(5212,1,'2011-04-18 18:13:33','2011-04-19 01:13:33','<img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-5204\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4140017-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\nI spend every Christmas in Houston with my family.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMom, in true Mom fashion, tends to spoil everyone with gifts galore.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSince it\'s impossible to pack all these gifts in a suitcase, Mom ships the rest of the loot back to me via U.S. mail.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis year, she waited.  And waited.  And waited.  Until January 21st.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou would have thought that I would have immediately ripped open the box, right?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen you\'re juggling blog, work, puppy, friends, and life,  the box might get stuffed into a closet until there\'s  free time to unpack, sort, and find a place for everything.  (Like I said, Mom tends to go overboard.  Especially with the kitchen gadgets.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI decided to finally haul out the goods when I nearly hyperventilated from working on my taxes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4140027.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5205\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4140027-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5206\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4140040-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\nSurprise!  I had forgotten about the Camp4Coffee espresso!  Thank you, sis!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4140033.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5207\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4140033-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\nOops!  I guess I missed the season on these.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, well.  In my mind, the \"mistletoe\" in April will bring lots of kissing into my life.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 200:  Christmas in April ','','inherit','open','open','','5198-revision-8','','','2011-04-18 18:13:33','2011-04-19 01:13:33','',5198,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/18/5198-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(5211,1,'2011-04-18 18:12:38','2011-04-19 01:12:38','<img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-5204\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4140017-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\nI spend every Christmas in Houston with my family.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMom, in true Mom fashion, tends to spoil everyone with gifts galore.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSince it\'s impossible to pack all these gifts in a suitcase, Mom ships the rest of the loot back to me via U.S. mail.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis year, she waited.  And waited.  And waited.  Until January 21st.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou would have thought that I would have dove into the box immediately upon arrival, right?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen you\'re juggling blog, work, puppy, friends, and life,  the box might get stuffed into a closet until there\'s  free time to unpack, sort, and find a place for everything.  (Like I said, Mom tends to go overboard.  Especially with the kitchen gadgets.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI decided to finally haul out the goods when I nearly hyperventilated from working on my taxes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4140027.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5205\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4140027-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5206\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4140040-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\nSurprise!  I had forgotten about the Camp4Coffee espresso!  Thank you, sis!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4140033.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5207\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4140033-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\nOops!  I guess I missed the season on these.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, well.  In my mind, the \"mistletoe\" in April will bring lots of kissing into my life.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 200:  Christmas in April ','','inherit','open','open','','5198-revision-7','','','2011-04-18 18:12:38','2011-04-19 01:12:38','',5198,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/18/5198-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(5213,1,'2011-04-18 21:04:42','2011-04-19 04:04:42','<img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-5204\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4140017-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" />\n\nI spend every Christmas in Houston with my family.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMom, in true Mom fashion, tends to spoil everyone with gifts galore.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSince it\'s impossible to pack all these gifts in a suitcase, Mom ships the rest of the loot back to me via U.S. mail.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThis year, she waited.  And waited.  And waited.  Until January 21st.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYou would have thought that I would have immediately ripped open the box, right?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWell...\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhen you\'re juggling blog, work, puppy, friends, and life,  the box might get stuffed into a closet until there\'s free time to unpack, sort, and find a place for everything.  (Like I said, Mom tends to go overboard.  Especially with the kitchen gadgets.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI decided to finally haul out the goods as a stress reliever when I nearly hyperventilated from working on my taxes.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4140027.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5205\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4140027-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLurking in that box was stuff that I could have been using.  Like the Pampered Chef chip clips for example.  For about a month now, when I ran out of rubber bands and clips to seal bags of chips or frozen veggies, I have been using scotch tape!  Scotch tape!!!!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOr the Chop Stir Kitchen Gadget (did I warn you about the kitchen gadgets??) that would have helped me during my <strong>White Chili</strong> cook off.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOr...\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5206\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4140040-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" />\n\nSurprise!  I had forgotten about the Camp4Coffee espresso!  Thank you, sis!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4140033.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5207\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4140033-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\nOops!  I guess I missed the season on these.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOh, well.  In my mind, the \"mistletoe\" in April will bring lots of kissing into my life.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 200:  Christmas in April ','','inherit','open','open','','5198-autosave','','','2011-04-18 21:04:42','2011-04-19 04:04:42','',5198,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/18/5198-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(5214,1,'2011-04-18 18:14:25','2011-04-19 01:14:25','<img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-5204\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4140017-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\nI spend every Christmas in Houston with my family.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMom, in true Mom fashion, tends to spoil everyone with gifts galore.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSince it\'s impossible to pack all these gifts in a suitcase, Mom ships the rest of the loot back to me via U.S. mail.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis year, she waited.  And waited.  And waited.  Until January 21st.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou would have thought that I would have immediately ripped open the box, right?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen you\'re juggling blog, work, puppy, friends, and life,  the box might get stuffed into a closet until there\'s free time to unpack, sort, and find a place for everything.  (Like I said, Mom tends to go overboard.  Especially with the kitchen gadgets.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI decided to finally haul out the goods as a stress reliever when I nearly hyperventilated from working on my taxes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4140027.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5205\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4140027-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5206\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4140040-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\nSurprise!  I had forgotten about the Camp4Coffee espresso!  Thank you, sis!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4140033.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5207\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4140033-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\nOops!  I guess I missed the season on these.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, well.  In my mind, the \"mistletoe\" in April will bring lots of kissing into my life.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 200:  Christmas in April ','','inherit','open','open','','5198-revision-9','','','2011-04-18 18:14:25','2011-04-19 01:14:25','',5198,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/18/5198-revision-9/',0,'revision','',0),(5215,1,'2011-04-18 21:05:00','2011-04-19 04:05:00','<img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-5204\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4140017-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\nI spend every Christmas in Houston with my family.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMom, in true Mom fashion, tends to spoil everyone with gifts galore.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSince it\'s impossible to pack all these gifts in a suitcase, Mom ships the rest of the loot back to me via U.S. mail.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis year, she waited.  And waited.  And waited.  Until January 21st.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou would have thought that I would have immediately ripped open the box, right?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen you\'re juggling blog, work, puppy, friends, and life,  the box might get stuffed into a closet until there\'s free time to unpack, sort, and find a place for everything.  (Like I said, Mom tends to go overboard.  Especially with the kitchen gadgets.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI decided to finally haul out the goods as a stress reliever when I nearly hyperventilated from working on my taxes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4140027.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5205\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4140027-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLurking in that box was stuff that I could have been using.  Like the Pampered Chef chip clips for example.  For about a month now, when I ran out of rubber bands and clips to seal bags of chips or frozen veggies, I have been using scotch tape!  Scotch tape!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOr the Chop Stir Kitchen Gadget (did I warn you about the kitchen gadgets??) that would have helped me during my <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/02/07/day-131-fireside-chili-chat-with-michelle/\" target=\"_blank\">White Chili</a></strong> cook off.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOr...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5206\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4140040-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\nSurprise!  I had forgotten about the Camp4Coffee espresso!  Thank you, sis!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4140033.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5207\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4140033-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\nOops!  I guess I missed the season on these.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, well.  In my mind, the \"mistletoe\" in April will bring lots of kissing into my life.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 200:  Christmas in April ','','inherit','open','open','','5198-revision-10','','','2011-04-18 21:05:00','2011-04-19 04:05:00','',5198,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/18/5198-revision-10/',0,'revision','',0),(5216,1,'2011-04-18 21:06:28','2011-04-19 04:06:28','<img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-5204\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4140017-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\nI spend every Christmas in Houston with my family.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMom, in true Mom fashion, tends to spoil everyone with gifts galore.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSince it\'s impossible to pack all these gifts in a suitcase, Mom ships the rest of the loot back to me via U.S. mail.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis year, she waited.  And waited.  And waited.  Until January 21st.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou would have thought that I would have immediately ripped open the box, right?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen you\'re juggling blog, work, puppy, friends, and life, the box might get stuffed into a closet until there\'s free time to unpack, sort, and find a place for everything.  (Like I said, Mom tends to go overboard.  Especially with the kitchen gadgets.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI decided to finally haul out the goods as a stress reliever<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/15/day-198-tax-relief/\" target=\"_blank\"> when I nearly hyperventilated from working on my taxes</a></strong>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4140027.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5205\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4140027-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLurking in that box was stuff that I could have been using.  Like the Pampered Chef chip clips for example.  For about a month now, when I ran out of rubber bands and clips to seal bags of chips or frozen veggies, I have been using scotch tape!  Scotch tape!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOr the Chop Stir Kitchen Gadget (did I warn you about the kitchen gadgets??) that would have helped me during my <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/02/07/day-131-fireside-chili-chat-with-michelle/\" target=\"_blank\">White Chili</a></strong> cook off.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOr...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5206\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4140040-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\nSurprise!  I had forgotten about the Camp4Coffee espresso!  Thank you, sis!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4140033.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5207\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4140033-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\nOops!  I guess I missed the season on these.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, well.  In my mind, the \"mistletoe\" in April will bring lots of kissing into my life.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 200:  Christmas in April ','','inherit','open','open','','5198-revision-11','','','2011-04-18 21:06:28','2011-04-19 04:06:28','',5198,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/18/5198-revision-11/',0,'revision','',0),(5217,1,'2011-04-18 21:08:20','2011-04-19 04:08:20','<img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-5204\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4140017-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\nI spend every Christmas in Houston with my family.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMom, in true Mom fashion, tends to spoil everyone with gifts galore.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSince it\'s impossible to pack all these gifts in a suitcase, Mom ships the rest of the loot back to me via U.S. mail.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis year, she waited.  And waited.  And waited.  Until January 21st.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou would have thought that I would have immediately ripped open the box, right?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen you\'re juggling blog, work, puppy, friends, and life, the box might get stuffed into a closet until there\'s free time to unpack, sort, and find a place for everything.  (Like I said, Mom tends to go overboard.  Especially with the kitchen gadgets.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI decided to finally haul out the goods as a stress reliever<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/15/day-198-tax-relief/\" target=\"_blank\"> when I nearly hyperventilated from working on my taxes</a></strong>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4140027.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5205\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4140027-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLurking in that box was stuff that I could have been using.  Like the Pampered Chef chip clips for example.  For about a month now, when I ran out of rubber bands and clips to seal bags of chips or frozen veggies, I have been using scotch tape!  Scotch tape!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOr the Chop Stir Kitchen Gadget (did I warn you about the kitchen gadgets??) that would have helped me during my <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/02/07/day-131-fireside-chili-chat-with-michelle/\" target=\"_blank\">White Chili</a></strong> cook off.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOr...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5206\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4140040-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\nSurprise!  I had forgotten about the Camp4Coffee espresso!  Thank you, sis!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOr...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4140033.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5207\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4140033-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\nOops!  I guess I missed the season on these.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, well.  In my mind, the \"mistletoe\" in April will bring lots of kissing into my life.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 200:  Christmas in April ','','inherit','open','open','','5198-revision-12','','','2011-04-18 21:08:20','2011-04-19 04:08:20','',5198,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/18/5198-revision-12/',0,'revision','',0),(5218,1,'2011-04-18 21:11:43','2011-04-19 04:11:43','','210394_1776026051955_1578470422_1660129_90159_o','','inherit','open','open','','210394_1776026051955_1578470422_1660129_90159_o','','','2011-04-18 21:11:43','2011-04-19 04:11:43','',5202,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/210394_1776026051955_1578470422_1660129_90159_o.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5219,1,'2011-04-18 12:33:09','2011-04-18 19:33:09','','Day 201:  Relay for Life Benefit Concert','','inherit','open','open','','5202-revision-2','','','2011-04-18 12:33:09','2011-04-18 19:33:09','',5202,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/18/5202-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(5220,1,'2011-04-19 15:22:21','2011-04-19 22:22:21','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/210394_1776026051955_1578470422_1660129_90159_o.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-5218\" title=\"210394_1776026051955_1578470422_1660129_90159_o\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/210394_1776026051955_1578470422_1660129_90159_o-300x194.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"194\" /></a>My friend, Sarah, spearheads a Relay for Life Benefit Concert every year.  That woman puts on a show (literally) like you wouldn\'t believe.  And always for great causes!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nUsually, I participate and sing in The Relay Concert.  This year, with no time for rehearsal, I showed up in support as an audience member only.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nCheck out the websites of my friends who performed:\n\n&nbsp;\n<ul>\n	<li><strong><a href=\"http://www.myspace.com/greggmyers\" target=\"_blank\">Gregg Myers </a></strong>(multi-talented singer, songwriter, guitarist and designer of the benefit poster pictured here).  Also visit the page for his new group, <strong><a href=\"http://www.myspace.com/greggmyers\" target=\"_blank\">Peasant Empire</a>.</strong></li>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n	<li><a href=\"http://www.aaronhowardmusic.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Aaron Howard </strong></a>(singer, songwriter, guitarist extraordinaire and Night Owl).  He didn\'t perform until Midnight, and I needed my beauty sleep for a date the next night.  Sorry, Aaron!  I still ♥ you!</li>\n</ul>\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 201:  Relay for Life Benefit Concert','','inherit','open','open','','5202-revision-3','','','2011-04-19 15:22:21','2011-04-19 22:22:21','',5202,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/19/5202-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(5221,1,'2011-04-19 21:06:42','2011-04-20 04:06:42','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/210394_1776026051955_1578470422_1660129_90159_o.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-5218\" title=\"210394_1776026051955_1578470422_1660129_90159_o\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/210394_1776026051955_1578470422_1660129_90159_o-300x194.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"194\" /></a>My friend, Sarah, spearheads a <a href=\"http://www.relayforlife.org/relay/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Relay for Life</strong></a> Benefit Concert every year.  That woman puts on a show (literally) like you wouldn\'t believe.  And always for great causes!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nUsually, I participate and sing in The Relay Concert.  This year, with no time for rehearsal, I showed up in support as an audience member only.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nCheck out the websites of my friends who performed:\n\n&nbsp;\n<ul>\n	<li><strong><a href=\"http://www.myspace.com/greggmyers\" target=\"_blank\">Gregg Myers </a></strong>(multi-talented singer, songwriter, guitarist and designer of the benefit poster pictured here).  Please make sure to also visit the page for his new group, <strong><a href=\"http://www.reverbnation.com/peasantempire\" target=\"_blank\">Peasant Empire</a>.</strong></li>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n	<li><a href=\"http://www.aaronhowardmusic.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Aaron Howard </strong></a>(singer, songwriter, guitarist extraordinaire and Night Owl).  He didn\'t perform until Midnight, and I needed my beauty sleep for a date the next night.  Sorry, Aaron!  I still ♥ you!</li>\n</ul>\nThe evening attracted a HUGE turnout, and all involved raised a nice chunk of change for Relay for Life.\n\n&nbsp;','Day 201:  Relay for Life Benefit Concert','','inherit','open','open','','5202-autosave','','','2011-04-19 21:06:42','2011-04-20 04:06:42','',5202,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/19/5202-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(5222,1,'2011-04-19 15:23:07','2011-04-19 22:23:07','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/210394_1776026051955_1578470422_1660129_90159_o.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-5218\" title=\"210394_1776026051955_1578470422_1660129_90159_o\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/210394_1776026051955_1578470422_1660129_90159_o-300x194.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"194\" /></a>My friend, Sarah, spearheads a Relay for Life Benefit Concert every year.  That woman puts on a show (literally) like you wouldn\'t believe.  And always for great causes!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUsually, I participate and sing in The Relay Concert.  This year, with no time for rehearsal, I showed up in support as an audience member only.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCheck out the websites of my friends who performed:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><strong><a href=\"http://www.myspace.com/greggmyers\" target=\"_blank\">Gregg Myers </a></strong>(multi-talented singer, songwriter, guitarist and designer of the benefit poster pictured here).  Also visit the page for his new group, <strong><a href=\"http://www.myspace.com/greggmyers\" target=\"_blank\">Peasant Empire</a>.</strong></li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><a href=\"http://www.aaronhowardmusic.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Aaron Howard </strong></a>(singer, songwriter, guitarist extraordinaire and Night Owl).  He didn\'t perform until Midnight, and I needed my beauty sleep for a date the next night.  Sorry, Aaron!  I still ♥ you!</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 201:  Relay for Life Benefit Concert','','inherit','open','open','','5202-revision-4','','','2011-04-19 15:23:07','2011-04-19 22:23:07','',5202,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/19/5202-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(5223,1,'2011-04-20 01:15:28','2011-04-20 08:15:28','<a href=\"http://www.relayforlife.org/relay/\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-5228\" title=\"rfl_logo\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/rfl_logo.gif\" alt=\"\" width=\"176\" height=\"138\" /></a>I\'ve donated to<a href=\"http://www.relayforlife.org/relay/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> Relay for Life</strong></a> for many years, but I have never walked in the actual Relay.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis year, I showed up to the local high school with a new and \"special friend\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUpon arriving at the event, I happened to run into an old friend and former teaching colleague who is a cancer survivor.  Together, we watched a tribute to another friend and former teaching colleague of mine who lost her battle this past December.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWe then helped each other light our candles and embarked on the luminaria laps in silence.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt was a humbling and moving experience.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWords cannot begin to express the emotions stirred up throughout the evening, so I will leave you now with Hope.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/rj3/2580652393/sizes/m/in/photostream/\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5229\" title=\"hope\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/hope-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 202:  Relay for Life ','','publish','open','open','','day-202-relay-for-life','','','2011-04-19 21:15:43','2011-04-20 04:15:43','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=5223',0,'post','',1),(5224,1,'2011-04-19 15:58:59','2011-04-19 22:58:59','','Auto Draft','','inherit','open','open','','5223-revision','','','2011-04-19 15:58:59','2011-04-19 22:58:59','',5223,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/19/5223-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(5225,1,'2011-04-19 15:24:37','2011-04-19 22:24:37','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/210394_1776026051955_1578470422_1660129_90159_o.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-5218\" title=\"210394_1776026051955_1578470422_1660129_90159_o\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/210394_1776026051955_1578470422_1660129_90159_o-300x194.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"194\" /></a>My friend, Sarah, spearheads a Relay for Life Benefit Concert every year.  That woman puts on a show (literally) like you wouldn\'t believe.  And always for great causes!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUsually, I participate and sing in The Relay Concert.  This year, with no time for rehearsal, I showed up in support as an audience member only.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCheck out the websites of my friends who performed:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><strong><a href=\"http://www.myspace.com/greggmyers\" target=\"_blank\">Gregg Myers </a></strong>(multi-talented singer, songwriter, guitarist and designer of the benefit poster pictured here).  Also visit the page for his new group, <strong><a href=\"http://www.reverbnation.com/peasantempire\" target=\"_blank\">Peasant Empire</a>.</strong></li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><a href=\"http://www.aaronhowardmusic.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Aaron Howard </strong></a>(singer, songwriter, guitarist extraordinaire and Night Owl).  He didn\'t perform until Midnight, and I needed my beauty sleep for a date the next night.  Sorry, Aaron!  I still ♥ you!</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 201:  Relay for Life Benefit Concert','','inherit','open','open','','5202-revision-5','','','2011-04-19 15:24:37','2011-04-19 22:24:37','',5202,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/19/5202-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(5226,1,'2011-04-19 16:01:17','2011-04-19 23:01:17','I\'ve donated to Relay for Life for many years, but I','Day 202:  Relay for Life ','','inherit','open','open','','5223-revision-2','','','2011-04-19 16:01:17','2011-04-19 23:01:17','',5223,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/19/5223-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(5227,1,'2011-04-19 16:10:19','2011-04-19 23:10:19','I\'ve donated to<a href=\"http://www.relayforlife.org/relay/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> Relay for Life</strong></a> for many years, but I have never walked in the actual Relay.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThis year, I showed up to the local high school with a new and \"special friend\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIt was a humbling and moving experience.  