylr4nEZRyxMW0P5xwdAQN2lXpNvvKhFFH1ysKWYDIxJHVrzxcTN_a0KO0NSs118ltivkSXdCbgpDVx3A4fSzs9a-RIFzhrI1AYNmGAhrGEKb_ID7vP0NZU0/s320/IMG_4474.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477905103606393554" border="0" /></a> The small ornamental gourd vines have not yet started climbing.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqH2jyAMn1XotgJrIeBO-cRDC5oqYGgkIM7UY1DabsNfeLPTVSeClsb7m9RqlPyC3Kf0RyLv-r2zAsExebhPjOkfT7xsgRGJrYHFG3aQmAbF7Qfffvwm1yYI3sJ7hnZ8kQcuDep4ZUp23O/s1600/IMG_4475.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqH2jyAMn1XotgJrIeBO-cRDC5oqYGgkIM7UY1DabsNfeLPTVSeClsb7m9RqlPyC3Kf0RyLv-r2zAsExebhPjOkfT7xsgRGJrYHFG3aQmAbF7Qfffvwm1yYI3sJ7hnZ8kQcuDep4ZUp23O/s320/IMG_4475.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477903613455321538" border="0" /></a> Hoeing is lots of work!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKp16mO99WNVl9AD8PNIfMH7R9t0X9GbSkxZEKLg74WZ7zDms_y6bdan7ACdd3nYL3u9uFCuVUonlvrioFF8HdPyUw0N5EqvHv2RwDBO6spaHpPtAQYDEQQ_Dx79iKqO7lZ6YZgoEolojh/s1600/IMG_4476.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKp16mO99WNVl9AD8PNIfMH7R9t0X9GbSkxZEKLg74WZ7zDms_y6bdan7ACdd3nYL3u9uFCuVUonlvrioFF8HdPyUw0N5EqvHv2RwDBO6spaHpPtAQYDEQQ_Dx79iKqO7lZ6YZgoEolojh/s320/IMG_4476.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477903604726574546" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSMxIhqjxt3k2OWyudjq4KsgojpZPwAonLvUxVTWZLdqyfFFAXJA61r90OU196argLYA4ESnO7KXmtxvlnMabOYSgsZIz33XmUO_56UmyJHgiRnBJMt-eJDm5EhpufH7YXsQHhg2bC_Nt7/s1600/IMG_4477.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSMxIhqjxt3k2OWyudjq4KsgojpZPwAonLvUxVTWZLdqyfFFAXJA61r90OU196argLYA4ESnO7KXmtxvlnMabOYSgsZIz33XmUO_56UmyJHgiRnBJMt-eJDm5EhpufH7YXsQHhg2bC_Nt7/s320/IMG_4477.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477903600764087170" border="0" /></a> Looking at the onions<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF1bGJNRnf47pdPA2dvR987YhCPinwE8UJIwqN1HA0PMSmn2YiMJRmjmdVau9g77bWrz0L22gc9dfYMEJjHWsanAOkFtzWPGWa_GWx8d5r7DlA2OTALvIXVEckrBd9iqnavCKL4oteBh3s/s1600/IMG_4476.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF1bGJNRnf47pdPA2dvR987YhCPinwE8UJIwqN1HA0PMSmn2YiMJRmjmdVau9g77bWrz0L22gc9dfYMEJjHWsanAOkFtzWPGWa_GWx8d5r7DlA2OTALvIXVEckrBd9iqnavCKL4oteBh3s/s320/IMG_4476.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477903595108896562" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpExaqRsJYtGILd3SgR3yjGvQ_kk8OgtGFcp5xUYXfLlKFtm77P-tznscQ7EWuZ_n28NHtcvt5sESWIanZ8-vrtgopOkW_Xx7PA8w93d6KOPqFcXfImp3juhYgLCrsBC3fvFtXu12JkbGO/s1600/IMG_4479.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpExaqRsJYtGILd3SgR3yjGvQ_kk8OgtGFcp5xUYXfLlKFtm77P-tznscQ7EWuZ_n28NHtcvt5sESWIanZ8-vrtgopOkW_Xx7PA8w93d6KOPqFcXfImp3juhYgLCrsBC3fvFtXu12JkbGO/s320/IMG_4479.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477903586836969618" border="0" /></a> Our garden across the driveway has corn, broccoli, cabbage, lettuce, spinach<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPxaACowNqmZTy8sNj59VInBh3ldg5DwsRcltZZCBwkgW4KHHnhaKk0yvsuBuchWeI5OetdGChhfEhAhDJ76tvzk3-MevhP00B0ynEzNpY1rvLJWO9H3l27fDbNuqGYGgxzjjmUOqAy7Bz/s1600/IMG_4480.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPxaACowNqmZTy8sNj59VInBh3ldg5DwsRcltZZCBwkgW4KHHnhaKk0yvsuBuchWeI5OetdGChhfEhAhDJ76tvzk3-MevhP00B0ynEzNpY1rvLJWO9H3l27fDbNuqGYGgxzjjmUOqAy7Bz/s320/IMG_4480.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477899725992360978" border="0" /></a> Good looking corn this year<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVeH0khGExMq12Dm_HR5NhUdnnGH5kfTok-KgpBtyJXnpH_pEYkodnmcIiw3-_gZnOtBtPWeQTG-ELJfA7W7zn0xTf1xbYQfltuAhBggjki4g2hvjRWqWd2OI-Hz6cez6zWP07W5ULlJdI/s1600/IMG_4481.