I happened to run into an old friend and former teaching colleague who is a cancer survivor.  Together, we watched a tribute to another friend and former teaching colleague of mine who lost her battle this past December.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe Lumin\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 202:  Relay for Life ','','inherit','open','open','','5223-revision-3','','','2011-04-19 16:10:19','2011-04-19 23:10:19','',5223,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/19/5223-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(5228,1,'2011-04-19 16:11:41','2011-04-19 23:11:41','','rfl_logo','','inherit','open','open','','rfl_logo','','','2011-04-19 16:11:41','2011-04-19 23:11:41','',5223,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/rfl_logo.gif',0,'attachment','image/gif',0),(5229,1,'2011-04-19 16:15:48','2011-04-19 23:15:48','','hope','','inherit','open','open','','hope','','','2011-04-19 16:15:48','2011-04-19 23:15:48','',5223,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/hope.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5230,1,'2011-04-19 16:12:50','2011-04-19 23:12:50','<a href=\"http://www.relayforlife.org/relay/\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-5228\" title=\"rfl_logo\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/rfl_logo.gif\" alt=\"\" width=\"176\" height=\"138\" /></a>I\'ve donated to<a href=\"http://www.relayforlife.org/relay/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> Relay for Life</strong></a> for many years, but I have never walked in the actual Relay.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThis year, I showed up to the local high school with a new and \"special friend\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIt was a humbling and moving experience.  I happened to run into an old friend and former teaching colleague who is a cancer survivor.  Together, we watched a tribute to another friend and former teaching colleague of mine who lost her battle this past December.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 202:  Relay for Life ','','inherit','open','open','','5223-revision-4','','','2011-04-19 16:12:50','2011-04-19 23:12:50','',5223,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/19/5223-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(5231,1,'2011-04-19 16:00:03','2011-04-19 23:00:03','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/210394_1776026051955_1578470422_1660129_90159_o.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-5218\" title=\"210394_1776026051955_1578470422_1660129_90159_o\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/210394_1776026051955_1578470422_1660129_90159_o-300x194.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"194\" /></a>My friend, Sarah, spearheads a <a href=\"http://www.relayforlife.org/relay/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Relay for Life</strong></a> Benefit Concert every year.  That woman puts on a show (literally) like you wouldn\'t believe.  And always for great causes!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUsually, I participate and sing in The Relay Concert.  This year, with no time for rehearsal, I showed up in support as an audience member only.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCheck out the websites of my friends who performed:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><strong><a href=\"http://www.myspace.com/greggmyers\" target=\"_blank\">Gregg Myers </a></strong>(multi-talented singer, songwriter, guitarist and designer of the benefit poster pictured here).  Also visit the page for his new group, <strong><a href=\"http://www.reverbnation.com/peasantempire\" target=\"_blank\">Peasant Empire</a>.</strong></li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><a href=\"http://www.aaronhowardmusic.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Aaron Howard </strong></a>(singer, songwriter, guitarist extraordinaire and Night Owl).  He didn\'t perform until Midnight, and I needed my beauty sleep for a date the next night.  Sorry, Aaron!  I still ♥ you!</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 201:  Relay for Life Benefit Concert','','inherit','open','open','','5202-revision-6','','','2011-04-19 16:00:03','2011-04-19 23:00:03','',5202,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/19/5202-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(5232,1,'2011-04-19 20:57:19','2011-04-20 03:57:19','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/210394_1776026051955_1578470422_1660129_90159_o.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-5218\" title=\"210394_1776026051955_1578470422_1660129_90159_o\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/210394_1776026051955_1578470422_1660129_90159_o-300x194.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"194\" /></a>My friend, Sarah, spearheads a <a href=\"http://www.relayforlife.org/relay/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Relay for Life</strong></a> Benefit Concert every year.  That woman puts on a show (literally) like you wouldn\'t believe.  And always for great causes!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUsually, I participate and sing in The Relay Concert.  This year, with no time for rehearsal, I showed up in support as an audience member only.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCheck out the websites of my friends who performed:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><strong><a href=\"http://www.myspace.com/greggmyers\" target=\"_blank\">Gregg Myers </a></strong>(multi-talented singer, songwriter, guitarist and designer of the benefit poster pictured here).  Also visit the page for his new group, <strong><a href=\"http://www.reverbnation.com/peasantempire\" target=\"_blank\">Peasant Empire</a>.</strong></li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><a href=\"http://www.aaronhowardmusic.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Aaron Howard </strong></a>(singer, songwriter, guitarist extraordinaire and Night Owl).  He didn\'t perform until Midnight, and I needed my beauty sleep for a date the next night.  Sorry, Aaron!  I still ♥ you!</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n&nbsp;','Day 201:  Relay for Life Benefit Concert','','inherit','open','open','','5202-revision-7','','','2011-04-19 20:57:19','2011-04-20 03:57:19','',5202,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/19/5202-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(5233,1,'2011-04-19 20:58:28','2011-04-20 03:58:28','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/210394_1776026051955_1578470422_1660129_90159_o.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-5218\" title=\"210394_1776026051955_1578470422_1660129_90159_o\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/210394_1776026051955_1578470422_1660129_90159_o-300x194.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"194\" /></a>My friend, Sarah, spearheads a <a href=\"http://www.relayforlife.org/relay/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Relay for Life</strong></a> Benefit Concert every year.  That woman puts on a show (literally) like you wouldn\'t believe.  And always for great causes!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUsually, I participate and sing in The Relay Concert.  This year, with no time for rehearsal, I showed up in support as an audience member only.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCheck out the websites of my friends who performed:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><strong><a href=\"http://www.myspace.com/greggmyers\" target=\"_blank\">Gregg Myers </a></strong>(multi-talented singer, songwriter, guitarist and designer of the benefit poster pictured here).  Please make sure to also visit the page for his new group, <strong><a href=\"http://www.reverbnation.com/peasantempire\" target=\"_blank\">Peasant Empire</a>.</strong></li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><a href=\"http://www.aaronhowardmusic.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Aaron Howard </strong></a>(singer, songwriter, guitarist extraordinaire and Night Owl).  He didn\'t perform until Midnight, and I needed my beauty sleep for a date the next night.  Sorry, Aaron!  I still ♥ you!</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n&nbsp;','Day 201:  Relay for Life Benefit Concert','','inherit','open','open','','5202-revision-8','','','2011-04-19 20:58:28','2011-04-20 03:58:28','',5202,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/19/5202-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(5234,1,'2011-04-19 21:03:57','2011-04-20 04:03:57','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/210394_1776026051955_1578470422_1660129_90159_o.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-5218\" title=\"210394_1776026051955_1578470422_1660129_90159_o\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/210394_1776026051955_1578470422_1660129_90159_o-300x194.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"194\" /></a>My friend, Sarah, spearheads a <a href=\"http://www.relayforlife.org/relay/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Relay for Life</strong></a> Benefit Concert every year.  That woman puts on a show (literally) like you wouldn\'t believe.  And always for great causes!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUsually, I participate and sing in The Relay Concert.  This year, with no time for rehearsal, I showed up in support as an audience member only.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCheck out the websites of my friends who performed:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><strong><a href=\"http://www.myspace.com/greggmyers\" target=\"_blank\">Gregg Myers </a></strong>(multi-talented singer, songwriter, guitarist and designer of the benefit poster pictured here).  Please make sure to also visit the page for his new group, <strong><a href=\"http://www.reverbnation.com/peasantempire\" target=\"_blank\">Peasant Empire</a>.</strong></li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><a href=\"http://www.aaronhowardmusic.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Aaron Howard </strong></a>(singer, songwriter, guitarist extraordinaire and Night Owl).  He didn\'t perform until Midnight, and I needed my beauty sleep for a date the next night.  Sorry, Aaron!  I still ♥ you!</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe evening attracted a HUGE turnout, all involved raised a nice chunk of change for Relay for Life.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 201:  Relay for Life Benefit Concert','','inherit','open','open','','5202-revision-9','','','2011-04-19 21:03:57','2011-04-20 04:03:57','',5202,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/19/5202-revision-9/',0,'revision','',0),(5235,1,'2011-04-19 21:04:21','2011-04-20 04:04:21','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/210394_1776026051955_1578470422_1660129_90159_o.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-5218\" title=\"210394_1776026051955_1578470422_1660129_90159_o\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/210394_1776026051955_1578470422_1660129_90159_o-300x194.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"194\" /></a>My friend, Sarah, spearheads a <a href=\"http://www.relayforlife.org/relay/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Relay for Life</strong></a> Benefit Concert every year.  That woman puts on a show (literally) like you wouldn\'t believe.  And always for great causes!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUsually, I participate and sing in The Relay Concert.  This year, with no time for rehearsal, I showed up in support as an audience member only.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCheck out the websites of my friends who performed:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><strong><a href=\"http://www.myspace.com/greggmyers\" target=\"_blank\">Gregg Myers </a></strong>(multi-talented singer, songwriter, guitarist and designer of the benefit poster pictured here).  Please make sure to also visit the page for his new group, <strong><a href=\"http://www.reverbnation.com/peasantempire\" target=\"_blank\">Peasant Empire</a>.</strong></li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><a href=\"http://www.aaronhowardmusic.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Aaron Howard </strong></a>(singer, songwriter, guitarist extraordinaire and Night Owl).  He didn\'t perform until Midnight, and I needed my beauty sleep for a date the next night.  Sorry, Aaron!  I still ♥ you!</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nThe evening attracted a HUGE turnout, all involved raised a nice chunk of change for Relay for Life.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 201:  Relay for Life Benefit Concert','','inherit','open','open','','5202-revision-10','','','2011-04-19 21:04:21','2011-04-20 04:04:21','',5202,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/19/5202-revision-10/',0,'revision','',0),(5236,1,'2011-04-19 21:15:30','2011-04-20 04:15:30','<a href=\"http://www.relayforlife.org/relay/\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-5228\" title=\"rfl_logo\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/rfl_logo.gif\" alt=\"\" width=\"176\" height=\"138\" /></a>I\'ve donated to<a href=\"http://www.relayforlife.org/relay/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> Relay for Life</strong></a> for many years, but I have never walked in the actual Relay.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThis year, I showed up to the local high school with a new and \"special friend\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\nUpon arriving at the event, I happened to run into an old friend and former teaching colleague who is a cancer survivor.  Together, we watched a tribute to another friend and former teaching colleague of mine who lost her battle this past December.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWe then helped each other light our candles and embarked on the luminaria laps in silence.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIt was a humbling and moving experience.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWords cannot begin to express the emotions stirred up throughout the evening, so I will leave you now with Hope.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/rj3/2580652393/sizes/m/in/photostream/\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5229\" title=\"hope\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/hope-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 202:  Relay for Life ','','inherit','open','open','','5223-revision-5','','','2011-04-19 21:15:30','2011-04-20 04:15:30','',5223,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/19/5223-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(5237,1,'2011-04-19 21:16:47','2011-04-20 04:16:47','<a href=\"http://www.relayforlife.org/relay/\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-5228\" title=\"rfl_logo\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/rfl_logo.gif\" alt=\"\" width=\"176\" height=\"138\" /></a>I\'ve donated to<a href=\"http://www.relayforlife.org/relay/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> Relay for Life</strong></a> for many years, but I have never walked in the actual Relay.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThis year, I showed up to the local high school with a new and \"special friend\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\nUpon arriving at the event, I happened to run into an old friend and former teaching colleague who is a cancer survivor.  Together, we watched a tribute to another friend and former teaching colleague of mine who lost her battle this past December.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWe then helped each other light our candles and embarked on the luminaria laps in silence.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIt was a humbling and moving experience.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWords cannot begin to express the emotions stirred up throughout the evening, so I will leave you now with Hope.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/rj3/2580652393/sizes/m/in/photostream/\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5229\" title=\"hope\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/hope-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 202:  Relay for Life ','','inherit','open','open','','5223-autosave','','','2011-04-19 21:16:47','2011-04-20 04:16:47','',5223,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/19/5223-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(5238,1,'2011-04-21 01:11:06','2011-04-21 08:11:06','I am a <del>cheap date</del> lightweight when it comes to drinking.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAbout 2-3 times a year, I have one too many margaritas.  Which equates to a total of about 2 or 3 margaritas for me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo when my new and \"special friend\' and I indulged in margaritas, I was forced to resort to my standby hangover cure.  Nothing else ever does the trick.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_5241\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"240\" caption=\"Taco Bell Crunchy Taco Supreme\"]<a href=\"http://www.tacobell.com\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-5241  \" title=\"Unknown\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Unknown1.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"240\" height=\"201\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #993366; font-size: large;\"><strong>Yummmmm.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI know this is soooooo 10 years ago, but...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">I can\'t resist.  Yo Quiero Taco Bell!  :-)</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #993366;\"><strong>What do you crave after one too many margaritas?  Hmmmm?</strong></span>','Day 203:  Hangover Cure','','publish','open','open','','day-203-hangover-cure','','','2011-04-20 16:16:07','2011-04-20 23:16:07','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=5238',0,'post','',10),(5239,1,'2011-04-20 15:59:57','2011-04-20 22:59:57','I am a <del>cheap date</del> lightweight when it comes to drinking.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAbout 2-3 times a year, I have one too many margaritas.  Which equates to a total of about 2 0r 3 margaritas for me.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSo when my new and \"special friend\' indulged in margaritas, I was forced to resort to my standy','Day 203:  Hangover Cure','','inherit','open','open','','5238-revision','','','2011-04-20 15:59:57','2011-04-20 22:59:57','',5238,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/20/5238-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(5240,1,'2011-04-20 16:06:11','2011-04-20 23:06:11','','Unknown','','inherit','open','open','','unknown','','','2011-04-20 16:06:11','2011-04-20 23:06:11','',5238,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Unknown.jpeg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5241,1,'2011-04-20 16:06:22','2011-04-20 23:06:22','','Unknown','Taco Bell Crunchy Taco Supreme','inherit','open','open','','unknown-2','','','2011-04-20 16:06:22','2011-04-20 23:06:22','',5238,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Unknown1.jpeg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5242,1,'2011-04-20 16:07:30','2011-04-20 23:07:30','I am a <del>cheap date</del> lightweight when it comes to drinking.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAbout 2-3 times a year, I have one too many margaritas.  Which equates to a total of about 2 0r 3 margaritas for me.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSo when my new and \"special friend\' indulged in margaritas, I was forced to resort to my standby hangover cure.  Nothing else will do the trick.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_5241\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"240\" caption=\"Taco Bell Crunchy Taco Supreme\"]<a href=\"www.tacobell.com\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-5241\" title=\"Unknown\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Unknown1.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"240\" height=\"201\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYummmmm...I know this is soooooo 10 years ago,','Day 203:  Hangover Cure','','inherit','open','open','','5238-revision-2','','','2011-04-20 16:07:30','2011-04-20 23:07:30','',5238,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/20/5238-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(5243,1,'2011-04-20 16:10:11','2011-04-20 23:10:11','I am a <del>cheap date</del> lightweight when it comes to drinking.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAbout 2-3 times a year, I have one too many margaritas.  Which equates to a total of about 2 0r 3 margaritas for me.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSo when my new and \"special friend\' indulged in margaritas, I was forced to resort to my standby hangover cure.  Nothing else ever does the trick.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_5241\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"240\" caption=\"Taco Bell Crunchy Taco Supreme\"]<a href=\"www.tacobell.com\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-5241\" title=\"Unknown\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Unknown1.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"240\" height=\"201\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #993366; font-size: large;\"><strong>Yummmmm.</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI know this is soooooo 10 years ago, but...\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #993366;\"><strong>Yo Quiero Taco Bell!  :-)</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #993366;\">What do you crave after one too many margaritas?  Hmmmm?</span>','Day 203:  Hangover Cure','','inherit','open','open','','5238-revision-3','','','2011-04-20 16:10:11','2011-04-20 23:10:11','',5238,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/20/5238-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(5244,1,'2011-04-20 16:10:52','2011-04-20 23:10:52','I am a <del>cheap date</del> lightweight when it comes to drinking.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAbout 2-3 times a year, I have one too many margaritas.  Which equates to a total of about 2 0r 3 margaritas for me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo when my new and \"special friend\' indulged in margaritas, I was forced to resort to my standby hangover cure.  Nothing else ever does the trick.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_5241\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"240\" caption=\"Taco Bell Crunchy Taco Supreme\"]<a href=\"www.tacobell.com\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-5241\" title=\"Unknown\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Unknown1.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"240\" height=\"201\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #993366; font-size: large;\"><strong>Yummmmm.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI know this is soooooo 10 years ago, but...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Yo Quiero Taco Bell!  :-)</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #993366;\"><strong>What do you crave after one too many margaritas?  Hmmmm?</strong></span>','Day 203:  Hangover Cure','','inherit','open','open','','5238-revision-4','','','2011-04-20 16:10:52','2011-04-20 23:10:52','',5238,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/20/5238-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(5245,1,'2011-04-20 16:11:14','2011-04-20 23:11:14','I am a <del>cheap date</del> lightweight when it comes to drinking.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAbout 2-3 times a year, I have one too many margaritas.  Which equates to a total of about 2 0r 3 margaritas for me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo when my new and \"special friend\' indulged in margaritas, I was forced to resort to my standby hangover cure.  Nothing else ever does the trick.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_5241\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"240\" caption=\"Taco Bell Crunchy Taco Supreme\"]<a href=\"www.tacobell.com\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-5241 \" title=\"Unknown\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Unknown1.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"240\" height=\"201\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #993366; font-size: large;\"><strong>Yummmmm.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI know this is soooooo 10 years ago, but...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Yo Quiero Taco Bell!  :-)</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #993366;\"><strong>What do you crave after one too many margaritas?  Hmmmm?</strong></span>','Day 203:  Hangover Cure','','inherit','open','open','','5238-revision-5','','','2011-04-20 16:11:14','2011-04-20 23:11:14','',5238,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/20/5238-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(5246,1,'2011-04-20 16:12:18','2011-04-20 23:12:18','I am a <del>cheap date</del> lightweight when it comes to drinking.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAbout 2-3 times a year, I have one too many margaritas.  Which equates to a total of about 2 or 3 margaritas for me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo when my new and \"special friend\' indulged in margaritas, I was forced to resort to my standby hangover cure.  Nothing else ever does the trick.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_5241\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"240\" caption=\"Taco Bell Crunchy Taco Supreme\"]<a href=\"www.tacobell.com\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-5241 \" title=\"Unknown\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Unknown1.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"240\" height=\"201\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #993366; font-size: large;\"><strong>Yummmmm.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI know this is soooooo 10 years ago, but...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Yo Quiero Taco Bell!  :-)</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #993366;\"><strong>What do you crave after one too many margaritas?  Hmmmm?</strong></span>','Day 203:  Hangover Cure','','inherit','open','open','','5238-revision-6','','','2011-04-20 16:12:18','2011-04-20 23:12:18','',5238,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/20/5238-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(5247,1,'2011-04-20 16:13:07','2011-04-20 23:13:07','I am a <del>cheap date</del> lightweight when it comes to drinking.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAbout 2-3 times a year, I have one too many margaritas.  Which equates to a total of about 2 or 3 margaritas for me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo when my new and \"special friend\' and I indulged in margaritas, I was forced to resort to my standby hangover cure.  Nothing else ever does the trick.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_5241\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"240\" caption=\"Taco Bell Crunchy Taco Supreme\"]<a href=\"www.tacobell.com\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-5241 \" title=\"Unknown\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Unknown1.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"240\" height=\"201\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #993366; font-size: large;\"><strong>Yummmmm.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI know this is soooooo 10 years ago, but...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Yo Quiero Taco Bell!  :-)</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #993366;\"><strong>What do you crave after one too many margaritas?  Hmmmm?</strong></span>','Day 203:  Hangover Cure','','inherit','open','open','','5238-revision-7','','','2011-04-20 16:13:07','2011-04-20 23:13:07','',5238,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/20/5238-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(5248,1,'2011-04-20 16:15:09','2011-04-20 23:15:09','I am a <del>cheap date</del> lightweight when it comes to drinking.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAbout 2-3 times a year, I have one too many margaritas.  Which equates to a total of about 2 or 3 margaritas for me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo when my new and \"special friend\' and I indulged in margaritas, I was forced to resort to my standby hangover cure.  Nothing else ever does the trick.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_5241\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"240\" caption=\"Taco Bell Crunchy Taco Supreme\"]<a href=\"http://www.tacobell.com\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-5241  \" title=\"Unknown\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Unknown1.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"240\" height=\"201\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #993366; font-size: large;\"><strong>Yummmmm.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI know this is soooooo 10 years ago, but...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Yo Quiero Taco Bell!  :-)</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #993366;\"><strong>What do you crave after one too many margaritas?  Hmmmm?</strong></span>','Day 203:  Hangover Cure','','inherit','open','open','','5238-revision-8','','','2011-04-20 16:15:09','2011-04-20 23:15:09','',5238,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/20/5238-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(5249,1,'2011-04-20 16:15:12','2011-04-20 23:15:12','I am a <del>cheap date</del> lightweight when it comes to drinking.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAbout 2-3 times a year, I have one too many margaritas.  Which equates to a total of about 2 or 3 margaritas for me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo when my new and \"special friend\' and I indulged in margaritas, I was forced to resort to my standby hangover cure.  Nothing else ever does the trick.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_5241\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"240\" caption=\"Taco Bell Crunchy Taco Supreme\"]<a href=\"http://www.tacobell.com\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-5241  \" title=\"Unknown\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Unknown1.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"240\" height=\"201\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #993366; font-size: large;\"><strong>Yummmmm.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI know this is soooooo 10 years ago, but...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Yo Quiero Taco Bell!  :-)</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #993366;\"><strong>What do you crave after one too many margaritas?  Hmmmm?</strong></span>','Day 203:  Hangover Cure','','inherit','open','open','','5238-revision-9','','','2011-04-20 16:15:12','2011-04-20 23:15:12','',5238,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/20/5238-revision-9/',0,'revision','',0),(5251,1,'2011-04-21 19:57:27','2011-04-22 02:57:27','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-322','','','2011-04-21 19:57:27','2011-04-22 02:57:27','',5250,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4190007.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5252,1,'2011-04-21 20:10:49','2011-04-22 03:10:49','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4190007.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-5251\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4190007-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>Remember on Day 156 when Bella tried Doga for the first time?  Yes, I suppose I have turned into one of <em>those</em> dog people.  :-)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAlthough...for me, it doubles as fun and socialization for my rescued pooch.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd what could be more fun than Yappy Hour?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'m pleased to inform you that this Yappy Hour takes place at the Arizona Biltmore Golf Course.  Yes, on the grounds of <em>that</em> Biltmore Hotel.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe Adobe Restaurant on the golf course is the first dog-certified patio in my fair city.  Outside of Yappy Hour, you can call for a reservation, and if your pooch happens to be within the max of 5 pups on the patio limit, you can dine with your dog.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIs that cool or what???  One of the city\'s shi-shiest luxury hotels is the forerunner in dog-friendly patios?  We\'re becoming soooooo West Coast.  I\'ll take this similarity in a heartbeat!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'m actually going to have to return for Bella to enjoy the pup grub.  Not knowing there was a dog menu previously, Bella scarfed down her Stella &amp; Chewy\'s as usual and arrived at Yappy Hour with a full belly.  I apologize for the blurry photo.  The options are:  Zen Beef &amp; Rice, Warrior Chicken &amp; Potatoes, and Adobe Puppy Treats which are homemade by the restaurant.  You\'d have to be a Canine Scrooge to not be anything but tickled by this menu!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter Yappy Hour, we\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 205:  Yappy Hour','','inherit','open','open','','5250-revision','','','2011-04-21 20:10:49','2011-04-22 03:10:49','',5250,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/21/5250-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(5253,1,'2011-04-21 20:32:38','2011-04-22 03:32:38','','218284_10150163578649176_174849479175_6498049_3210211_o','','inherit','open','open','','218284_10150163578649176_174849479175_6498049_3210211_o','','','2011-04-21 20:32:38','2011-04-22 03:32:38','',5250,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/218284_10150163578649176_174849479175_6498049_3210211_o.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5254,1,'2011-04-21 20:34:38','2011-04-22 03:34:38','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-323','','','2011-04-21 20:34:38','2011-04-22 03:34:38','',5250,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4190014.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5255,1,'2011-04-21 20:35:44','2011-04-22 03:35:44','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-324','','','2011-04-21 20:35:44','2011-04-22 03:35:44','',5250,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4190016.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5256,1,'2011-04-21 20:36:46','2011-04-22 03:36:46','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-325','','','2011-04-21 20:36:46','2011-04-22 03:36:46','',5250,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4190019.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5257,1,'2011-04-21 20:38:37','2011-04-22 03:38:37','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-326','','','2011-04-21 20:38:37','2011-04-22 03:38:37','',5250,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4190013.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5258,1,'2011-04-21 20:39:30','2011-04-22 03:39:30','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-327','','','2011-04-21 20:39:30','2011-04-22 03:39:30','',5250,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4190009.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5259,1,'2011-04-21 20:45:33','2011-04-22 03:45:33','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4190007.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-5251\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4190007-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>Remember on <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/03/day-156-doga-yappy-hour-canine-nirvana/\" target=\"_blank\">Day 156</a></strong> when Bella tried Doga for the first time?  Yes, I suppose I have turned into one of <em>those</em> dog people.  :-)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAlthough...for me, it doubles as fun and socialization for my rescued pooch.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd what could be more fun than Yappy Hour?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'m pleased to inform you that this Yappy Hour takes place at the Arizona Biltmore Golf Course.  Yes, on the grounds of <em>that</em> Biltmore Hotel.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe Adobe Restaurant on the golf course is the first dog-certified patio in my fair city.  Outside of Yappy Hour, you can call for a reservation, and if your pooch happens to be within the max of their 5 pups on the patio limit, you can dine with your dog.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIs that cool or what???  One of the city\'s shi-shi-est luxury hotels is the forerunner in dog-friendly patios?  We\'re becoming soooooo West Coast.  I\'ll take the similarity in a heartbeat!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'m actually going to have to return for Yappy Hour so that Bella can enjoy the pup grub.  Not knowing there was a dog menu previously, Bella scarfed down her Stella &amp; Chewy\'s as usual and arrived at Yappy Hour with a full belly.  I apologize for the blurry photo.  The options are:  Zen Beef &amp; Rice, Warrior Chicken &amp; Potatoes, and Adobe Puppy Treats which are homemade by the restaurant.  You\'d have to be a Canine Scrooge to not be anything but tickled by this menu!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter Yappy Hour, we moved on over to the Doga tent for twenty minutes or so of Pooch Nirvana.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/218284_10150163578649176_174849479175_6498049_3210211_o.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-5253\" title=\"218284_10150163578649176_174849479175_6498049_3210211_o\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/218284_10150163578649176_174849479175_6498049_3210211_o-231x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"231\" height=\"300\" /></a><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5258\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4190009-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" />\n\nRight:  Petey and Pebbles on \"Date Night\" (Their child, Little Girl, stayed at home.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4190014.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5254\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4190014-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4190016.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5255\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4190016-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\nLeft:  Warrior One\n\nRight:  Downward Facing Dogi\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4190019.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5256\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4190019-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4190013.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5257\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4190013-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\nLeft:  Pebbles in Savasana or \"Corpse Pose\"\n\nRight:  World\'s Best Dogi Instructors','Day 205:  Yappy Hour','','inherit','open','open','','5250-revision-2','','','2011-04-21 20:45:33','2011-04-22 03:45:33','',5250,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/21/5250-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(5260,1,'2011-04-21 20:52:12','2011-04-22 03:52:12','<a href=\"http://www.theadoberestaurant.com/\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-5251\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4190007-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>Remember on <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/03/day-156-doga-yappy-hour-canine-nirvana/\" target=\"_blank\">Day 156</a></strong> when Bella tried Doga for the first time?  Yes, I suppose I have turned into one of <em>those</em> dog people.  :-)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAlthough...for me, it doubles as fun and socialization for my rescued pooch.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd what could be more fun than Yappy Hour?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'m pleased to inform you that this Yappy Hour takes place at the Arizona Biltmore Golf Course.  Yes, on the grounds of <em>that</em> Biltmore Hotel.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe Adobe Restaurant on the golf course is the first dog-certified patio in my fair city.  Outside of Yappy Hour, you can call for a reservation, and if your pooch happens to be within the max of their 5 pups on the patio limit, you can dine with your dog.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIs that cool or what???  One of the city\'s shi-shi-est luxury hotels is the forerunner in dog-friendly patios?  We\'re becoming soooooo West Coast.  I\'ll take the similarity in a heartbeat!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'m actually going to have to return for Yappy Hour so that Bella can enjoy the pup grub.  Not knowing there was a dog menu previously, Bella scarfed down her Stella &amp; Chewy\'s as usual and arrived at Yappy Hour with a full belly.  I apologize for the blurry photo.  The options are:  Zen Beef &amp; Rice, Warrior Chicken &amp; Potatoes, and Adobe Puppy Treats which are homemade by the restaurant.  You\'d have to be a Canine Scrooge to not be anything but tickled by this menu!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter Yappy Hour, we moved on over to the Doga tent for twenty minutes or so of Pooch Nirvana.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/azbiltmoregc?sk=wall\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-5253\" title=\"218284_10150163578649176_174849479175_6498049_3210211_o\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/218284_10150163578649176_174849479175_6498049_3210211_o-231x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"231\" height=\"300\" /></a><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5258\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4190009-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" />\n\nRight:  Petey and Pebbles on \"Date Night\" (Their child, Little Girl, stayed at home.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4190014.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5254\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4190014-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4190016.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5255\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4190016-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\nLeft:  Warrior One\n\nRight:  Downward Facing Dogi\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4190019.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5256\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4190019-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4190013.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5257\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4190013-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\nLeft:  Pebbles in Savasana or \"Corpse Pose\"\n\nRight:  <strong><a href=\"http://www.ohmydogboutique.com/events/doga\" target=\"_blank\">World\'s Best Dogi Instructors, Dena and Jackie</a></strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 205:  Yappy Hour','','inherit','open','open','','5250-revision-3','','','2011-04-21 20:52:12','2011-04-22 03:52:12','',5250,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/21/5250-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(5261,1,'2011-04-21 20:52:33','2011-04-22 03:52:33','<a href=\"http://www.theadoberestaurant.com/\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-5251\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4190007-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>Remember on <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/03/day-156-doga-yappy-hour-canine-nirvana/\" target=\"_blank\">Day 156</a></strong> when Bella tried Doga for the first time?  Yes, I suppose I have turned into one of <em>those</em> dog people.  :-)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAlthough...for me, it doubles as fun and socialization for my rescued pooch.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd what could be more fun than Yappy Hour?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m pleased to inform you that this Yappy Hour takes place at the Arizona Biltmore Golf Course.  Yes, on the grounds of <em>that</em> Biltmore Hotel.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe Adobe Restaurant on the golf course is the first dog-certified patio in my fair city.  Outside of Yappy Hour, you can call for a reservation, and if your pooch happens to be within the max of their 5 pups on the patio limit, you can dine with your dog.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs that cool or what???  One of the city\'s shi-shi-est luxury hotels is the forerunner in dog-friendly patios?  We\'re becoming soooooo West Coast.  I\'ll take the similarity in a heartbeat!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m actually going to have to return for Yappy Hour so that Bella can enjoy the pup grub.  Not knowing there was a dog menu previously, Bella scarfed down her Stella &amp; Chewy\'s as usual and arrived at Yappy Hour with a full belly.  I apologize for the blurry photo.  The options are:  Zen Beef &amp; Rice, Warrior Chicken &amp; Potatoes, and Adobe Puppy Treats which are homemade by the restaurant.  You\'d have to be a Canine Scrooge to not be anything but tickled by this menu!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter Yappy Hour, we moved on over to the Doga tent for twenty minutes or so of Pooch Nirvana.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/azbiltmoregc?sk=wall\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-5253\" title=\"218284_10150163578649176_174849479175_6498049_3210211_o\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/218284_10150163578649176_174849479175_6498049_3210211_o-231x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"231\" height=\"300\" /></a><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5258\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4190009-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\nRight:  Petey and Pebbles on \"Date Night\" (Their child, Little Girl, stayed at home.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4190014.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5254\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4190014-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4190016.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5255\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4190016-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\nLeft:  Warrior One\r\n\r\nRight:  Downward Facing Dogi\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4190019.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5256\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4190019-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4190013.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5257\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4190013-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\nLeft:  Pebbles in Savasana or \"Corpse Pose\"\r\n\r\nRight:  <strong><a href=\"http://www.ohmydogboutique.com/events/doga\" target=\"_blank\">World\'s Best Dogi Instructors, Dena and Jackie</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 205:  Yappy Hour','','inherit','open','open','','5250-revision-4','','','2011-04-21 20:52:33','2011-04-22 03:52:33','',5250,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/21/5250-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(5262,1,'2011-04-21 20:54:56','2011-04-22 03:54:56','<a href=\"http://www.theadoberestaurant.com/\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-5251\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4190007-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>Remember on <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/03/day-156-doga-yappy-hour-canine-nirvana/\" target=\"_blank\">Day 156</a></strong> when Bella tried Doga for the first time?  Yes, I suppose I have turned into one of <em>those</em> dog people.  :-)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAlthough...for me, it doubles as fun and socialization for my rescued pooch.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd what could be more fun than Yappy Hour?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'m pleased to inform you that this Yappy Hour takes place at the Arizona Biltmore Golf Course.  Yes, on the grounds of <em>that</em> <strong><a href=\"http://www.arizonabiltmore.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Biltmore Hotel.</a></strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe <strong><a href=\"http://www.theadoberestaurant.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Adobe Restaurant</a></strong> on the golf course is the first dog-certified patio in my fair city.  Outside of Yappy Hour, you can call for a reservation, and if your pooch happens to be within the max of their 5 pups on the patio limit, you can dine with your dog.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIs that cool or what???  One of the city\'s shi-shi-est luxury hotels is the forerunner in dog-friendly patios?  We\'re becoming soooooo West Coast.  I\'ll take the similarity in a heartbeat!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'m actually going to have to return for Yappy Hour so that Bella can enjoy the pup grub.  Not knowing there was a dog menu previously, Bella scarfed down her Stella &amp; Chewy\'s as usual and arrived at Yappy Hour with a full belly.  I apologize for the blurry photo.  The options are:  Zen Beef &amp; Rice, Warrior Chicken &amp; Potatoes, and Adobe Puppy Treats which are homemade by the restaurant.  You\'d have to be a Canine Scrooge to not be anything but tickled by this menu!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter Yappy Hour, we moved on over to the Doga tent for twenty minutes or so of Pooch Nirvana.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/azbiltmoregc?sk=wall\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-5253\" title=\"218284_10150163578649176_174849479175_6498049_3210211_o\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/218284_10150163578649176_174849479175_6498049_3210211_o-231x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"231\" height=\"300\" /></a><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5258\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4190009-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" />\n\nRight:  Petey and Pebbles on \"Date Night\" (Their child, Little Girl, stayed at home.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4190014.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5254\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4190014-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4190016.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5255\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4190016-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\nLeft:  Warrior One\n\nRight:  Downward Facing Dogi\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4190019.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5256\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4190019-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4190013.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5257\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4190013-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\nLeft:  Pebbles in Savasana or \"Corpse Pose\"\n\nRight:  <strong><a href=\"http://www.ohmydogboutique.com/events/doga\" target=\"_blank\">World\'s Best Dogi Instructors, Dena and Jackie</a></strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 205:  Yappy Hour','','inherit','open','open','','5250-autosave','','','2011-04-21 20:54:56','2011-04-22 03:54:56','',5250,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/21/5250-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(5263,1,'2011-04-21 20:52:52','2011-04-22 03:52:52','<a href=\"http://www.theadoberestaurant.com/\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-5251\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4190007-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>Remember on <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/03/day-156-doga-yappy-hour-canine-nirvana/\" target=\"_blank\">Day 156</a></strong> when Bella tried Doga for the first time?  Yes, I suppose I have turned into one of <em>those</em> dog people.  :-)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAlthough...for me, it doubles as fun and socialization for my rescued pooch.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd what could be more fun than Yappy Hour?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m pleased to inform you that this Yappy Hour takes place at the Arizona Biltmore Golf Course.  Yes, on the grounds of <em>that</em> Biltmore Hotel.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe Adobe Restaurant on the golf course is the first dog-certified patio in my fair city.  Outside of Yappy Hour, you can call for a reservation, and if your pooch happens to be within the max of their 5 pups on the patio limit, you can dine with your dog.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs that cool or what???  One of the city\'s shi-shi-est luxury hotels is the forerunner in dog-friendly patios?  We\'re becoming soooooo West Coast.  I\'ll take the similarity in a heartbeat!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m actually going to have to return for Yappy Hour so that Bella can enjoy the pup grub.  Not knowing there was a dog menu previously, Bella scarfed down her Stella &amp; Chewy\'s as usual and arrived at Yappy Hour with a full belly.  I apologize for the blurry photo.  The options are:  Zen Beef &amp; Rice, Warrior Chicken &amp; Potatoes, and Adobe Puppy Treats which are homemade by the restaurant.  You\'d have to be a Canine Scrooge to not be anything but tickled by this menu!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter Yappy Hour, we moved on over to the Doga tent for twenty minutes or so of Pooch Nirvana.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/azbiltmoregc?sk=wall\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-5253\" title=\"218284_10150163578649176_174849479175_6498049_3210211_o\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/218284_10150163578649176_174849479175_6498049_3210211_o-231x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"231\" height=\"300\" /></a><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5258\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4190009-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\nRight:  Petey and Pebbles on \"Date Night\" (Their child, Little Girl, stayed at home.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4190014.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5254\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4190014-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4190016.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5255\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4190016-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\nLeft:  Warrior One\r\n\r\nRight:  Downward Facing Dogi\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4190019.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5256\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4190019-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4190013.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5257\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4190013-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\nLeft:  Pebbles in Savasana or \"Corpse Pose\"\r\n\r\nRight:  <strong><a href=\"http://www.ohmydogboutique.com/events/doga\" target=\"_blank\">World\'s Best Dogi Instructors, Dena and Jackie</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 205:  Yappy Hour','','inherit','open','open','','5250-revision-5','','','2011-04-21 20:52:52','2011-04-22 03:52:52','',5250,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/21/5250-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(5264,1,'2011-04-21 20:54:59','2011-04-22 03:54:59','<a href=\"http://www.theadoberestaurant.com/\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-5251\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4190007-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>Remember on <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/03/day-156-doga-yappy-hour-canine-nirvana/\" target=\"_blank\">Day 156</a></strong> when Bella tried Doga for the first time?  Yes, I suppose I have turned into one of <em>those</em> dog people.  :-)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAlthough...for me, it doubles as fun and socialization for my rescued pooch.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd what could be more fun than Yappy Hour?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m pleased to inform you that this Yappy Hour takes place at the Arizona Biltmore Golf Course.  Yes, on the grounds of <em>that</em> <strong><a href=\"http://www.arizonabiltmore.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Biltmore Hotel.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe <strong><a href=\"http://www.theadoberestaurant.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Adobe Restaurant</a></strong> on the golf course is the first dog-certified patio in my fair city.  Outside of Yappy Hour, you can call for a reservation, and if your pooch happens to be within the max of their 5 pups on the patio limit, you can dine with your dog.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs that cool or what???  One of the city\'s shi-shi-est luxury hotels is the forerunner in dog-friendly patios?  We\'re becoming soooooo West Coast.  I\'ll take the similarity in a heartbeat!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m actually going to have to return for Yappy Hour so that Bella can enjoy the pup grub.  Not knowing there was a dog menu previously, Bella scarfed down her Stella &amp; Chewy\'s as usual and arrived at Yappy Hour with a full belly.  I apologize for the blurry photo.  The options are:  Zen Beef &amp; Rice, Warrior Chicken &amp; Potatoes, and Adobe Puppy Treats which are homemade by the restaurant.  You\'d have to be a Canine Scrooge to not be anything but tickled by this menu!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter Yappy Hour, we moved on over to the Doga tent for twenty minutes or so of Pooch Nirvana.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/azbiltmoregc?sk=wall\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-5253\" title=\"218284_10150163578649176_174849479175_6498049_3210211_o\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/218284_10150163578649176_174849479175_6498049_3210211_o-231x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"231\" height=\"300\" /></a><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5258\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4190009-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\nRight:  Petey and Pebbles on \"Date Night\" (Their child, Little Girl, stayed at home.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4190014.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5254\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4190014-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4190016.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5255\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4190016-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\nLeft:  Warrior One\r\n\r\nRight:  Downward Facing Dogi\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4190019.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5256\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4190019-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4190013.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5257\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4190013-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\nLeft:  Pebbles in Savasana or \"Corpse Pose\"\r\n\r\nRight:  <strong><a href=\"http://www.ohmydogboutique.com/events/doga\" target=\"_blank\">World\'s Best Dogi Instructors, Dena and Jackie</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 205:  Yappy Hour','','inherit','open','open','','5250-revision-6','','','2011-04-21 20:54:59','2011-04-22 03:54:59','',5250,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/21/5250-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(5265,1,'2011-04-21 20:56:23','2011-04-22 03:56:23','<a href=\"http://www.theadoberestaurant.com/\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-5251\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4190007-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>Remember on <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/03/day-156-doga-yappy-hour-canine-nirvana/\" target=\"_blank\">Day 156</a></strong> when Bella tried Doga for the first time?  Yes, I suppose I have turned into one of <em>those</em> dog people.  :-)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAlthough...for me, it doubles as fun and socialization for my rescued pooch.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd what could be more fun than Yappy Hour?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m pleased to inform you that this Yappy Hour takes place at the Arizona Biltmore Golf Course.  Yes, on the grounds of <em>that</em> <strong><a href=\"http://www.arizonabiltmore.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Biltmore Hotel.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe <strong><a href=\"http://www.theadoberestaurant.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Adobe Restaurant</a></strong> on the golf course is the first dog-certified patio in my fair city.  Outside of Yappy Hour, you can call for a reservation, and if your pooch happens to be within the max of their 5 pups on the patio limit, you can dine with your dog.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs that cool or what???  One of the city\'s shi-shi-est luxury hotels is the forerunner in dog-friendly patios?  