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVeH0khGExMq12Dm_HR5NhUdnnGH5kfTok-KgpBtyJXnpH_pEYkodnmcIiw3-_gZnOtBtPWeQTG-ELJfA7W7zn0xTf1xbYQfltuAhBggjki4g2hvjRWqWd2OI-Hz6cez6zWP07W5ULlJdI/s320/IMG_4481.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477899723913926386" border="0" /></a> lettuce and spinach<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm-iJVCKqE-APqJT6OyP_uxrc2Uamu9L4jxrXy5D7hK1fJNSYqxrA3VUmWO5fN0LQWWUfb_E0M7p5QDmaQrdl1dMJoI6U4EqPXvrNsnvlgLfEyiVOQjyaa1QSDeNegwVh38d0k-ymra6OS/s1600/IMG_4482.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm-iJVCKqE-APqJT6OyP_uxrc2Uamu9L4jxrXy5D7hK1fJNSYqxrA3VUmWO5fN0LQWWUfb_E0M7p5QDmaQrdl1dMJoI6U4EqPXvrNsnvlgLfEyiVOQjyaa1QSDeNegwVh38d0k-ymra6OS/s320/IMG_4482.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477899709871374002" border="0" /></a> Tomatoes and squash<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdQTe_FW37ilymVtktamugjy9PChEJ0SsAVioG04P4dUsw3RED7qS6Moj8avK3A-VckxBbXEObXjiZfT-M5Keoytjd8IQp2Zrgshk5WWzoq4oy0wt5ZrKMdwCbHKQRP4z5aKLPFElNQP53/s1600/IMG_4483.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdQTe_FW37ilymVtktamugjy9PChEJ0SsAVioG04P4dUsw3RED7qS6Moj8avK3A-VckxBbXEObXjiZfT-M5Keoytjd8IQp2Zrgshk5WWzoq4oy0wt5ZrKMdwCbHKQRP4z5aKLPFElNQP53/s320/IMG_4483.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477899704235618690" border="0" /></a> Cabbage<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlofGEFFIcJEVFOWIuJ1tHmX_0KsxyszdGEcChey486rRYpDarjvkKenpptHAttlSrKp0KJakLvDw7NM-l752fiERnzUIP8hxfr92-IrUP9hI7akYyvGndP4OW2HQaX9J2XUpglkfSE-nO/s1600/IMG_4484.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlofGEFFIcJEVFOWIuJ1tHmX_0KsxyszdGEcChey486rRYpDarjvkKenpptHAttlSrKp0KJakLvDw7NM-l752fiERnzUIP8hxfr92-IrUP9hI7akYyvGndP4OW2HQaX9J2XUpglkfSE-nO/s320/IMG_4484.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477899696231773922" border="0" /></a> Cabbage starting to head up<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiJq7HLpRO1LYf6YYmRPjMy73r6nlKUwYuYiCnErVg6suQv1S6eZlu7OGK5C6aEoiLevpzzY0hvDg34Wte0z6IPbliLLaQu_K0j4nuGrOJPrcw9096XzqWRR1DLn-cOsrQQVNeQtDb6lek/s1600/IMG_4485.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiJq7HLpRO1LYf6YYmRPjMy73r6nlKUwYuYiCnErVg6suQv1S6eZlu7OGK5C6aEoiLevpzzY0hvDg34Wte0z6IPbliLLaQu_K0j4nuGrOJPrcw9096XzqWRR1DLn-cOsrQQVNeQtDb6lek/s320/IMG_4485.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477897397763975298" border="0" /></a> Broccoli forming head<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgViSnca72SlYVTJSmUjWxV__6yDIq92T5KPM8y4LqUQ1bpC7D29dHNWnA7aHZjW7091f9shUmJVBykU9plRKwgytbOylT4v9lOIx-zlMPvuYKTv5Vi-b6MfpkEyNnZziWFenBiZrvV7g88/s1600/IMG_4487.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgViSnca72SlYVTJSmUjWxV__6yDIq92T5KPM8y4LqUQ1bpC7D29dHNWnA7aHZjW7091f9shUmJVBykU9plRKwgytbOylT4v9lOIx-zlMPvuYKTv5Vi-b6MfpkEyNnZziWFenBiZrvV7g88/s320/IMG_4487.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477897369137964514" border="0" /></a></span> Flowers near our front steps<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjvPJi63Yn2KdbM9opBRsnXcd5MpATTMsiWOKqhFy1ia5AnZV-eqq8WPKuAdtrA5I5Myyh0JWEb-bmsd6_qIoAC_aMazG2miVGTfl9IpHDxQLFbngLW2Va-DkcRgXKOjulskmvXVJkrTho/s1600/IMG_4488.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjvPJi63Yn2KdbM9opBRsnXcd5MpATTMsiWOKqhFy1ia5AnZV-eqq8WPKuAdtrA5I5Myyh0JWEb-bmsd6_qIoAC_aMazG2miVGTfl9IpHDxQLFbngLW2Va-DkcRgXKOjulskmvXVJkrTho/s320/IMG_4488.