We\'re becoming soooooo West Coast.  I\'ll take the similarity in a heartbeat!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m actually going to have to return for Yappy Hour so that Bella can enjoy the pup grub.  Not knowing there was a dog menu, Bella scarfed down her Stella &amp; Chewy\'s as usual and arrived at Yappy Hour with a full belly.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI apologize for the blurry photo.  The options are:  Zen Beef &amp; Rice, Warrior Chicken &amp; Potatoes, and Adobe Puppy Treats which are homemade by the restaurant.  You\'d have to be a Canine Scrooge to not be anything but tickled by this menu!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter Yappy Hour, we moved on over to the Doga tent for twenty minutes or so of Pooch Nirvana.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/azbiltmoregc?sk=wall\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-5253\" title=\"218284_10150163578649176_174849479175_6498049_3210211_o\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/218284_10150163578649176_174849479175_6498049_3210211_o-231x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"231\" height=\"300\" /></a><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5258\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4190009-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\nRight:  Petey and Pebbles on \"Date Night\" (Their child, Little Girl, stayed at home.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4190014.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5254\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4190014-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4190016.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5255\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4190016-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\nLeft:  Warrior One\r\n\r\nRight:  Downward Facing Dogi\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4190019.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5256\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4190019-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4190013.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5257\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4190013-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\nLeft:  Pebbles in Savasana or \"Corpse Pose\"\r\n\r\nRight:  <strong><a href=\"http://www.ohmydogboutique.com/events/doga\" target=\"_blank\">World\'s Best Dogi Instructors, Dena and Jackie</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 205:  Yappy Hour','','inherit','open','open','','5250-revision-7','','','2011-04-21 20:56:23','2011-04-22 03:56:23','',5250,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/21/5250-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(5373,1,'2011-04-29 11:11:01','2011-04-29 18:11:01','<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/pandemia/328148669/sizes/m/\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-5376\" title=\"328148669_7afad1cd46\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/328148669_7afad1cd46-214x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"214\" height=\"300\" /></a>Ummmm…I\'m not kidding.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI really do need an intervention.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlease.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the past two days, I\'ve evolved from a woman who hates shopping into a woman who is a lunchtime shopaholic.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYesterday, Shelby (World\'s Most Chipper and Helpful Banana Republic Salespeep) showed me a fab pair of wedges that would go perfectly with my new shorts from Day 211.  I balked at the price (I never pay full price for anything), so Shelby cheerfully helped me out by forking over a 40% off coupon for Wednesday only.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI planned on rushing out to the mall around noon to purchase my new shoes.  I also found myself craving the free tea samples at Teavana.  Their mixed Chai concoction is aMAZing!  Of course, I haven\'t actually <em>purchased </em>the Chai (not sure why since I\'m officially a shopaholic).  I\'m thinking it wouldn\'t be the same if I had the tea at my disposal at all times.  The novelty would wear off within the week.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe fact that I\'m thinking so much about the free samples of Teavana at the mall (I normally avoid malls like the plague) means that I now have lunchtime shopping <em>rituals</em>.  In my opinion, this is unhealthy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve gone from packing my lunch 90% of the time (because it\'s the frugal thing to do) to dropping $$ on clothes and scamming free tea samples (a remnant of my old frugal self).\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs lunchtime I approached, I changed my plans.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI never made it to the mall.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBefore you think that I conquered my lunchtime shopaholic problem, I should probably confess that I ordered the shoes online where they were also offering the 40% sale.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI missed the Teavana samples, but I was slammed with work and had no other choice.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd this concludes my obsession with Lunchtime Shopping.  It was fun while it lasted, but I really must get back to a more well-rounded mix of soul-scintillating blog adventures.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThank you for your support.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 213:  This is it.  I promise.  ','','publish','open','open','','day-213-this-is-it-i-promise','','','2011-04-28 21:35:20','2011-04-29 04:35:20','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=5373',0,'post','',2),(5267,1,'2011-04-22 11:45:41','2011-04-22 18:45:41','...work emergency upon emergency upon work emergency prevented me from arriving to my new and \"special friend\'s\" home in time to cook together.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis is highly unusual in my career, but it happens.  Hey -- the men that I have dated as of late may not turn out to work full-time, but I do.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nActually, I still arrived pretty early -- 6 p.m. ish -- but I guess he must have been ravenous and couldn\'t wait for me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe curry was delish.  As fate would have it, the recipe was created by my namesake:  <strong><a href=\"http://allrecipes.com//Recipe/michelles-coconut-chicken-curry/Detail.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">Michelle\'s Coconut Chicken Curry.</a></strong> What a coinkidink!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am sorry to disappoint you (and myself), but I would have rather stayed home and made the curry with Little Miss B by my side.  After 10 years of this crap, I am bored to death with clichés.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere is the lesson that I really must learn for the final time, and I ask you to hold me accountable (and practice it with me if you\'re single):\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>If you are an emotionally intelligent and evolved woman RUN (don\'t walk, don\'t pass Go ... wait a minute...DO pass Go... don\'t collect $200) from Match.com.  The Match.com Sea is polluted, and the fish swimming in this sea are either rotten or mutated.  It\'s an environmental disaster of epic proportions.</li>\r\n	<li>If you are an emotionally intelligent and evolved woman, you deserve to swim in fresh water.   Dive into your life and hope that Mr. Wonderful is doing the same.  Perhaps you\'ll meet each other at Adult Swim.  In the meantime, hold on to your friends, your family, your guitar (insert your favorite hobby here) and your pets when you need a life raft.</li>\r\n</ul>','Day 206:  I Intended On Making My First Curry, but...','','publish','open','open','','day-206-i-intended-on-making-my-first-curry-but','','','2011-04-22 11:37:42','2011-04-22 18:37:42','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=5267',0,'post','',15),(5268,1,'2011-04-21 21:29:07','2011-04-22 04:29:07','...but work emergency upon emergency upon work emergency prevented me from getting to my new and \"special friend\'s\" home to cook together.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThis is highly unusual in my career, but it happens.  Hey -- the men that I have dated as of late may not turn out to have full-time jobs, but I do.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe curry was delish.  As it turns out, the recipe was created by my namesake:  <strong><a href=\"http://allrecipes.com//Recipe/michelles-coconut-chicken-curry/Detail.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">Michelle\'s Coconut Chicken Curry.</a></strong> What a coinkidink!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI am sorry to disappoint you (and myself), but I would have rather stayed home and made this myself with Little Miss B by my side.  After 10 years of this crap, I am bored to death with clichés.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHere is the lesson that I really must learn for the final time, and I ask you to hold me accountable (and practice it with me if you\'re single):\n\n&nbsp;\n<ul>\n	<li>If you are an emotionally intelligent and evolved woman, run, don\'t walk, don\'t stop Go, don\'t collect $200.  RUN from Match.com.  The Match.com Sea is polluted, and the fish swimming in this sea are either rotten or mutated.</li>\n	<li>If you are an emotionally intelligent and evolved woman, you deserve to swim in fresh water.   Dive into your life and hope for the best.  Have World\'s Most Precious Pooch</li>\n</ul>\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 206:  I Intended On Making My First Curry...','','inherit','open','open','','5267-revision','','','2011-04-21 21:29:07','2011-04-22 04:29:07','',5267,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/21/5267-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(5269,1,'2011-04-21 21:38:00','2011-04-22 04:38:00','...but work emergency upon emergency upon work emergency prevented me from getting to my new and \"special friend\'s\" home to cook together.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThis is highly unusual in my career, but it happens.  Hey -- the men that I have dated as of late may not turn out to have full-time jobs, but I do.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe curry was delish.  As fate would have it, the recipe was created by my namesake:  <strong><a href=\"http://allrecipes.com//Recipe/michelles-coconut-chicken-curry/Detail.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">Michelle\'s Coconut Chicken Curry.</a></strong> What a coinkidink!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI am sorry to disappoint you (and myself), but I would have rather stayed home and made the curry myself with Little Miss B by my side.  After 10 years of this crap, I am bored to death with clichés.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHere is the lesson that I really must learn for the final time, and I ask you to hold me accountable (and practice it with me if you\'re single):\n\n&nbsp;\n<ul>\n	<li>If you are an emotionally intelligent and evolved woman RUN (don\'t walk, don\'t pass Go ... wait a minute...DO pass Go... don\'t collect $200) from Match.com.  The Match.com Sea is polluted, and the fish swimming in this sea are either rotten or mutated.  It\'s an environmental disaster of epic proportions.</li>\n	<li>If you are an emotionally intelligent and evolved woman, you deserve to swim in fresh water.   Dive into your life and hope that Mr. Wonderful is doing the same.  Perhaps you\'ll meet each other at Adult Swim.  In the meantime,  hold on to your friends, family, and World\'s Most Precious Pooch (or Kitty) as your life raft.</li>\n</ul>\nNow...let\'s hold hands, sing Kumbayah, and\n\n&nbsp;','Day 206:  I Intended On Making My First Curry...','','inherit','open','open','','5267-revision-2','','','2011-04-21 21:38:00','2011-04-22 04:38:00','',5267,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/21/5267-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(5271,1,'2011-04-21 21:43:33','2011-04-22 04:43:33','...work emergency upon emergency upon work emergency prevented me from getting to my new and \"special friend\'s\" home to cook together.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis is highly unusual in my career, but it happens.  Hey -- the men that I have dated as of late may not turn out to have full-time jobs, but I do.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe curry was delish.  As fate would have it, the recipe was created by my namesake:  <strong><a href=\"http://allrecipes.com//Recipe/michelles-coconut-chicken-curry/Detail.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">Michelle\'s Coconut Chicken Curry.</a></strong> What a coinkidink!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am sorry to disappoint you (and myself), but I would have rather stayed home and made the curry myself with Little Miss B by my side.  After 10 years of this crap, I am bored to death with clichés.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere is the lesson that I really must learn for the final time, and I ask you to hold me accountable (and practice it with me if you\'re single):\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>If you are an emotionally intelligent and evolved woman RUN (don\'t walk, don\'t pass Go ... wait a minute...DO pass Go... don\'t collect $200) from Match.com.  The Match.com Sea is polluted, and the fish swimming in this sea are either rotten or mutated.  It\'s an environmental disaster of epic proportions.</li>\r\n	<li>If you are an emotionally intelligent and evolved woman, you deserve to swim in fresh water.   Dive into your life and hope that Mr. Wonderful is doing the same.  Perhaps you\'ll meet each other at Adult Swim.  In the meantime,  hold on to your friends, family, hobbies and World\'s Most Precious Pooch (or Kitty) as your life raft.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 206:  I Intended On Making My First Curry but...','','inherit','open','open','','5267-revision-4','','','2011-04-21 21:43:33','2011-04-22 04:43:33','',5267,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/21/5267-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(5270,1,'2011-04-21 21:42:40','2011-04-22 04:42:40','...work emergency upon emergency upon work emergency prevented me from getting to my new and \"special friend\'s\" home to cook together.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThis is highly unusual in my career, but it happens.  Hey -- the men that I have dated as of late may not turn out to have full-time jobs, but I do.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe curry was delish.  As fate would have it, the recipe was created by my namesake:  <strong><a href=\"http://allrecipes.com//Recipe/michelles-coconut-chicken-curry/Detail.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">Michelle\'s Coconut Chicken Curry.</a></strong> What a coinkidink!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI am sorry to disappoint you (and myself), but I would have rather stayed home and made the curry myself with Little Miss B by my side.  After 10 years of this crap, I am bored to death with clichés.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHere is the lesson that I really must learn for the final time, and I ask you to hold me accountable (and practice it with me if you\'re single):\n\n&nbsp;\n<ul>\n	<li>If you are an emotionally intelligent and evolved woman RUN (don\'t walk, don\'t pass Go ... wait a minute...DO pass Go... don\'t collect $200) from Match.com.  The Match.com Sea is polluted, and the fish swimming in this sea are either rotten or mutated.  It\'s an environmental disaster of epic proportions.</li>\n	<li>If you are an emotionally intelligent and evolved woman, you deserve to swim in fresh water.   Dive into your life and hope that Mr. Wonderful is doing the same.  Perhaps you\'ll meet each other at Adult Swim.  In the meantime,  hold on to your friends, family, and World\'s Most Precious Pooch (or Kitty) as your life raft.</li>\n	<li>If you play guitar or another instrument, this, too serves as</li>\n</ul>\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 206:  I Intended On Making My First Curry but...','','inherit','open','open','','5267-revision-3','','','2011-04-21 21:42:40','2011-04-22 04:42:40','',5267,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/21/5267-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(5272,1,'2011-04-21 21:55:14','2011-04-22 04:55:14','...work emergency upon emergency upon work emergency prevented me from getting to my new and \"special friend\'s\" home to cook together.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThis is highly unusual in my career, but it happens.  Hey -- the men that I have dated as of late may not turn out to have full-time jobs, but I do.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe curry was delish.  As fate would have it, the recipe was created by my namesake:  <strong><a href=\"http://allrecipes.com//Recipe/michelles-coconut-chicken-curry/Detail.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">Michelle\'s Coconut Chicken Curry.</a></strong> What a coinkidink!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI am sorry to disappoint you (and myself), but I would have rather stayed home and made the curry with Little Miss B by my side.  After 10 years of this crap, I am bored to death with clichés.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHere is the lesson that I really must learn for the final time, and I ask you to hold me accountable (and practice it with me if you\'re single):\n\n&nbsp;\n<ul>\n	<li>If you are an emotionally intelligent and evolved woman RUN (don\'t walk, don\'t pass Go ... wait a minute...DO pass Go... don\'t collect $200) from Match.com.  The Match.com Sea is polluted, and the fish swimming in this sea are either rotten or mutated.  It\'s an environmental disaster of epic proportions.</li>\n	<li>If you are an emotionally intelligent and evolved woman, you deserve to swim in fresh water.   Dive into your life and hope that Mr. Wonderful is doing the same.  Perhaps you\'ll meet each other at Adult Swim.  In the meantime,  hold on to your friends, family, hobbies and World\'s Most Precious Pooch (or Kitty) when you need a life raft.</li>\n</ul>\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 206:  I Intended On Making My First Curry but...','','inherit','open','open','','5267-revision-5','','','2011-04-21 21:55:14','2011-04-22 04:55:14','',5267,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/21/5267-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(5273,1,'2011-04-21 21:55:37','2011-04-22 04:55:37','...work emergency upon emergency upon work emergency prevented me from getting to my new and \"special friend\'s\" home to cook together.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis is highly unusual in my career, but it happens.  Hey -- the men that I have dated as of late may not turn out to have full-time jobs, but I do.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe curry was delish.  As fate would have it, the recipe was created by my namesake:  <strong><a href=\"http://allrecipes.com//Recipe/michelles-coconut-chicken-curry/Detail.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">Michelle\'s Coconut Chicken Curry.</a></strong> What a coinkidink!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am sorry to disappoint you (and myself), but I would have rather stayed home and made the curry with Little Miss B by my side.  After 10 years of this crap, I am bored to death with clichés.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere is the lesson that I really must learn for the final time, and I ask you to hold me accountable (and practice it with me if you\'re single):\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>If you are an emotionally intelligent and evolved woman RUN (don\'t walk, don\'t pass Go ... wait a minute...DO pass Go... don\'t collect $200) from Match.com.  The Match.com Sea is polluted, and the fish swimming in this sea are either rotten or mutated.  It\'s an environmental disaster of epic proportions.</li>\r\n	<li>If you are an emotionally intelligent and evolved woman, you deserve to swim in fresh water.   Dive into your life and hope that Mr. Wonderful is doing the same.  Perhaps you\'ll meet each other at Adult Swim.  In the meantime,  hold on to your friends, family, hobbies and World\'s Most Precious Pooch (or Kitty) when you need a life raft.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 206:  I Intended On Making My First Curry but...','','inherit','open','open','','5267-revision-6','','','2011-04-21 21:55:37','2011-04-22 04:55:37','',5267,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/21/5267-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(5274,1,'2011-04-22 11:31:30','2011-04-22 18:31:30','...work emergency upon emergency upon work emergency prevented me from arriving to my new and \"special friend\'s\" home in time to cook together.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThis is highly unusual in my career, but it happens.  Hey -- the men that I have dated as of late may not turn out to have full-time jobs, but I do.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nActually, I still arrived pretty early -- 6 p.m. ish -- but I guess he must have been ravenous and couldn\'t wait for me.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe curry was delish.  As fate would have it, the recipe was created by my namesake:  <strong><a href=\"http://allrecipes.com//Recipe/michelles-coconut-chicken-curry/Detail.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">Michelle\'s Coconut Chicken Curry.</a></strong> What a coinkidink!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI am sorry to disappoint you (and myself), but I would have rather stayed home and made the curry with Little Miss B by my side.  After 10 years of this crap, I am bored to death with clichés.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHere is the lesson that I really must learn for the final time, and I ask you to hold me accountable (and practice it with me if you\'re single):\n\n&nbsp;\n<ul>\n	<li>If you are an emotionally intelligent and evolved woman RUN (don\'t walk, don\'t pass Go ... wait a minute...DO pass Go... don\'t collect $200) from Match.com.  The Match.com Sea is polluted, and the fish swimming in this sea are either rotten or mutated.  It\'s an environmental disaster of epic proportions.</li>\n	<li>If you are an emotionally intelligent and evolved woman, you deserve to swim in fresh water.   Dive into your life and hope that Mr. Wonderful is doing the same.  Perhaps you\'ll meet each other at Adult Swim.  In the meantime,  hold on to your friends, family, your guitar (or other hobbies and World\'s Most Precious Pooch (or Kitty) when you need a life raft.</li>\n</ul>\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 206:  I Intended On Making My First Curry, but...','','inherit','open','open','','5267-revision-7','','','2011-04-22 11:31:30','2011-04-22 18:31:30','',5267,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/22/5267-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(5276,1,'2011-04-22 11:33:47','2011-04-22 18:33:47','...work emergency upon emergency upon work emergency prevented me from arriving to my new and \"special friend\'s\" home in time to cook together.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThis is highly unusual in my career, but it happens.  Hey -- the men that I have dated as of late may not turn out to work full-time, but I do.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nActually, I still arrived pretty early -- 6 p.m. ish -- but I guess he must have been ravenous and couldn\'t wait for me.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe curry was delish.  As fate would have it, the recipe was created by my namesake:  <strong><a href=\"http://allrecipes.com//Recipe/michelles-coconut-chicken-curry/Detail.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">Michelle\'s Coconut Chicken Curry.</a></strong> What a coinkidink!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI am sorry to disappoint you (and myself), but I would have rather stayed home and made the curry with Little Miss B by my side.  After 10 years of this crap, I am bored to death with clichés.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHere is the lesson that I really must learn for the final time, and I ask you to hold me accountable (and practice it with me if you\'re single):\n\n&nbsp;\n<ul>\n	<li>If you are an emotionally intelligent and evolved woman RUN (don\'t walk, don\'t pass Go ... wait a minute...DO pass Go... don\'t collect $200) from Match.com.  The Match.com Sea is polluted, and the fish swimming in this sea are either rotten or mutated.  It\'s an environmental disaster of epic proportions.</li>\n	<li>If you are an emotionally intelligent and evolved woman, you deserve to swim in fresh water.   Dive into your life and hope that Mr. Wonderful is doing the same.  Perhaps you\'ll meet each other at Adult Swim.  In the meantime,  hold on to your friends, family, your guitar (insert your favorite hobby here) and World\'s Most Precious Pooch when you need a life raft.</li>\n</ul>\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 206:  I Intended On Making My First Curry, but...','','inherit','open','open','','5267-revision-9','','','2011-04-22 11:33:47','2011-04-22 18:33:47','',5267,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/22/5267-revision-9/',0,'revision','',0),(5275,1,'2011-04-22 11:32:11','2011-04-22 18:32:11','...work emergency upon emergency upon work emergency prevented me from arriving to my new and \"special friend\'s\" home in time to cook together.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis is highly unusual in my career, but it happens.  Hey -- the men that I have dated as of late may not turn out to have full-time jobs, but I do.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nActually, I still arrived pretty early -- 6 p.m. ish -- but I guess he must have been ravenous and couldn\'t wait for me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe curry was delish.  As fate would have it, the recipe was created by my namesake:  <strong><a href=\"http://allrecipes.com//Recipe/michelles-coconut-chicken-curry/Detail.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">Michelle\'s Coconut Chicken Curry.</a></strong> What a coinkidink!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am sorry to disappoint you (and myself), but I would have rather stayed home and made the curry with Little Miss B by my side.  After 10 years of this crap, I am bored to death with clichés.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere is the lesson that I really must learn for the final time, and I ask you to hold me accountable (and practice it with me if you\'re single):\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>If you are an emotionally intelligent and evolved woman RUN (don\'t walk, don\'t pass Go ... wait a minute...DO pass Go... don\'t collect $200) from Match.com.  The Match.com Sea is polluted, and the fish swimming in this sea are either rotten or mutated.  It\'s an environmental disaster of epic proportions.</li>\r\n	<li>If you are an emotionally intelligent and evolved woman, you deserve to swim in fresh water.   Dive into your life and hope that Mr. Wonderful is doing the same.  Perhaps you\'ll meet each other at Adult Swim.  In the meantime,  hold on to your friends, family, your guitar (insert your favorite hobby here) and World\'s Most Precious Pooch when you need a life raft.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 206:  I Intended On Making My First Curry, but...','','inherit','open','open','','5267-revision-8','','','2011-04-22 11:32:11','2011-04-22 18:32:11','',5267,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/22/5267-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(5278,1,'2011-04-22 11:35:44','2011-04-22 18:35:44','...work emergency upon emergency upon work emergency prevented me from arriving to my new and \"special friend\'s\" home in time to cook together.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThis is highly unusual in my career, but it happens.  Hey -- the men that I have dated as of late may not turn out to work full-time, but I do.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nActually, I still arrived pretty early -- 6 p.m. ish -- but I guess he must have been ravenous and couldn\'t wait for me.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe curry was delish.  As fate would have it, the recipe was created by my namesake:  <strong><a href=\"http://allrecipes.com//Recipe/michelles-coconut-chicken-curry/Detail.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">Michelle\'s Coconut Chicken Curry.</a></strong> What a coinkidink!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI am sorry to disappoint you (and myself), but I would have rather stayed home and made the curry with Little Miss B by my side.  After 10 years of this crap, I am bored to death with clichés.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHere is the lesson that I really must learn for the final time, and I ask you to hold me accountable (and practice it with me if you\'re single):\n\n&nbsp;\n<ul>\n	<li>If you are an emotionally intelligent and evolved woman RUN (don\'t walk, don\'t pass Go ... wait a minute...DO pass Go... don\'t collect $200) from Match.com.  The Match.com Sea is polluted, and the fish swimming in this sea are either rotten or mutated.  It\'s an environmental disaster of epic proportions.</li>\n	<li>If you are an emotionally intelligent and evolved woman, you deserve to swim in fresh water.   Dive into your life and hope that Mr. Wonderful is doing the same.  Perhaps you\'ll meet each other at Adult Swim.  In the meantime, hold on to your friends, youe family, your guitar (insert your favorite hobby here) and your pets when you need a life raft.</li>\n</ul>','Day 206:  I Intended On Making My First Curry, but...','','inherit','open','open','','5267-revision-11','','','2011-04-22 11:35:44','2011-04-22 18:35:44','',5267,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/22/5267-revision-11/',0,'revision','',0),(5277,1,'2011-04-22 11:34:28','2011-04-22 18:34:28','...work emergency upon emergency upon work emergency prevented me from arriving to my new and \"special friend\'s\" home in time to cook together.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis is highly unusual in my career, but it happens.  Hey -- the men that I have dated as of late may not turn out to work full-time, but I do.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nActually, I still arrived pretty early -- 6 p.m. ish -- but I guess he must have been ravenous and couldn\'t wait for me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe curry was delish.  As fate would have it, the recipe was created by my namesake:  <strong><a href=\"http://allrecipes.com//Recipe/michelles-coconut-chicken-curry/Detail.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">Michelle\'s Coconut Chicken Curry.</a></strong> What a coinkidink!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am sorry to disappoint you (and myself), but I would have rather stayed home and made the curry with Little Miss B by my side.  After 10 years of this crap, I am bored to death with clichés.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere is the lesson that I really must learn for the final time, and I ask you to hold me accountable (and practice it with me if you\'re single):\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>If you are an emotionally intelligent and evolved woman RUN (don\'t walk, don\'t pass Go ... wait a minute...DO pass Go... don\'t collect $200) from Match.com.  The Match.com Sea is polluted, and the fish swimming in this sea are either rotten or mutated.  It\'s an environmental disaster of epic proportions.</li>\r\n	<li>If you are an emotionally intelligent and evolved woman, you deserve to swim in fresh water.   Dive into your life and hope that Mr. Wonderful is doing the same.  Perhaps you\'ll meet each other at Adult Swim.  In the meantime, hold on to your friends, youe family, your guitar (insert your favorite hobby here) and your pets when you need a life raft.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 206:  I Intended On Making My First Curry, but...','','inherit','open','open','','5267-revision-10','','','2011-04-22 11:34:28','2011-04-22 18:34:28','',5267,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/22/5267-revision-10/',0,'revision','',0),(5279,1,'2011-04-22 11:38:47','2011-04-22 18:38:47','...work emergency upon emergency upon work emergency prevented me from arriving to my new and \"special friend\'s\" home in time to cook together.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThis is highly unusual in my career, but it happens.  Hey -- the men that I have dated as of late may not turn out to work full-time, but I do.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nActually, I still arrived pretty early -- 6 p.m. ish -- but I guess he must have been ravenous and couldn\'t wait for me.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe curry was delish.  As fate would have it, the recipe was created by my namesake:  <strong><a href=\"http://allrecipes.com//Recipe/michelles-coconut-chicken-curry/Detail.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">Michelle\'s Coconut Chicken Curry.</a></strong> What a coinkidink!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI am sorry to disappoint you (and myself), but I would have rather stayed home and made the curry with Little Miss B by my side.  After 10 years of this crap, I am bored to death with clichés.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHere is the lesson that I really must learn for the final time, and I ask you to hold me accountable (and practice it with me if you\'re single):\n\n&nbsp;\n<ul>\n	<li>If you are an emotionally intelligent and evolved woman RUN (don\'t walk, don\'t pass Go ... wait a minute...DO pass Go... don\'t collect $200) from Match.com.  The Match.com Sea is polluted, and the fish swimming in this sea are either rotten or mutated.  It\'s an environmental disaster of epic proportions.</li>\n	<li>If you are an emotionally intelligent and evolved woman, you deserve to swim in fresh water.   Dive into your life and hope that Mr. Wonderful is doing the same.  Perhaps you\'ll meet each other at Adult Swim.  In the meantime, hold on to your friends, your family, your guitar (insert your favorite hobby here) and your pets when you need a life raft.</li>\n</ul>','Day 206:  I Intended On Making My First Curry, but...','','inherit','open','open','','5267-autosave','','','2011-04-22 11:38:47','2011-04-22 18:38:47','',5267,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/22/5267-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(5281,1,'2011-04-22 20:39:26','2011-04-23 03:39:26','I\'ve been a bit unlucky lately.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLet me rephrase:  I\'ve been unlucky with men lately.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLet me rephrase:  I\'ve attracted emotionally stunted men into my life lately which is quite unfortunate.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLuckily, everything else in my life is smashing.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nA few days ago, I was cleaning out my pantry and came across a bottle of distilled water.  I wondered why I owned a bottle of distilled water.  I actually stood there for about 10 seconds with distilled water jug in hand trying to recall why on earth it was in my pantry.  (This happens quite a bit post-40.)  I then remembered.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe Lucky Bamboo!  Lucky requires distilled water to remain alive and therefore bring luck into my life!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n(Years ago, I had a <del>dream</del> nightmare that Lucky was dying, and I started crying, \"My luck is running out!\"  It was awful.  I\'m obviously still scarred by it.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n(Not that I\'m superstitious or anything.  I mean, who really believes in that crap.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n(But I would hate for Lucky or Money Tree at work to die because they are living creatures and all.  Yeah, that\'s it!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBack to the pantry cleansing...\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI looked over to where I keep Lucky, and Lucky was GONE!!!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI actually stood there for about 10 seconds (still holding on to the distilled water bottle) trying to recall where in the world was Lucky???\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOh, yeah.  Dina <em>dah</em>ling watched him during Christmas Break.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nEven though I\'ve seen Dina <em>dah</em>ling countless times since then, and even though she only lives a few hundred paces away, the return of Lucky has never taken place.  I don\'t think Dina <em>dah</em>ling has been trying to steal my luck.  I just think that she, too, is in her forties and therefore very forgetful like me.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI also remembered that Dina <em>dah</em>ling jokes about how she can\'t keep plants alive.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI gasped so audibly that Little Miss B cocked her head.  I ran to my phone to do what everyone does these days in an urgent situation.  I texted.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Actual text message to Dina <em>dah</em>ling:</strong> </span> I just remembered my bamboo.  Is it still alive??  :-p\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #808000;\"><strong>Actual text from Dina <em>dah</em>ling:</strong></span> Barely!\n\n&nbsp;\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">And this concludes our story of how I reclaimed my luck.  Let\'s hope that <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/22/day-206-i-intended-on-making-my-first-curry-but/\" target=\"_blank\">my new plan</a></strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/22/day-206-i-intended-on-making-my-first-curry-but/\" target=\"_blank\"> </a>works and luck infiltrates all areas of my life.</p>\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 207:  Reclaiming My Luck ','','inherit','open','open','','5280-revision','','','2011-04-22 20:39:26','2011-04-23 03:39:26','',5280,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/22/5280-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(5282,1,'2011-04-22 20:39:42','2011-04-23 03:39:42','I\'ve been a bit unlucky lately.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLet me rephrase:  I\'ve been unlucky with men lately.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLet me rephrase:  I\'ve attracted emotionally stunted men into my life lately which is quite unfortunate.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLuckily, everything else in my life is smashing.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA few days ago, I was cleaning out my pantry and came across a bottle of distilled water.  I wondered why I owned a bottle of distilled water.  I actually stood there for about 10 seconds with distilled water jug in hand trying to recall why on earth it was in my pantry.  (This happens quite a bit post-40.)  I then remembered.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe Lucky Bamboo!  Lucky requires distilled water to remain alive and therefore bring luck into my life!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Years ago, I had a <del>dream</del> nightmare that Lucky was dying, and I started crying, \"My luck is running out!\"  It was awful.  I\'m obviously still scarred by it.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Not that I\'m superstitious or anything.  I mean, who really believes in that crap.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(But I would hate for Lucky or Money Tree at work to die because they are living creatures and all.  Yeah, that\'s it!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBack to the pantry cleansing...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI looked over to where I keep Lucky, and Lucky was GONE!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI actually stood there for about 10 seconds (still holding on to the distilled water bottle) trying to recall where in the world was Lucky???\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, yeah.  Dina <em>dah</em>ling watched him during Christmas Break.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEven though I\'ve seen Dina <em>dah</em>ling countless times since then, and even though she only lives a few hundred paces away, the return of Lucky has never taken place.  I don\'t think Dina <em>dah</em>ling has been trying to steal my luck.  I just think that she, too, is in her forties and therefore very forgetful like me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI also remembered that Dina <em>dah</em>ling jokes about how she can\'t keep plants alive.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI gasped so audibly that Little Miss B cocked her head.  I ran to my phone to do what everyone does these days in an urgent situation.  I texted.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Actual text message to Dina <em>dah</em>ling:</strong> </span> I just remembered my bamboo.  Is it still alive??  :-p\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #808000;\"><strong>Actual text from Dina <em>dah</em>ling:</strong></span> Barely!\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">And this concludes our story of how I reclaimed my luck.  Let\'s hope that <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/22/day-206-i-intended-on-making-my-first-curry-but/\" target=\"_blank\">my new plan</a></strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/22/day-206-i-intended-on-making-my-first-curry-but/\" target=\"_blank\"> </a>works and luck infiltrates all areas of my life.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 207:  Reclaiming My Luck ','','inherit','open','open','','5280-revision-2','','','2011-04-22 20:39:42','2011-04-23 03:39:42','',5280,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/22/5280-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(5283,1,'2011-04-22 20:43:06','2011-04-23 03:43:06','I\'ve been a bit unlucky lately.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLet me rephrase:  I\'ve been unlucky with men lately.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #808000;\"><strong>Let me rephrase:  I\'ve attracted emotionally stunted men into my life lately which is quite unfortunate.</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Luckily, everything else in my life is smashing.</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nA few days ago, I was cleaning out my pantry and came across a bottle of distilled water.  I wondered why I owned a bottle of distilled water.  I actually stood there for about 10 seconds with distilled water jug in hand trying to recall why on earth it lived in my pantry.  (This happens quite a bit post-40.)  I then remembered.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe Lucky Bamboo!  Lucky requires distilled water to remain alive and therefore bring luck into my life!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n(Years ago, I had a <del>dream</del> nightmare that Lucky was dying, and I started crying, \"My luck is running out!\"  It was awful.  I\'m obviously still scarred by it.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n(Not that I\'m superstitious or anything.  I mean, who really believes in that crap?)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n(But I would hate for Lucky or Money Tree at work to die because they are living creatures and all.  Yeah, that\'s it!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBack to the pantry cleansing...\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI looked over to where I keep Lucky, and Lucky was GONE!!!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI actually stood there for about 10 seconds (still holding on to the distilled water bottle) trying to recall where in the world was Lucky???\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOh, yeah.  Dina <em>dah</em>ling watched him during Christmas Break.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nEven though I\'ve seen Dina <em>dah</em>ling countless times since then, and even though she only lives a few hundred paces away, the return of Lucky has never taken place.  I don\'t think Dina <em>dah</em>ling has been trying to steal my luck.  I just think that she, too, is in her forties and therefore very forgetful like me.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI also remembered that Dina <em>dah</em>ling jokes about how she can\'t keep plants alive.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI gasped so audibly that Little Miss B cocked her head.  I ran to my phone to do what everyone does these days in an urgent situation.  I texted.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Actual text message to Dina <em>dah</em>ling:</strong> </span> I just remembered my bamboo.  Is it still alive??  :-p\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #808000;\"><strong>Actual text from Dina <em>dah</em>ling:</strong></span> Barely!\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">&nbsp;</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">And this concludes our story of how I reclaimed my luck.  Let\'s hope that <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/22/day-206-i-intended-on-making-my-first-curry-but/\" target=\"_blank\">my new plan</a></strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/22/day-206-i-intended-on-making-my-first-curry-but/\" target=\"_blank\"> </a>works and luck infiltrates all areas of my life.</p>\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 207:  Reclaiming My Luck ','','inherit','open','open','','5280-revision-3','','','2011-04-22 20:43:06','2011-04-23 03:43:06','',5280,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/22/5280-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(5284,1,'2011-04-22 20:46:14','2011-04-23 03:46:14','I\'ve been a bit unlucky lately.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLet me rephrase:  I\'ve been unlucky with men lately.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #808000;\"><strong>Let me rephrase:  I\'ve attracted emotionally stunted men into my life lately which is quite unfortunate.</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Luckily, everything else in my life is smashing.</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nA few days ago, I was cleaning out my pantry and came across a bottle of distilled water.  I wondered why I owned a bottle of distilled water.  I actually stood there for about 10 seconds with distilled water jug in hand trying to recall why on earth it lived in my pantry.  (This happens quite a bit post-40.)  I then remembered.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe Lucky Bamboo!  Lucky requires distilled water to remain alive and therefore bring luck into my life!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n(Years ago, I had a <del>dream</del> nightmare that Lucky was dying, and I started crying, \"My luck is running out!\"  It was awful.  I\'m obviously still scarred by it.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n(Not that I\'m superstitious or anything.  I mean, who really believes in that crap?)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n(But I would hate for Lucky or Money Tree at work to die because they are living creatures and all.  Yeah, that\'s it!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBack to the pantry cleansing...\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI looked over to where I keep Lucky, and Lucky was GONE!!!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI actually stood there for about 10 seconds (still holding on to the distilled water bottle) trying to recall where in the world was Lucky???\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOh, yeah.  Dina <em>dah</em>ling watched him during Christmas Break.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nEven though I\'ve seen Dina <em>dah</em>ling countless times since then, and even though she only lives a few hundred paces away, the return of Lucky has never taken place.  I don\'t think Dina <em>dah</em>ling has been trying to steal my luck.  I just think that she, too, is in her forties and therefore very forgetful like me.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI also remembered that Dina <em>dah</em>ling jokes about how she can\'t keep plants alive.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI gasped so audibly that Little Miss B cocked her head.  I ran to my phone to do what everyone does these days in an urgent situation.  I texted.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Actual text message to Dina <em>dah</em>ling:</strong> </span> I just remembered my bamboo.  Is it still alive??  :-p\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #808000;\"><strong>Actual text from Dina <em>dah</em>ling:</strong></span> Barely!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n(Something tells me that she didn\'t use distilled water.)\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">&nbsp;</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">And this concludes our story of how I reclaimed my luck.  Let\'s hope that <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/22/day-206-i-intended-on-making-my-first-curry-but/\" target=\"_blank\">my new plan</a></strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/22/day-206-i-intended-on-making-my-first-curry-but/\" target=\"_blank\"> </a>works and luck infiltrates all areas of my life.</p>\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 207:  Reclaiming My Luck ','','inherit','open','open','','5280-revision-4','','','2011-04-22 20:46:14','2011-04-23 03:46:14','',5280,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/22/5280-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(5285,1,'2011-04-22 21:09:10','2011-04-23 04:09:10','[caption id=\"attachment_5286\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Lucky at Dina dahling&#39;s place\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4210022.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5286\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4210022-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nI\'ve been a bit unlucky lately.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLet me rephrase:  I\'ve been unlucky with men lately.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #808000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>Let me rephrase:  I\'ve attracted emotionally stunted men into my life lately which is quite unfortunate.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff6600; font-size: medium;\"><strong>Luckily, everything else in my life is smashing.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA few days ago, I was cleaning out my pantry and came across a bottle of distilled water.  I wondered why I owned a bottle of distilled water.  I actually stood there for about 10 seconds with distilled water jug in hand trying to recall why on earth it lived in my pantry.  (This happens quite a bit post-40.)  I then remembered.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe Lucky Bamboo!  Lucky requires distilled water to remain alive and therefore bring luck into my life!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Years ago, I had a <del>dream</del> nightmare that Lucky was dying, and I started crying, \"My luck is running out!\"  It was awful.  I\'m obviously still scarred by it.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Not that I\'m superstitious or anything.  I mean, who really believes in that crap?)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(But I would hate for Lucky or Money Tree at work to die because they are living creatures and all.  Yeah, that\'s it!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBack to the pantry cleansing...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #808000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I looked over to where I keep Lucky, and Lucky was GONE!!!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI actually stood there for about 10 seconds (still holding on to the distilled water bottle) trying to recall where in the world was Lucky???\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, yeah.  Dina <em>dah</em>ling watched him during Christmas Break.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEven though I\'ve seen Dina <em>dah</em>ling countless times in the past FOUR MONTHS, and even though she only lives a few hundred paces away, the return of Lucky has never taken place.  I don\'t think Dina <em>dah</em>ling has been trying to steal my luck.  I just think that she, too, is in her forties and therefore very forgetful like me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI also remembered that Dina <em>dah</em>ling jokes about how she can\'t keep plants alive.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI gasped so audibly that Little Miss B cocked her head.  I ran to my phone to do what everyone does these days in an urgent situation.  I texted.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Actual text message to Dina <em>dah</em>ling:</strong> </span> I just remembered my bamboo.  Is it still alive??  :-p\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #808000;\"><strong>Actual text from Dina <em>dah</em>ling:</strong></span> Barely!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Something tells me that she didn\'t use distilled water.)\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">And this concludes our story of how I reclaimed my luck.  Let\'s hope that <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/22/day-206-i-intended-on-making-my-first-curry-but/\" target=\"_blank\">my new plan</a></strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/22/day-206-i-intended-on-making-my-first-curry-but/\" target=\"_blank\"> </a>works and luck infiltrates all areas of my life.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">&nbsp;</p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_5288\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Lucky Reclaimed\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220009.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5288\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220009-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 207:  Reclaiming My Luck ','','inherit','open','open','','5280-autosave','','','2011-04-22 21:09:10','2011-04-23 04:09:10','',5280,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/22/5280-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(5286,1,'2011-04-22 20:57:10','2011-04-23 03:57:10','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','Lucky at Dina dahling\'s place','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-328','','','2011-04-22 20:57:10','2011-04-23 03:57:10','',5280,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4210022.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5288,1,'2011-04-22 21:01:18','2011-04-23 04:01:18','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','Lucky Reclaimed','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-329','','','2011-04-22 21:01:18','2011-04-23 04:01:18','',5280,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220009.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5289,1,'2011-04-22 20:46:27','2011-04-23 03:46:27','I\'ve been a bit unlucky lately.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLet me rephrase:  I\'ve been unlucky with men lately.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #808000;\"><strong>Let me rephrase:  I\'ve attracted emotionally stunted men into my life lately which is quite unfortunate.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Luckily, everything else in my life is smashing.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA few days ago, I was cleaning out my pantry and came across a bottle of distilled water.  I wondered why I owned a bottle of distilled water.  I actually stood there for about 10 seconds with distilled water jug in hand trying to recall why on earth it lived in my pantry.  (This happens quite a bit post-40.)  I then remembered.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe Lucky Bamboo!  Lucky requires distilled water to remain alive and therefore bring luck into my life!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Years ago, I had a <del>dream</del> nightmare that Lucky was dying, and I started crying, \"My luck is running out!\"  It was awful.  I\'m obviously still scarred by it.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Not that I\'m superstitious or anything.  I mean, who really believes in that crap?)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(But I would hate for Lucky or Money Tree at work to die because they are living creatures and all.  Yeah, that\'s it!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBack to the pantry cleansing...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI looked over to where I keep Lucky, and Lucky was GONE!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI actually stood there for about 10 seconds (still holding on to the distilled water bottle) trying to recall where in the world was Lucky???\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, yeah.  Dina <em>dah</em>ling watched him during Christmas Break.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEven though I\'ve seen Dina <em>dah</em>ling countless times since then, and even though she only lives a few hundred paces away, the return of Lucky has never taken place.  I don\'t think Dina <em>dah</em>ling has been trying to steal my luck.  I just think that she, too, is in her forties and therefore very forgetful like me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI also remembered that Dina <em>dah</em>ling jokes about how she can\'t keep plants alive.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI gasped so audibly that Little Miss B cocked her head.  I ran to my phone to do what everyone does these days in an urgent situation.  I texted.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Actual text message to Dina <em>dah</em>ling:</strong> </span> I just remembered my bamboo.  Is it still alive??  :-p\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #808000;\"><strong>Actual text from Dina <em>dah</em>ling:</strong></span> Barely!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Something tells me that she didn\'t use distilled water.)\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">And this concludes our story of how I reclaimed my luck.  Let\'s hope that <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/22/day-206-i-intended-on-making-my-first-curry-but/\" target=\"_blank\">my new plan</a></strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/22/day-206-i-intended-on-making-my-first-curry-but/\" target=\"_blank\"> </a>works and luck infiltrates all areas of my life.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 207:  Reclaiming My Luck ','','inherit','open','open','','5280-revision-5','','','2011-04-22 20:46:27','2011-04-23 03:46:27','',5280,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/22/5280-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(5290,1,'2011-04-22 21:02:54','2011-04-23 04:02:54','[caption id=\"attachment_5286\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Lucky at Dina dahling&#39;s place\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4210022.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5286\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4210022-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nI\'ve been a bit unlucky lately.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLet me rephrase:  I\'ve been unlucky with men lately.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #808000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>Let me rephrase:  I\'ve attracted emotionally stunted men into my life lately which is quite unfortunate.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff6600; font-size: medium;\"><strong>Luckily, everything else in my life is smashing.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA few days ago, I was cleaning out my pantry and came across a bottle of distilled water.  I wondered why I owned a bottle of distilled water.  I actually stood there for about 10 seconds with distilled water jug in hand trying to recall why on earth it lived in my pantry.  (This happens quite a bit post-40.)  I then remembered.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe Lucky Bamboo!  Lucky requires distilled water to remain alive and therefore bring luck into my life!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Years ago, I had a <del>dream</del> nightmare that Lucky was dying, and I started crying, \"My luck is running out!\"  It was awful.  I\'m obviously still scarred by it.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Not that I\'m superstitious or anything.  I mean, who really believes in that crap?)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(But I would hate for Lucky or Money Tree at work to die because they are living creatures and all.  Yeah, that\'s it!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBack to the pantry cleansing...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #808000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I looked over to where I keep Lucky, and Lucky was GONE!!!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI actually stood there for about 10 seconds (still holding on to the distilled water bottle) trying to recall where in the world was Lucky???\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, yeah.  Dina <em>dah</em>ling watched him during Christmas Break.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEven though I\'ve seen Dina <em>dah</em>ling countless times since then, and even though she only lives a few hundred paces away, the return of Lucky has never taken place.  I don\'t think Dina <em>dah</em>ling has been trying to steal my luck.  