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477897366120188290" border="0" /></a></span>Midnightcoilerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01094784605434219222noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584239597477125031.post-88482563178828526562010-05-24T09:32:00.004-04:002010-05-24T10:01:06.822-04:00What's for Dinner? Fresh picked Green Beans and Vegetarian Moussaka!These green beans are the first of the year from our vegetable garden. If you've ever tasted green beans picked and immediately snapped and cooked, you'll know what I mean when I say they are like no others. They actually remind me of fresh asparagus (which we enjoyed earlier in the season.) Here are a few photos of them just crisply snapped. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLWsosNaRZfxaWA4bIVyr0rDIeRtrSI1MgETfZb9UdIrSL0pg0hKyL6BwgCZ2baSflI1VBYYS5iGQgGqBLhODHJ5PDcQRCxy_tUFFe3Q1crk7TRwfFDOAzfej5MDBY3R99mdQ19vFyiUDg/s1600/IMG_4450.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 282px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLWsosNaRZfxaWA4bIVyr0rDIeRtrSI1MgETfZb9UdIrSL0pg0hKyL6BwgCZ2baSflI1VBYYS5iGQgGqBLhODHJ5PDcQRCxy_tUFFe3Q1crk7TRwfFDOAzfej5MDBY3R99mdQ19vFyiUDg/s320/IMG_4450.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474831030910617122" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBXNHjY2BfSI0jRGKtjoa_Gy6PIaLmBIZl3t4Vbe-17THF5H0FHw9U0psV8lrfO8jrM8aqZST8d_PbuptKpvjU5uY3omDkUYst8YJsErSFhfKVFX44ZqvY7BW-uuEHNP8y_8QUObjnI7wU/s1600/IMG_4451.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 252px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBXNHjY2BfSI0jRGKtjoa_Gy6PIaLmBIZl3t4Vbe-17THF5H0FHw9U0psV8lrfO8jrM8aqZST8d_PbuptKpvjU5uY3omDkUYst8YJsErSFhfKVFX44ZqvY7BW-uuEHNP8y_8QUObjnI7wU/s320/IMG_4451.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474831031003632930" border="0" /></a>I used oriental eggplant from last summer's harvest that I had frozen to make this vegetarian moussaka. Instead of meat I used Morningstar Farms crumbles, mixed with eggplant, onions, wine, spices, etc. We love the creamy white layer that tops off this dish. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX3brrpaZPRM9J4kCDDt0DWgqv3fyQJyfvV91joQX8hqCOirElXv5uu3FINgULUi_GlnS2pT76Zil2OWs6o7j4vLYZYv8_DP5Ak07xcczaMEItH2QBWhIhIho0II8cMvx3kMsqi-BNH_52/s1600/IMG_4452.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 228px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX3brrpaZPRM9J4kCDDt0DWgqv3fyQJyfvV91joQX8hqCOirElXv5uu3FINgULUi_GlnS2pT76Zil2OWs6o7j4vLYZYv8_DP5Ak07xcczaMEItH2QBWhIhIho0II8cMvx3kMsqi-BNH_52/s320/IMG_4452.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474831022317736690" border="0" /></a>A little salt and whipped butter and these green beans were to die for. The moussaka was perfectly spiced and so tasty. Growing and cooking with our own vegetables is a little more work, but oh so worth it! <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTI_OmpKQxoPOVdKjl53U1ViygJAfPBdlSRNuAYApV7ysUY2RIQQ8GQW_52ynQ-IO54AgseGh3b5QV4GmzP5rmLczHPHj6jclb2BEfdFIhmHf3CBh9G2yrDgwpYn9NYf2YMSdN9URdJETb/s1600/IMG_4454.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTI_OmpKQxoPOVdKjl53U1ViygJAfPBdlSRNuAYApV7ysUY2RIQQ8GQW_52ynQ-IO54AgseGh3b5QV4GmzP5rmLczHPHj6jclb2BEfdFIhmHf3CBh9G2yrDgwpYn9NYf2YMSdN9URdJETb/s320/IMG_4454.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474831012372021506" border="0" /></a>Midnightcoilerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01094784605434219222noreply@blogger.com5