I just think that she, too, is in her forties and therefore very forgetful like me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI also remembered that Dina <em>dah</em>ling jokes about how she can\'t keep plants alive.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI gasped so audibly that Little Miss B cocked her head.  I ran to my phone to do what everyone does these days in an urgent situation.  I texted.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Actual text message to Dina <em>dah</em>ling:</strong> </span> I just remembered my bamboo.  Is it still alive??  :-p\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #808000;\"><strong>Actual text from Dina <em>dah</em>ling:</strong></span> Barely!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Something tells me that she didn\'t use distilled water.)\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">And this concludes our story of how I reclaimed my luck.  Let\'s hope that <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/22/day-206-i-intended-on-making-my-first-curry-but/\" target=\"_blank\">my new plan</a></strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/22/day-206-i-intended-on-making-my-first-curry-but/\" target=\"_blank\"> </a>works and luck infiltrates all areas of my life.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">&nbsp;</p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_5288\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Lucky Reclaimed\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220009.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5288\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220009-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 207:  Reclaiming My Luck ','','inherit','open','open','','5280-revision-6','','','2011-04-22 21:02:54','2011-04-23 04:02:54','',5280,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/22/5280-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(5291,1,'2011-04-22 21:03:28','2011-04-23 04:03:28','[caption id=\"attachment_5286\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Lucky at Dina dahling&#39;s place\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4210022.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5286\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4210022-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nI\'ve been a bit unlucky lately.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLet me rephrase:  I\'ve been unlucky with men lately.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #808000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>Let me rephrase:  I\'ve attracted emotionally stunted men into my life lately which is quite unfortunate.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff6600; font-size: medium;\"><strong>Luckily, everything else in my life is smashing.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA few days ago, I was cleaning out my pantry and came across a bottle of distilled water.  I wondered why I owned a bottle of distilled water.  I actually stood there for about 10 seconds with distilled water jug in hand trying to recall why on earth it lived in my pantry.  (This happens quite a bit post-40.)  I then remembered.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe Lucky Bamboo!  Lucky requires distilled water to remain alive and therefore bring luck into my life!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Years ago, I had a <del>dream</del> nightmare that Lucky was dying, and I started crying, \"My luck is running out!\"  It was awful.  I\'m obviously still scarred by it.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Not that I\'m superstitious or anything.  I mean, who really believes in that crap?)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(But I would hate for Lucky or Money Tree at work to die because they are living creatures and all.  Yeah, that\'s it!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBack to the pantry cleansing...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #808000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I looked over to where I keep Lucky, and Lucky was GONE!!!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI actually stood there for about 10 seconds (still holding on to the distilled water bottle) trying to recall where in the world was Lucky???\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, yeah.  Dina <em>dah</em>ling watched him during Christmas Break.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEven though I\'ve seen Dina <em>dah</em>ling countless times since then, and even though she only lives a few hundred paces away, the return of Lucky has never taken place.  I don\'t think Dina <em>dah</em>ling has been trying to steal my luck.  I just think that she, too, is in her forties and therefore very forgetful like me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI also remembered that Dina <em>dah</em>ling jokes about how she can\'t keep plants alive.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI gasped so audibly that Little Miss B cocked her head.  I ran to my phone to do what everyone does these days in an urgent situation.  I texted.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Actual text message to Dina <em>dah</em>ling:</strong> </span> I just remembered my bamboo.  Is it still alive??  :-p\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #808000;\"><strong>Actual text from Dina <em>dah</em>ling:</strong></span> Barely!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Something tells me that she didn\'t use distilled water.)\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">And this concludes our story of how I reclaimed my luck.  Let\'s hope that <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/22/day-206-i-intended-on-making-my-first-curry-but/\" target=\"_blank\">my new plan</a></strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/22/day-206-i-intended-on-making-my-first-curry-but/\" target=\"_blank\"> </a>works and luck infiltrates all areas of my life.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">&nbsp;</p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_5288\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Lucky Reclaimed\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220009.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5288\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220009-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 207:  Reclaiming My Luck ','','inherit','open','open','','5280-revision-7','','','2011-04-22 21:03:28','2011-04-23 04:03:28','',5280,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/22/5280-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(5292,1,'2011-04-22 21:06:53','2011-04-23 04:06:53','[caption id=\"attachment_5286\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Lucky at Dina dahling&#39;s place\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4210022.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5286\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4210022-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nI\'ve been a bit unlucky lately.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLet me rephrase:  I\'ve been unlucky with men lately.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #808000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>Let me rephrase:  I\'ve attracted emotionally stunted men into my life lately which is quite unfortunate.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff6600; font-size: medium;\"><strong>Luckily, everything else in my life is smashing.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA few days ago, I was cleaning out my pantry and came across a bottle of distilled water.  I wondered why I owned a bottle of distilled water.  I actually stood there for about 10 seconds with distilled water jug in hand trying to recall why on earth it lived in my pantry.  (This happens quite a bit post-40.)  I then remembered.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe Lucky Bamboo!  Lucky requires distilled water to remain alive and therefore bring luck into my life!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Years ago, I had a <del>dream</del> nightmare that Lucky was dying, and I started crying, \"My luck is running out!\"  It was awful.  I\'m obviously still scarred by it.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Not that I\'m superstitious or anything.  I mean, who really believes in that crap?)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(But I would hate for Lucky or Money Tree at work to die because they are living creatures and all.  Yeah, that\'s it!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBack to the pantry cleansing...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #808000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I looked over to where I keep Lucky, and Lucky was GONE!!!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI actually stood there for about 10 seconds (still holding on to the distilled water bottle) trying to recall where in the world was Lucky???\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, yeah.  Dina <em>dah</em>ling watched him during Christmas Break.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEven though I\'ve seen Dina <em>dah</em>ling countless times in the past FOUR MONTHS, and even though she only lives a few hundred paces away, the return of Lucky has never taken place.  I don\'t think Dina <em>dah</em>ling has been trying to steal my luck.  I just think that she, too, is in her forties and therefore very forgetful like me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI also remembered that Dina <em>dah</em>ling jokes about how she can\'t keep plants alive.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI gasped so audibly that Little Miss B cocked her head.  I ran to my phone to do what everyone does these days in an urgent situation.  I texted.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Actual text message to Dina <em>dah</em>ling:</strong> </span> I just remembered my bamboo.  Is it still alive??  :-p\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #808000;\"><strong>Actual text from Dina <em>dah</em>ling:</strong></span> Barely!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Something tells me that she didn\'t use distilled water.)\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">And this concludes our story of how I reclaimed my luck.  Let\'s hope that <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/22/day-206-i-intended-on-making-my-first-curry-but/\" target=\"_blank\">my new plan</a></strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/22/day-206-i-intended-on-making-my-first-curry-but/\" target=\"_blank\"> </a>works and luck infiltrates all areas of my life.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">&nbsp;</p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_5288\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Lucky Reclaimed\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220009.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5288\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220009-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 207:  Reclaiming My Luck ','','inherit','open','open','','5280-revision-8','','','2011-04-22 21:06:53','2011-04-23 04:06:53','',5280,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/22/5280-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(5293,1,'2011-04-22 21:07:43','2011-04-23 04:07:43','[caption id=\"attachment_5286\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Lucky at Dina dahling&#39;s place\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4210022.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5286\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4210022-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nI\'ve been a bit unlucky lately.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLet me rephrase:  I\'ve been unlucky with men lately.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #808000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>Let me rephrase:  I\'ve attracted emotionally stunted men into my life lately which is quite unfortunate.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff6600; font-size: medium;\"><strong>Luckily, everything else in my life is smashing.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA few days ago, I was cleaning out my pantry and came across a bottle of distilled water.  I wondered why I owned a bottle of distilled water.  I actually stood there for about 10 seconds with distilled water jug in hand trying to recall why on earth it lived in my pantry.  (This happens quite a bit post-40.)  I then remembered.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe Lucky Bamboo!  Lucky requires distilled water to remain alive and therefore bring luck into my life!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Years ago, I had a <del>dream</del> nightmare that Lucky was dying, and I started crying, \"My luck is running out!\"  It was awful.  I\'m obviously still scarred by it.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Not that I\'m superstitious or anything.  I mean, who really believes in that crap?)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(But I would hate for Lucky or Money Tree at work to die because they are living creatures and all.  Yeah, that\'s it!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBack to the pantry cleansing...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #808000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I looked over to where I keep Lucky, and Lucky was GONE!!!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI actually stood there for about 10 seconds (still holding on to the distilled water bottle) trying to recall where in the world was Lucky???\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, yeah.  Dina <em>dah</em>ling watched him during Christmas Break.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEven though I\'ve seen Dina <em>dah</em>ling countless times in the past FOUR MONTHS, and even though she only lives a few hundred paces away, the return of Lucky has never taken place.  I don\'t think Dina <em>dah</em>ling has been trying to steal my luck.  I just think that she, too, is in her forties and therefore very forgetful like me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI also remembered that Dina <em>dah</em>ling jokes about how she can\'t keep plants alive.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI gasped so audibly that Little Miss B cocked her head.  I ran to my phone to do what everyone does these days in an urgent situation.  I texted.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Actual text message to Dina <em>dah</em>ling:</strong> </span> I just remembered my bamboo.  Is it still alive??  :-p\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #808000;\"><strong>Actual text from Dina <em>dah</em>ling:</strong></span> Barely!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Something tells me that she didn\'t use distilled water.)\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">And this concludes our story of how I reclaimed my luck.  Let\'s hope that <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/22/day-206-i-intended-on-making-my-first-curry-but/\" target=\"_blank\">my new plan</a></strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/22/day-206-i-intended-on-making-my-first-curry-but/\" target=\"_blank\"> </a>works and luck infiltrates all areas of my life.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">&nbsp;</p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_5288\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Lucky Reclaimed\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220009.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5288\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220009-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 207:  Reclaiming My Luck ','','inherit','open','open','','5280-revision-9','','','2011-04-22 21:07:43','2011-04-23 04:07:43','',5280,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/22/5280-revision-9/',0,'revision','',0),(5294,1,'2011-04-02 10:19:20','2011-04-02 17:19:20','<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/doos/3926576723/sizes/o/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-4917\" title=\"3926576723_a6b3db9e8a_o\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/3926576723_a6b3db9e8a_o-300x228.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"228\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am on waaayyyyy too many e-mail lists.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd that\'s with me consciously protecting my sacred personal email addresses.  I use hotmail and gmail for the unimportant stuff.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Yes, J at the Apple Store, I have waaayyyyy too many e-mail accounts as well.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRecently, my home inbox has grown exponentially.  I can\'t keep up with the deluge of emails.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo I dove in and unsubscribed to I-lost-track-of-how-many.  20?  30?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis should appease my innate desire to declutter, which in this age, translates to my cyber-world.  Clear inbox = Clear mind.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Here\'s what I\'m holding on to for dear life and why:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.groupon.com \" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Groupon --</strong></a> great ideas for this blog at a reduced cost\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.livingsocial.com \" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Living Social --</strong></a> ditto<a href=\"http://chrisguillebeau.com/3x5/\" target=\"_blank\"></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://chrisguillebeau.com/3x5/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Art of Nonconformity --</strong></a> this was the first blog that I ever subscribed to so it\'s near and dear to my heart.  I also need to keep abreast of all things nonconformist as well as <a href=\"http://worlddominationsummit.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>World Domination</strong></a>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><a href=\"http://www.alistbloggingbootcamps.com/\" target=\"_blank\">A-List Blogging Bootcamp --</a></strong> because I\'m still paying for the membership even though I haven\'t used it since the summer but keep meaning to when I \"find time\".  Riiiigggghttt.  I\'ll have time on Day 366.  Who am I kidding?  I smell an upcoming decision.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><a href=\"http://www.changinghands.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Changing Hands -- </a></strong>because they are the Greatest Bookstore on the Planet\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><a href=\"http://www.dbg.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Desert Botanical Gardens -- </a></strong>because I like butterflies, jazz, luminarias, and the smell of creosote.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><a href=\"http://www.1lacrosse.com/\" target=\"_blank\">1Lacrosse --</a></strong> because this is my precious cousin whom I am SO proud of!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><a href=\"http://www.declutter100.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Declutter100 --</a></strong> because I\'m a decluttering geek, and therefore enjoy reading about other geeks who declutter.  And he just killed his TV which we know <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?s=real+housewive\" target=\"_blank\">I\'ve been contemplating for quite some time.</a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><a href=\"http://www.southwest.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Southwest Airlines --</a></strong> because I need sale updates each Tuesday.  ???  I may need to rethink this one.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAre you an email junkie?  What can you let go of/say goodbye to (even temporarily)/unsubscribe from to stop the madness?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHopefully, it\'s not me.  But if it is, I understand.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWe\'ll always have RSS.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd facebook.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd twitter.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 186:  Unsubscribing from the Avalanche','','inherit','open','open','','4906-revision-14','','','2011-04-02 10:19:20','2011-04-02 17:19:20','',4906,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/02/4906-revision-14/',0,'revision','',0),(5295,1,'2011-04-24 01:11:18','2011-04-24 08:11:18','I\'m 50% Portuguese.  Both of my maternal grandparents are from Portugal.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNot too many Americans can say they are a full 50% of any nationality.  Most are a mix of this and that.  My Dad\'s side of the family, for example, is a bit of English, a splash of Scottish, a dose of French, and a sprinkling of who-knows-what-else.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGrowing up, this Portuguese thing really bothered me.  Seen the movie <strong><em><a href=\"http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0259446/\" target=\"_blank\">My Big Fat Greek Wedding</a></em></strong>?  My Portuguese family is not too far off from the family in the movie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou can imagine how this embarrassed an awkward and self-conscious teenager to no end.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs an adult, I consider my Portuguese heritage to be pretty groovy.  Vive le difference!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong><del>Most </del>All of the traditions in my Portuguese family have to do with food.  I\'ve said it before, and I\'ll say it again:  The Portuguese rival the Italians with their food obsession.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis time of year, the food obsession is Portuguese Easter Bread.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs a child, I have fond memories of both my Nana and my mother baking the bread in time for Easter morning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>Nana memory:</strong></span> We were out at the beach house during an unseasonal \"heat wave\".  (April in New York?  I\'m wondering if it was 80?  That would classify as a \"cool front\" in Arizona.)  Anywho, Nana stepped away from the kitchen, and I, of course, ate some of the dough.  When Nana came back to the kitchen, she explained to me how yeast causes the bread to rise while doing her best Julia Child impression.  (She\'s always had a flair for the dramatic.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll I could think about for the rest of the afternoon was how my stomach would eventually explode from the yeast.  I eventually confessed my misdeed to Nana a few hours later when I could bear the terror no longer.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNana wiped away my tears and assured me that my stomach would remain in tact.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>Mom memory: </strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">My mother tends to go overboard at Christmas and Easter.  At Easter, this translates to a reenaction of the Miracle of the Loaves. </span></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Our family Portuguese Easter Bread recipe already feeds a few families.  But why bake for only a few families when you can feed the entire neighborhood?</span></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Back in the day, my mother would double or triple the recipe.  I remember bags and bags of flour and dough EVERYWHERE!  Then, after a day of baking, my mother would drive all over the neighborhood delivering loaves to Texans who never knew that Portuguese Easter Bread existed until we moved to Houston.</span></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEnough already with trip down Memory Lane.  Let\'s cut to the good stuff!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #800080;\"><strong>Authentic Portuguese Easter Bread Recipe</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlease note that I am transferring this from a recipe card passed down by my mother.  This is not allrecipes.com, peeps.  There will be confusion.  (I had to call my mother 3 times during this process.)  Please feel free to ask questions in the comment section, and I will be happy to clarify.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n2 cups sugar\r\n\r\n8 eggs\r\n\r\n1 tablespoon salt\r\n\r\n3 envelopes dry yeast dissolved in 1 cup warm water\r\n\r\n5 lbs. flour (4 c. = 1 pound)\r\n\r\n1/2 lb. butter\r\n\r\nHUGE bowl to mix ingredients\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5299\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220001-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nBeat eggs.  Add sugar, salt &amp; yeast mixture.  Heat milk to scald.  Add broken pieces of butter and let cool to lukewarm.  Add to mixture and stir well.  Stir flour in with wooden spoon while you can, then use hands.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220002.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5300\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220002-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\nKnead well.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5301\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220003-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></span>\r\n\r\n(Grease bowl that it will rise in.)  Set to rise till double.  Knead again.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5302\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220004-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nLet rise till double.  Shape in place in greased pans.  Set aside and let rise till double.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5303\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220005-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nBake in 350 degree oven for ¾ hour or till golden brown.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: medium;\"><strong>Additions/Subtractions for my version:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>I used the Trader Joe\'s White Whole Wheat Flour.  Thus, the darker dough.  It still rose, just not as much as white flour.  Please note, however, that loaves with white flour will not rise too much higher than the bottom photo.</li>\r\n	<li>Unlike my mother, I decided to cut the recipe in half.  The recipe listed above is for the full recipe which yields 8 rounded loaves.</li>\r\n	<li>Mine are a little too \"golden brown\".  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/15/day-168-its-more-than-complicated/\" target=\"_blank\">This seems to be a habit of mine.</a></strong> Check yours early and take them out sooner than I did.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Happy Baking and Happy Easter! </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 208:  Portuguese Easter Bread ','','publish','open','open','','day-208-portuguese-easter-bread','','','2011-04-23 19:54:31','2011-04-24 02:54:31','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=5295',0,'post','',5),(5296,1,'2011-04-23 10:46:39','2011-04-23 17:46:39','I\'m 50% Portuguese.  Both of my maternal grandparents are from Portugal.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNot too many Americans can say they are a full 50% of any nationality.  Most are a mix of this and that.  My Dad\'s side of the family, for example, is a bit of English, a splash of Scottish, a dose of French, and a sprinkling of who-knows-what-else.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nGrowing up, this Portuguese thing really bothered me.  Seen the movie <strong><em>My Big Fat Greek Wedding</em></strong>?  My Portuguese family is not too far off from the family in the movie.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYou can imagine how this embarrassed an awkward and self-conscious teenager to no end.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs an adult, I consider my Portuguese heritage to be pretty groovy.  Vive le difference!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<del>Most </del>All of the traditions in my Portuguese family have to do with food.  I\'ve said it before, and I\'ll say it again:  The Portuguese rival the Italians with their food obsession.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThis time of year, the food obsession is Portuguese Easter Bread.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs a child, I have fond memories of both my Nana and my mother baking the bread in time for Easter morning.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNana memory:  We were out at the beach house during an unusual heat wave.  (April in New York?  I\'m wondering if it was 80?  That would be a cool front i','Day 208:  Portuguese Easter Bread ','','inherit','open','open','','5295-revision','','','2011-04-23 10:46:39','2011-04-23 17:46:39','',5295,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/23/5295-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(5297,1,'2011-04-23 11:01:37','2011-04-23 18:01:37','I\'m 50% Portuguese.  Both of my maternal grandparents are from Portugal.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNot too many Americans can say they are a full 50% of any nationality.  Most are a mix of this and that.  My Dad\'s side of the family, for example, is a bit of English, a splash of Scottish, a dose of French, and a sprinkling of who-knows-what-else.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nGrowing up, this Portuguese thing really bothered me.  Seen the movie <strong><em>My Big Fat Greek Wedding</em></strong>?  My Portuguese family is not too far off from the family in the movie.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYou can imagine how this embarrassed an awkward and self-conscious teenager to no end.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs an adult, I consider my Portuguese heritage to be pretty groovy.  Vive le difference!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<del>Most </del>All of the traditions in my Portuguese family have to do with food.  I\'ve said it before, and I\'ll say it again:  The Portuguese rival the Italians with their food obsession.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThis time of year, the food obsession is Portuguese Easter Bread.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs a child, I have fond memories of both my Nana and my mother baking the bread in time for Easter morning.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>Nana memory:</strong></span> We were out at the beach house during an unusual \"heat wave\".  (April in New York?  I\'m wondering if it was 80?  That would classify as a cool front in Arizona.)  Anywho, Nana stepped away from the kitchen, and I, of course, ate some of the dough.  When Nana came back to the kitchen, she explained to me how yeast causes the bread to rise in her Julia Child accent (she\'s always has a flair for the dramatic).\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAll I could think about for the rest of the afternoon was how my stomach would eventually explode from the yeast.  I eventually confessed my misdeed to Nana a few hours later when I could bare the terror no longer.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNana wiped away my tears and assured me that my stomach would remain in tact.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>Mom memory: </strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">My mother tends to go overboard at Christmas and Easter.  At Easter, this translates to a reenaction of the Miracle of the Loaves. </span></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Our family Portuguese Easter Bread recipe already feeds a few families.  But why bake for a few families when you can feed the entire neighborhood?</span></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">My mother would double or triple the recipe.  I remember bags and bags of flour and dough EVERYWHERE!  Then, after a day of baking, my mother would drive all over the neighborhood delivering loaves to Texans who never knew that Portuguese Easter Bread existed until we moved to Houston.</span></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nEnough already with trip down Memory Lane.  Let\'s cut to the good stuff!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #800080;\"><strong>Authentic Portuguese Easter Bread Recipe</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span><strong>Now </strong></span></span></span>','Day 208:  Portuguese Easter Bread ','','inherit','open','open','','5295-revision-2','','','2011-04-23 11:01:37','2011-04-23 18:01:37','',5295,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/23/5295-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(5298,1,'2011-04-23 11:09:24','2011-04-23 18:09:24','I\'m 50% Portuguese.  Both of my maternal grandparents are from Portugal.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNot too many Americans can say they are a full 50% of any nationality.  Most are a mix of this and that.  My Dad\'s side of the family, for example, is a bit of English, a splash of Scottish, a dose of French, and a sprinkling of who-knows-what-else.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nGrowing up, this Portuguese thing really bothered me.  Seen the movie <strong><em>My Big Fat Greek Wedding</em></strong>?  My Portuguese family is not too far off from the family in the movie.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYou can imagine how this embarrassed an awkward and self-conscious teenager to no end.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs an adult, I consider my Portuguese heritage to be pretty groovy.  Vive le difference!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<del>Most </del>All of the traditions in my Portuguese family have to do with food.  I\'ve said it before, and I\'ll say it again:  The Portuguese rival the Italians with their food obsession.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThis time of year, the food obsession is Portuguese Easter Bread.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs a child, I have fond memories of both my Nana and my mother baking the bread in time for Easter morning.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>Nana memory:</strong></span> We were out at the beach house during an unusual \"heat wave\".  (April in New York?  I\'m wondering if it was 80?  That would classify as a cool front in Arizona.)  Anywho, Nana stepped away from the kitchen, and I, of course, ate some of the dough.  When Nana came back to the kitchen, she explained to me how yeast causes the bread to rise in her Julia Child accent (she\'s always has a flair for the dramatic).\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAll I could think about for the rest of the afternoon was how my stomach would eventually explode from the yeast.  I eventually confessed my misdeed to Nana a few hours later when I could bare the terror no longer.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNana wiped away my tears and assured me that my stomach would remain in tact.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>Mom memory: </strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">My mother tends to go overboard at Christmas and Easter.  At Easter, this translates to a reenaction of the Miracle of the Loaves. </span></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Our family Portuguese Easter Bread recipe already feeds a few families.  But why bake for a few families when you can feed the entire neighborhood?</span></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">My mother would double or triple the recipe.  I remember bags and bags of flour and dough EVERYWHERE!  Then, after a day of baking, my mother would drive all over the neighborhood delivering loaves to Texans who never knew that Portuguese Easter Bread existed until we moved to Houston.</span></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nEnough already with trip down Memory Lane.  Let\'s cut to the good stuff!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #800080;\"><strong>Authentic Portuguese Easter Bread Recipe</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPlease note that I am transferring this from a recipe card passed down by my mother.  This is not allrecipes.com, peeps.  There will be confusion.  (I had to call my mother 3 times during this process.)  Please feel free to ask questions in the comment section, and I will be happy to clarify.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n2 cups sugar\n\n8 eggs\n\n1 tablespoon salt\n\n3 envelopes dry yeast dissolved in 1 cup warm water\n\n5 lbs. flour (4 c. = 1 pound)\n\n1/2 lb. butter\n\nHUGE bowl to mix ingredients\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBeat eggs.  Add sugar, salt &amp; yeast mixture.  Heat milk to scald.  Add broken pieces of butter and let cool to lukewarm.  Add to mixture and stir well.  Stir flour in with wooden spoon while you can, then use hands.  Knead well.  (Grease bowl that it will rise in.)  Set to rise till doubl\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 208:  Portuguese Easter Bread ','','inherit','open','open','','5295-revision-3','','','2011-04-23 11:09:24','2011-04-23 18:09:24','',5295,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/23/5295-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(5299,1,'2011-04-23 11:11:35','2011-04-23 18:11:35','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-330','','','2011-04-23 11:11:35','2011-04-23 18:11:35','',5295,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220001.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5300,1,'2011-04-23 11:12:31','2011-04-23 18:12:31','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-331','','','2011-04-23 11:12:31','2011-04-23 18:12:31','',5295,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220002.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5301,1,'2011-04-23 11:14:15','2011-04-23 18:14:15','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-332','','','2011-04-23 11:14:15','2011-04-23 18:14:15','',5295,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220003.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5302,1,'2011-04-23 11:15:07','2011-04-23 18:15:07','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-333','','','2011-04-23 11:15:07','2011-04-23 18:15:07','',5295,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220004.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5303,1,'2011-04-23 11:15:57','2011-04-23 18:15:57','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-334','','','2011-04-23 11:15:57','2011-04-23 18:15:57','',5295,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220005.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5304,1,'2011-04-23 11:25:27','2011-04-23 18:25:27','I\'m 50% Portuguese.  Both of my maternal grandparents are from Portugal.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNot too many Americans can say they are a full 50% of any nationality.  Most are a mix of this and that.  My Dad\'s side of the family, for example, is a bit of English, a splash of Scottish, a dose of French, and a sprinkling of who-knows-what-else.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nGrowing up, this Portuguese thing really bothered me.  Seen the movie <strong><em>My Big Fat Greek Wedding</em></strong>?  My Portuguese family is not too far off from the family in the movie.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYou can imagine how this embarrassed an awkward and self-conscious teenager to no end.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs an adult, I consider my Portuguese heritage to be pretty groovy.  Vive le difference!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<del>Most </del>All of the traditions in my Portuguese family have to do with food.  I\'ve said it before, and I\'ll say it again:  The Portuguese rival the Italians with their food obsession.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThis time of year, the food obsession is Portuguese Easter Bread.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs a child, I have fond memories of both my Nana and my mother baking the bread in time for Easter morning.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>Nana memory:</strong></span> We were out at the beach house during an unusual \"heat wave\".  (April in New York?  I\'m wondering if it was 80?  That would classify as a cool front in Arizona.)  Anywho, Nana stepped away from the kitchen, and I, of course, ate some of the dough.  When Nana came back to the kitchen, she explained to me how yeast causes the bread to rise in her Julia Child accent (she\'s always has a flair for the dramatic).\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAll I could think about for the rest of the afternoon was how my stomach would eventually explode from the yeast.  I eventually confessed my misdeed to Nana a few hours later when I could bare the terror no longer.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNana wiped away my tears and assured me that my stomach would remain in tact.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>Mom memory: </strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">My mother tends to go overboard at Christmas and Easter.  At Easter, this translates to a reenaction of the Miracle of the Loaves. </span></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Our family Portuguese Easter Bread recipe already feeds a few families.  But why bake for a few families when you can feed the entire neighborhood?</span></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">My mother would double or triple the recipe.  I remember bags and bags of flour and dough EVERYWHERE!  Then, after a day of baking, my mother would drive all over the neighborhood delivering loaves to Texans who never knew that Portuguese Easter Bread existed until we moved to Houston.</span></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nEnough already with trip down Memory Lane.  Let\'s cut to the good stuff!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #800080;\"><strong>Authentic Portuguese Easter Bread Recipe</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPlease note that I am transferring this from a recipe card passed down by my mother.  This is not allrecipes.com, peeps.  There will be confusion.  (I had to call my mother 3 times during this process.)  Please feel free to ask questions in the comment section, and I will be happy to clarify.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n2 cups sugar\n\n8 eggs\n\n1 tablespoon salt\n\n3 envelopes dry yeast dissolved in 1 cup warm water\n\n5 lbs. flour (4 c. = 1 pound)\n\n1/2 lb. butter\n\nHUGE bowl to mix ingredients\n\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5299\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220001-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\n\nBeat eggs.  Add sugar, salt &amp; yeast mixture.  Heat milk to scald.  Add broken pieces of butter and let cool to lukewarm.  Add to mixture and stir well.  Stir flour in with wooden spoon while you can, then use hands.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220002.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5300\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220002-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\nKnead well.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5301\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220003-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\n\n(Grease bowl that it will rise in.)  Set to rise till double.  Knead again.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLet rise till double.  Shape in place in greased pans.  Set aside and let rise till double.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5302\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220004-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\n\nBake in 350 degree oven for 3/4 hour or till golden brown.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5303\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220005-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />','Day 208:  Portuguese Easter Bread ','','inherit','open','open','','5295-revision-4','','','2011-04-23 11:25:27','2011-04-23 18:25:27','',5295,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/23/5295-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(5305,1,'2011-04-23 11:36:56','2011-04-23 18:36:56','I\'m 50% Portuguese.  Both of my maternal grandparents are from Portugal.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNot too many Americans can say they are a full 50% of any nationality.  Most are a mix of this and that.  My Dad\'s side of the family, for example, is a bit of English, a splash of Scottish, a dose of French, and a sprinkling of who-knows-what-else.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nGrowing up, this Portuguese thing really bothered me.  Seen the movie <strong><em>My Big Fat Greek Wedding</em></strong>?  My Portuguese family is not too far off from the family in the movie.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYou can imagine how this embarrassed an awkward and self-conscious teenager to no end.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs an adult, I consider my Portuguese heritage to be pretty groovy.  Vive le difference!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<del>Most </del>All of the traditions in my Portuguese family have to do with food.  I\'ve said it before, and I\'ll say it again:  The Portuguese rival the Italians with their food obsession.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThis time of year, the food obsession is Portuguese Easter Bread.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs a child, I have fond memories of both my Nana and my mother baking the bread in time for Easter morning.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>Nana memory:</strong></span> We were out at the beach house during an unusual \"heat wave\".  (April in New York?  I\'m wondering if it was 80?  That would classify as a cool front in Arizona.)  Anywho, Nana stepped away from the kitchen, and I, of course, ate some of the dough.  When Nana came back to the kitchen, she explained to me how yeast causes the bread to rise in her Julia Child accent (she\'s always has a flair for the dramatic).\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAll I could think about for the rest of the afternoon was how my stomach would eventually explode from the yeast.  I eventually confessed my misdeed to Nana a few hours later when I could bare the terror no longer.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNana wiped away my tears and assured me that my stomach would remain in tact.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>Mom memory: </strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">My mother tends to go overboard at Christmas and Easter.  At Easter, this translates to a reenaction of the Miracle of the Loaves. </span></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Our family Portuguese Easter Bread recipe already feeds a few families.  But why bake for a few families when you can feed the entire neighborhood?</span></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">My mother would double or triple the recipe.  I remember bags and bags of flour and dough EVERYWHERE!  Then, after a day of baking, my mother would drive all over the neighborhood delivering loaves to Texans who never knew that Portuguese Easter Bread existed until we moved to Houston.</span></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nEnough already with trip down Memory Lane.  Let\'s cut to the good stuff!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #800080;\"><strong>Authentic Portuguese Easter Bread Recipe</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPlease note that I am transferring this from a recipe card passed down by my mother.  This is not allrecipes.com, peeps.  There will be confusion.  (I had to call my mother 3 times during this process.)  Please feel free to ask questions in the comment section, and I will be happy to clarify.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n2 cups sugar\n\n8 eggs\n\n1 tablespoon salt\n\n3 envelopes dry yeast dissolved in 1 cup warm water\n\n5 lbs. flour (4 c. = 1 pound)\n\n1/2 lb. butter\n\nHUGE bowl to mix ingredients\n\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5299\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220001-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\n\nBeat eggs.  Add sugar, salt &amp; yeast mixture.  Heat milk to scald.  Add broken pieces of butter and let cool to lukewarm.  Add to mixture and stir well.  Stir flour in with wooden spoon while you can, then use hands.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220002.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5300\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220002-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\nKnead well.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5301\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220003-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></span>\n\n(Grease bowl that it will rise in.)  Set to rise till double.  Knead again.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5302\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220004-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\n\nLet rise till double.  Shape in place in greased pans.  Set aside and let rise till double.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5303\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220005-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\n\nBake in 350 degree oven for 3/4 hour or till golden brown.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: medium;\"><strong>Additions/Subtractions for my version:</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n<ul>\n	<li>I used the Trader Joe\'s White Whole Wheat Flour.  Thus, the darker dough.  It still rose, just not as much as white flour.  Please note, however, that these loaves with white flour will not be too much higher than the bottom photo.</li>\n	<li>Unlike my mother, I decided to cut the recipe in half.  The recipe listed above is for the full recipe which yields 8 rounded loaves.</li>\n	<li>Mine are a little too \"golden brown\".  <strong>This seems to be a habit of mine.</strong> Check yours early and take them out sooner than I did.</li>\n</ul>\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Happy Baking and Happy Easter! </strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 208:  Portuguese Easter Bread ','','inherit','open','open','','5295-revision-5','','','2011-04-23 11:36:56','2011-04-23 18:36:56','',5295,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/23/5295-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(5306,1,'2011-04-23 11:38:08','2011-04-23 18:38:08','I\'m 50% Portuguese.  Both of my maternal grandparents are from Portugal.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNot too many Americans can say they are a full 50% of any nationality.  Most are a mix of this and that.  My Dad\'s side of the family, for example, is a bit of English, a splash of Scottish, a dose of French, and a sprinkling of who-knows-what-else.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nGrowing up, this Portuguese thing really bothered me.  Seen the movie <strong><em>My Big Fat Greek Wedding</em></strong>?  My Portuguese family is not too far off from the family in the movie.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYou can imagine how this embarrassed an awkward and self-conscious teenager to no end.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs an adult, I consider my Portuguese heritage to be pretty groovy.  Vive le difference!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<del>Most </del>All of the traditions in my Portuguese family have to do with food.  I\'ve said it before, and I\'ll say it again:  The Portuguese rival the Italians with their food obsession.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThis time of year, the food obsession is Portuguese Easter Bread.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs a child, I have fond memories of both my Nana and my mother baking the bread in time for Easter morning.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>Nana memory:</strong></span> We were out at the beach house during an unusual \"heat wave\".  (April in New York?  I\'m wondering if it was 80?  That would classify as a cool front in Arizona.)  Anywho, Nana stepped away from the kitchen, and I, of course, ate some of the dough.  When Nana came back to the kitchen, she explained to me how yeast causes the bread to rise in her Julia Child accent (she\'s always has a flair for the dramatic).\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAll I could think about for the rest of the afternoon was how my stomach would eventually explode from the yeast.  I eventually confessed my misdeed to Nana a few hours later when I could bare the terror no longer.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNana wiped away my tears and assured me that my stomach would remain in tact.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>Mom memory: </strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">My mother tends to go overboard at Christmas and Easter.  At Easter, this translates to a reenaction of the Miracle of the Loaves. </span></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Our family Portuguese Easter Bread recipe already feeds a few families.  But why bake for a few families when you can feed the entire neighborhood?</span></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">My mother would double or triple the recipe.  I remember bags and bags of flour and dough EVERYWHERE!  Then, after a day of baking, my mother would drive all over the neighborhood delivering loaves to Texans who never knew that Portuguese Easter Bread existed until we moved to Houston.</span></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nEnough already with trip down Memory Lane.  Let\'s cut to the good stuff!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #800080;\"><strong>Authentic Portuguese Easter Bread Recipe</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPlease note that I am transferring this from a recipe card passed down by my mother.  This is not allrecipes.com, peeps.  There will be confusion.  (I had to call my mother 3 times during this process.)  Please feel free to ask questions in the comment section, and I will be happy to clarify.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n2 cups sugar\n\n8 eggs\n\n1 tablespoon salt\n\n3 envelopes dry yeast dissolved in 1 cup warm water\n\n5 lbs. flour (4 c. = 1 pound)\n\n1/2 lb. butter\n\nHUGE bowl to mix ingredients\n\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5299\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220001-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\n\nBeat eggs.  Add sugar, salt &amp; yeast mixture.  Heat milk to scald.  Add broken pieces of butter and let cool to lukewarm.  Add to mixture and stir well.  Stir flour in with wooden spoon while you can, then use hands.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220002.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5300\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220002-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\nKnead well.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5301\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220003-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></span>\n\n(Grease bowl that it will rise in.)  Set to rise till double.  Knead again.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5302\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220004-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\n\nLet rise till double.  Shape in place in greased pans.  Set aside and let rise till double.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5303\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220005-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\n\nBake in 350 degree oven for 3/4 hour or till golden brown.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: medium;\"><strong>Additions/Subtractions for my version:</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n<ul>\n	<li>I used the Trader Joe\'s White Whole Wheat Flour.  Thus, the darker dough.  It still rose, just not as much as white flour.  Please note, however, that these loaves with white flour will not be too much higher than the bottom photo.</li>\n	<li>Unlike my mother, I decided to cut the recipe in half.  The recipe listed above is for the full recipe which yields 8 rounded loaves.</li>\n	<li>Mine are a little too \"golden brown\".  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/15/day-168-its-more-than-complicated/\" target=\"_blank\">This seems to be a habit of mine.</a></strong> Check yours early and take them out sooner than I did.</li>\n</ul>\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Happy Baking and Happy Easter! </strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 208:  Portuguese Easter Bread ','','inherit','open','open','','5295-revision-6','','','2011-04-23 11:38:08','2011-04-23 18:38:08','',5295,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/23/5295-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(5307,1,'2011-04-23 11:40:08','2011-04-23 18:40:08','I\'m 50% Portuguese.  Both of my maternal grandparents are from Portugal.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNot too many Americans can say they are a full 50% of any nationality.  Most are a mix of this and that.  My Dad\'s side of the family, for example, is a bit of English, a splash of Scottish, a dose of French, and a sprinkling of who-knows-what-else.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nGrowing up, this Portuguese thing really bothered me.  Seen the movie <strong><em><a href=\"http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0259446/\" target=\"_blank\">My Big Fat Greek Wedding</a></em></strong>?  My Portuguese family is not too far off from the family in the movie.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYou can imagine how this embarrassed an awkward and self-conscious teenager to no end.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs an adult, I consider my Portuguese heritage to be pretty groovy.  Vive le difference!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong><del>Most </del>All of the traditions in my Portuguese family have to do with food.  I\'ve said it before, and I\'ll say it again:  The Portuguese rival the Italians with their food obsession.</strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThis time of year, the food obsession is Portuguese Easter Bread.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs a child, I have fond memories of both my Nana and my mother baking the bread in time for Easter morning.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>Nana memory:</strong></span> We were out at the beach house during an unusual \"heat wave\".  (April in New York?  I\'m wondering if it was 80?  That would classify as a cool front in Arizona.)  Anywho, Nana stepped away from the kitchen, and I, of course, ate some of the dough.  When Nana came back to the kitchen, she explained to me how yeast causes the bread to rise in her Julia Child accent (she\'s always has a flair for the dramatic).\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAll I could think about for the rest of the afternoon was how my stomach would eventually explode from the yeast.  I eventually confessed my misdeed to Nana a few hours later when I could bare the terror no longer.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNana wiped away my tears and assured me that my stomach would remain in tact.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>Mom memory: </strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">My mother tends to go overboard at Christmas and Easter.  At Easter, this translates to a reenaction of the Miracle of the Loaves. </span></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Our family Portuguese Easter Bread recipe already feeds a few families.  But why bake for a few families when you can feed the entire neighborhood?</span></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">My mother would double or triple the recipe.  I remember bags and bags of flour and dough EVERYWHERE!  Then, after a day of baking, my mother would drive all over the neighborhood delivering loaves to Texans who never knew that Portuguese Easter Bread existed until we moved to Houston.</span></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nEnough already with trip down Memory Lane.  Let\'s cut to the good stuff!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #800080;\"><strong>Authentic Portuguese Easter Bread Recipe</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPlease note that I am transferring this from a recipe card passed down by my mother.  This is not allrecipes.com, peeps.  There will be confusion.  (I had to call my mother 3 times during this process.)  Please feel free to ask questions in the comment section, and I will be happy to clarify.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n2 cups sugar\n\n8 eggs\n\n1 tablespoon salt\n\n3 envelopes dry yeast dissolved in 1 cup warm water\n\n5 lbs. flour (4 c. = 1 pound)\n\n1/2 lb. butter\n\nHUGE bowl to mix ingredients\n\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5299\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220001-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\n\nBeat eggs.  Add sugar, salt &amp; yeast mixture.  Heat milk to scald.  Add broken pieces of butter and let cool to lukewarm.  Add to mixture and stir well.  Stir flour in with wooden spoon while you can, then use hands.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220002.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5300\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220002-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\nKnead well.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5301\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220003-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></span>\n\n(Grease bowl that it will rise in.)  Set to rise till double.  Knead again.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5302\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220004-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\n\nLet rise till double.  Shape in place in greased pans.  Set aside and let rise till double.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5303\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220005-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\n\nBake in 350 degree oven for 3/4 hour or till golden brown.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: medium;\"><strong>Additions/Subtractions for my version:</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n<ul>\n	<li>I used the Trader Joe\'s White Whole Wheat Flour.  Thus, the darker dough.  It still rose, just not as much as white flour.  Please note, however, that loaves with white flour will not rise too much higher than the bottom photo.</li>\n	<li>Unlike my mother, I decided to cut the recipe in half.  The recipe listed above is for the full recipe which yields 8 rounded loaves.</li>\n	<li>Mine are a little too \"golden brown\".  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/15/day-168-its-more-than-complicated/\" target=\"_blank\">This seems to be a habit of mine.</a></strong> Check yours early and take them out sooner than I did.</li>\n</ul>\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Happy Baking and Happy Easter! </strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 208:  Portuguese Easter Bread ','','inherit','open','open','','5295-revision-7','','','2011-04-23 11:40:08','2011-04-23 18:40:08','',5295,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/23/5295-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(5308,1,'2011-04-23 11:41:19','2011-04-23 18:41:19','I\'m 50% Portuguese.  Both of my maternal grandparents are from Portugal.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNot too many Americans can say they are a full 50% of any nationality.  Most are a mix of this and that.  My Dad\'s side of the family, for example, is a bit of English, a splash of Scottish, a dose of French, and a sprinkling of who-knows-what-else.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nGrowing up, this Portuguese thing really bothered me.  Seen the movie <strong><em><a href=\"http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0259446/\" target=\"_blank\">My Big Fat Greek Wedding</a></em></strong>?  My Portuguese family is not too far off from the family in the movie.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYou can imagine how this embarrassed an awkward and self-conscious teenager to no end.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs an adult, I consider my Portuguese heritage to be pretty groovy.  Vive le difference!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong><del>Most </del>All of the traditions in my Portuguese family have to do with food.  I\'ve said it before, and I\'ll say it again:  The Portuguese rival the Italians with their food obsession.</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThis time of year, the food obsession is Portuguese Easter Bread.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs a child, I have fond memories of both my Nana and my mother baking the bread in time for Easter morning.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>Nana memory:</strong></span> We were out at the beach house during an unusual \"heat wave\".  (April in New York?  I\'m wondering if it was 80?  That would classify as a cool front in Arizona.)  Anywho, Nana stepped away from the kitchen, and I, of course, ate some of the dough.  When Nana came back to the kitchen, she explained to me how yeast causes the bread to rise in her Julia Child accent (she\'s always has a flair for the dramatic).\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAll I could think about for the rest of the afternoon was how my stomach would eventually explode from the yeast.  I eventually confessed my misdeed to Nana a few hours later when I could bare the terror no longer.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNana wiped away my tears and assured me that my stomach would remain in tact.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>Mom memory: </strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">My mother tends to go overboard at Christmas and Easter.  At Easter, this translates to a reenaction of the Miracle of the Loaves. </span></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Our family Portuguese Easter Bread recipe already feeds a few families.  But why bake for a few families when you can feed the entire neighborhood?</span></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">My mother would double or triple the recipe.  I remember bags and bags of flour and dough EVERYWHERE!  Then, after a day of baking, my mother would drive all over the neighborhood delivering loaves to Texans who never knew that Portuguese Easter Bread existed until we moved to Houston.</span></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nEnough already with trip down Memory Lane.  Let\'s cut to the good stuff!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #800080;\"><strong>Authentic Portuguese Easter Bread Recipe</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPlease note that I am transferring this from a recipe card passed down by my mother.  This is not allrecipes.com, peeps.  There will be confusion.  (I had to call my mother 3 times during this process.)  Please feel free to ask questions in the comment section, and I will be happy to clarify.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n2 cups sugar\n\n8 eggs\n\n1 tablespoon salt\n\n3 envelopes dry yeast dissolved in 1 cup warm water\n\n5 lbs. flour (4 c. = 1 pound)\n\n1/2 lb. butter\n\nHUGE bowl to mix ingredients\n\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5299\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220001-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\n\nBeat eggs.  Add sugar, salt &amp; yeast mixture.  Heat milk to scald.  Add broken pieces of butter and let cool to lukewarm.  Add to mixture and stir well.  Stir flour in with wooden spoon while you can, then use hands.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220002.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5300\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220002-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\nKnead well.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5301\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220003-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></span>\n\n(Grease bowl that it will rise in.)  Set to rise till double.  Knead again.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5302\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220004-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\n\nLet rise till double.  Shape in place in greased pans.  Set aside and let rise till double.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5303\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220005-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\n\nBake in 350 degree oven for 3/4 hour or till golden brown.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: medium;\"><strong>Additions/Subtractions for my version:</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n<ul>\n	<li>I used the Trader Joe\'s White Whole Wheat Flour.  Thus, the darker dough.  It still rose, just not as much as white flour.  Please note, however, that loaves with white flour will not rise too much higher than the bottom photo.</li>\n	<li>Unlike my mother, I decided to cut the recipe in half.  The recipe listed above is for the full recipe which yields 8 rounded loaves.</li>\n	<li>Mine are a little too \"golden brown\".  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/15/day-168-its-more-than-complicated/\" target=\"_blank\">This seems to be a habit of mine.</a></strong> Check yours early and take them out sooner than I did.</li>\n</ul>\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Happy Baking and Happy Easter! </strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 208:  Portuguese Easter Bread ','','inherit','open','open','','5295-revision-8','','','2011-04-23 11:41:19','2011-04-23 18:41:19','',5295,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/23/5295-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(5309,1,'2011-04-23 19:32:40','2011-04-24 02:32:40','I\'m 50% Portuguese.  Both of my maternal grandparents are from Portugal.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNot too many Americans can say they are a full 50% of any nationality.  Most are a mix of this and that.  My Dad\'s side of the family, for example, is a bit of English, a splash of Scottish, a dose of French, and a sprinkling of who-knows-what-else.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nGrowing up, this Portuguese thing really bothered me.  Seen the movie <strong><em><a href=\"http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0259446/\" target=\"_blank\">My Big Fat Greek Wedding</a></em></strong>?  My Portuguese family is not too far off from the family in the movie.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYou can imagine how this embarrassed an awkward and self-conscious teenager to no end.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs an adult, I consider my Portuguese heritage to be pretty groovy.  Vive le difference!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong><del>Most </del>All of the traditions in my Portuguese family have to do with food.  I\'ve said it before, and I\'ll say it again:  The Portuguese rival the Italians with their food obsession.</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThis time of year, the food obsession is Portuguese Easter Bread.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs a child, I have fond memories of both my Nana and my mother baking the bread in time for Easter morning.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>Nana memory:</strong></span> We were out at the beach house during an unusual \"heat wave\".  (April in New York?  I\'m wondering if it was 80?  That would classify as a \"cool front in Arizona.)  Anywho, Nana stepped away from the kitchen, and I, of course, ate some of the dough.  When Nana came back to the kitchen, she explained to me how yeast causes the bread to rise in her best Julia Child impression (she\'s always had a flair for the dramatic).\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAll I could think about for the rest of the afternoon was how my stomach would eventually explode from the yeast.  I eventually confessed my misdeed to Nana a few hours later when I could bare the terror no longer.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNana wiped away my tears and assured me that my stomach would remain in tact.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>Mom memory: </strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">My mother tends to go overboard at Christmas and Easter.  At Easter, this translates to a reenaction of the Miracle of the Loaves. </span></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Our family Portuguese Easter Bread recipe already feeds a few families.  But why bake for a few families when you can feed the entire neighborhood?</span></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">My mother would double or triple the recipe.  I remember bags and bags of flour and dough EVERYWHERE!  Then, after a day of baking, my mother would drive all over the neighborhood delivering loaves to Texans who never knew that Portuguese Easter Bread existed until we moved to Houston.</span></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nEnough already with trip down Memory Lane.  Let\'s cut to the good stuff!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #800080;\"><strong>Authentic Portuguese Easter Bread Recipe</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPlease note that I am transferring this from a recipe card passed down by my mother.  This is not allrecipes.com, peeps.  There will be confusion.  (I had to call my mother 3 times during this process.)  Please feel free to ask questions in the comment section, and I will be happy to clarify.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n2 cups sugar\n\n8 eggs\n\n1 tablespoon salt\n\n3 envelopes dry yeast dissolved in 1 cup warm water\n\n5 lbs. flour (4 c. = 1 pound)\n\n1/2 lb. butter\n\nHUGE bowl to mix ingredients\n\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5299\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220001-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\n\nBeat eggs.  Add sugar, salt &amp; yeast mixture.  Heat milk to scald.  Add broken pieces of butter and let cool to lukewarm.  Add to mixture and stir well.  Stir flour in with wooden spoon while you can, then use hands.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220002.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5300\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220002-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\nKnead well.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5301\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220003-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></span>\n\n(Grease bowl that it will rise in.)  Set to rise till double.  Knead again.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5302\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220004-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\n\nLet rise till double.  Shape in place in greased pans.  Set aside and let rise till double.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5303\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220005-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\n\nBake in 350 degree oven for 3/4 hour or till golden brown.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: medium;\"><strong>Additions/Subtractions for my version:</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n<ul>\n	<li>I used the Trader Joe\'s White Whole Wheat Flour.  Thus, the darker dough.  It still rose, just not as much as white flour.  Please note, however, that loaves with white flour will not rise too much higher than the bottom photo.</li>\n	<li>Unlike my mother, I decided to cut the recipe in half.  The recipe listed above is for the full recipe which yields 8 rounded loaves.</li>\n	<li>Mine are a little too \"golden brown\".  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/15/day-168-its-more-than-complicated/\" target=\"_blank\">This seems to be a habit of mine.</a></strong> Check yours early and take them out sooner than I did.</li>\n</ul>\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Happy Baking and Happy Easter! </strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 208:  Portuguese Easter Bread ','','inherit','open','open','','5295-autosave','','','2011-04-23 19:32:40','2011-04-24 02:32:40','',5295,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/23/5295-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(5310,1,'2011-04-23 11:53:43','2011-04-23 18:53:43','I\'m 50% Portuguese.  Both of my maternal grandparents are from Portugal.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNot too many Americans can say they are a full 50% of any nationality.  Most are a mix of this and that.  My Dad\'s side of the family, for example, is a bit of English, a splash of Scottish, a dose of French, and a sprinkling of who-knows-what-else.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGrowing up, this Portuguese thing really bothered me.  Seen the movie <strong><em><a href=\"http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0259446/\" target=\"_blank\">My Big Fat Greek Wedding</a></em></strong>?  My Portuguese family is not too far off from the family in the movie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou can imagine how this embarrassed an awkward and self-conscious teenager to no end.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs an adult, I consider my Portuguese heritage to be pretty groovy.  Vive le difference!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong><del>Most </del>All of the traditions in my Portuguese family have to do with food.  I\'ve said it before, and I\'ll say it again:  The Portuguese rival the Italians with their food obsession.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis time of year, the food obsession is Portuguese Easter Bread.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs a child, I have fond memories of both my Nana and my mother baking the bread in time for Easter morning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>Nana memory:</strong></span> We were out at the beach house during an unusual \"heat wave\".  (April in New York?  I\'m wondering if it was 80?  That would classify as a cool front in Arizona.)  Anywho, Nana stepped away from the kitchen, and I, of course, ate some of the dough.  When Nana came back to the kitchen, she explained to me how yeast causes the bread to rise in her Julia Child accent (she\'s always has a flair for the dramatic).\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll I could think about for the rest of the afternoon was how my stomach would eventually explode from the yeast.  I eventually confessed my misdeed to Nana a few hours later when I could bare the terror no longer.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNana wiped away my tears and assured me that my stomach would remain in tact.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>Mom memory: </strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">My mother tends to go overboard at Christmas and Easter.  At Easter, this translates to a reenaction of the Miracle of the Loaves. </span></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Our family Portuguese Easter Bread recipe already feeds a few families.  But why bake for a few families when you can feed the entire neighborhood?</span></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">My mother would double or triple the recipe.  I remember bags and bags of flour and dough EVERYWHERE!  Then, after a day of baking, my mother would drive all over the neighborhood delivering loaves to Texans who never knew that Portuguese Easter Bread existed until we moved to Houston.</span></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEnough already with trip down Memory Lane.  Let\'s cut to the good stuff!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #800080;\"><strong>Authentic Portuguese Easter Bread Recipe</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlease note that I am transferring this from a recipe card passed down by my mother.  This is not allrecipes.com, peeps.  There will be confusion.  (I had to call my mother 3 times during this process.)  Please feel free to ask questions in the comment section, and I will be happy to clarify.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n2 cups sugar\r\n\r\n8 eggs\r\n\r\n1 tablespoon salt\r\n\r\n3 envelopes dry yeast dissolved in 1 cup warm water\r\n\r\n5 lbs. flour (4 c. = 1 pound)\r\n\r\n1/2 lb. butter\r\n\r\nHUGE bowl to mix ingredients\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5299\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220001-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nBeat eggs.  Add sugar, salt &amp; yeast mixture.  Heat milk to scald.  Add broken pieces of butter and let cool to lukewarm.  Add to mixture and stir well.  Stir flour in with wooden spoon while you can, then use hands.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220002.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5300\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220002-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\nKnead well.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5301\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220003-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></span>\r\n\r\n(Grease bowl that it will rise in.)  Set to rise till double.  Knead again.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5302\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220004-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nLet rise till double.  Shape in place in greased pans.  Set aside and let rise till double.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5303\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220005-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nBake in 350 degree oven for 3/4 hour or till golden brown.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: medium;\"><strong>Additions/Subtractions for my version:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>I used the Trader Joe\'s White Whole Wheat Flour.  Thus, the darker dough.  It still rose, just not as much as white flour.  Please note, however, that loaves with white flour will not rise too much higher than the bottom photo.</li>\r\n	<li>Unlike my mother, I decided to cut the recipe in half.  The recipe listed above is for the full recipe which yields 8 rounded loaves.</li>\r\n	<li>Mine are a little too \"golden brown\".  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/15/day-168-its-more-than-complicated/\" target=\"_blank\">This seems to be a habit of mine.</a></strong> Check yours early and take them out sooner than I did.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Happy Baking and Happy Easter! </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 208:  Portuguese Easter Bread ','','inherit','open','open','','5295-revision-9','','','2011-04-23 11:53:43','2011-04-23 18:53:43','',5295,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/23/5295-revision-9/',0,'revision','',0),(5311,1,'2011-04-23 19:33:00','2011-04-24 02:33:00','I\'m 50% Portuguese.  Both of my maternal grandparents are from Portugal.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNot too many Americans can say they are a full 50% of any nationality.  Most are a mix of this and that.  My Dad\'s side of the family, for example, is a bit of English, a splash of Scottish, a dose of French, and a sprinkling of who-knows-what-else.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGrowing up, this Portuguese thing really bothered me.  Seen the movie <strong><em><a href=\"http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0259446/\" target=\"_blank\">My Big Fat Greek Wedding</a></em></strong>?  My Portuguese family is not too far off from the family in the movie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou can imagine how this embarrassed an awkward and self-conscious teenager to no end.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs an adult, I consider my Portuguese heritage to be pretty groovy.  Vive le difference!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong><del>Most </del>All of the traditions in my Portuguese family have to do with food.  I\'ve said it before, and I\'ll say it again:  The Portuguese rival the Italians with their food obsession.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis time of year, the food obsession is Portuguese Easter Bread.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs a child, I have fond memories of both my Nana and my mother baking the bread in time for Easter morning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>Nana memory:</strong></span> We were out at the beach house during an unseasonal \"heat wave\".  (April in New York?  I\'m wondering if it was 80?  That would classify as a \"cool front\" in Arizona.)  Anywho, Nana stepped away from the kitchen, and I, of course, ate some of the dough.  When Nana came back to the kitchen, she explained to me how yeast causes the bread to rise in her best Julia Child impression (she\'s always had a flair for the dramatic).\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll I could think about for the rest of the afternoon was how my stomach would eventually explode from the yeast.  I eventually confessed my misdeed to Nana a few hours later when I could bare the terror no longer.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNana wiped away my tears and assured me that my stomach would remain in tact.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>Mom memory: </strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">My mother tends to go overboard at Christmas and Easter.  At Easter, this translates to a reenaction of the Miracle of the Loaves. </span></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Our family Portuguese Easter Bread recipe already feeds a few families.  But why bake for a few families when you can feed the entire neighborhood?</span></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">My mother would double or triple the recipe.  I remember bags and bags of flour and dough EVERYWHERE!  Then, after a day of baking, my mother would drive all over the neighborhood delivering loaves to Texans who never knew that Portuguese Easter Bread existed until we moved to Houston.</span></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEnough already with trip down Memory Lane.  Let\'s cut to the good stuff!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #800080;\"><strong>Authentic Portuguese Easter Bread Recipe</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlease note that I am transferring this from a recipe card passed down by my mother.  This is not allrecipes.com, peeps.  There will be confusion.  (I had to call my mother 3 times during this process.)  Please feel free to ask questions in the comment section, and I will be happy to clarify.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n2 cups sugar\r\n\r\n8 eggs\r\n\r\n1 tablespoon salt\r\n\r\n3 envelopes dry yeast dissolved in 1 cup warm water\r\n\r\n5 lbs. flour (4 c. = 1 pound)\r\n\r\n1/2 lb. butter\r\n\r\nHUGE bowl to mix ingredients\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5299\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220001-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nBeat eggs.  Add sugar, salt &amp; yeast mixture.  Heat milk to scald.  Add broken pieces of butter and let cool to lukewarm.  Add to mixture and stir well.  Stir flour in with wooden spoon while you can, then use hands.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220002.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5300\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220002-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\nKnead well.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5301\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220003-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></span>\r\n\r\n(Grease bowl that it will rise in.)  Set to rise till double.  Knead again.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5302\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220004-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nLet rise till double.  Shape in place in greased pans.  Set aside and let rise till double.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5303\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220005-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nBake in 350 degree oven for 3/4 hour or till golden brown.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: medium;\"><strong>Additions/Subtractions for my version:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>I used the Trader Joe\'s White Whole Wheat Flour.  Thus, the darker dough.  It still rose, just not as much as white flour.  Please note, however, that loaves with white flour will not rise too much higher than the bottom photo.</li>\r\n	<li>Unlike my mother, I decided to cut the recipe in half.  The recipe listed above is for the full recipe which yields 8 rounded loaves.</li>\r\n	<li>Mine are a little too \"golden brown\".  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/15/day-168-its-more-than-complicated/\" target=\"_blank\">This seems to be a habit of mine.</a></strong> Check yours early and take them out sooner than I did.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Happy Baking and Happy Easter! </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 208:  Portuguese Easter Bread ','','inherit','open','open','','5295-revision-10','','','2011-04-23 19:33:00','2011-04-24 02:33:00','',5295,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/23/5295-revision-10/',0,'revision','',0),(5312,1,'2011-04-23 19:34:27','2011-04-24 02:34:27','I\'m 50% Portuguese.  Both of my maternal grandparents are from Portugal.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNot too many Americans can say they are a full 50% of any nationality.  Most are a mix of this and that.  My Dad\'s side of the family, for example, is a bit of English, a splash of Scottish, a dose of French, and a sprinkling of who-knows-what-else.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGrowing up, this Portuguese thing really bothered me.  Seen the movie <strong><em><a href=\"http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0259446/\" target=\"_blank\">My Big Fat Greek Wedding</a></em></strong>?  My Portuguese family is not too far off from the family in the movie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou can imagine how this embarrassed an awkward and self-conscious teenager to no end.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs an adult, I consider my Portuguese heritage to be pretty groovy.  Vive le difference!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong><del>Most </del>All of the traditions in my Portuguese family have to do with food.  I\'ve said it before, and I\'ll say it again:  The Portuguese rival the Italians with their food obsession.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis time of year, the food obsession is Portuguese Easter Bread.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs a child, I have fond memories of both my Nana and my mother baking the bread in time for Easter morning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>Nana memory:</strong></span> We were out at the beach house during an unseasonal \"heat wave\".  (April in New York?  I\'m wondering if it was 80?  That would classify as a \"cool front\" in Arizona.)  Anywho, Nana stepped away from the kitchen, and I, of course, ate some of the dough.  When Nana came back to the kitchen, she explained to me how yeast causes the bread to rise while doing her best Julia Child impression (she\'s always had a flair for the dramatic).\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll I could think about for the rest of the afternoon was how my stomach would eventually explode from the yeast.  I eventually confessed my misdeed to Nana a few hours later when I could bare the terror no longer.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNana wiped away my tears and assured me that my stomach would remain in tact.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>Mom memory: </strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">My mother tends to go overboard at Christmas and Easter.  At Easter, this translates to a reenaction of the Miracle of the Loaves. </span></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Our family Portuguese Easter Bread recipe already feeds a few families.  But why bake for a few families when you can feed the entire neighborhood?</span></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">My mother would double or triple the recipe.  I remember bags and bags of flour and dough EVERYWHERE!  Then, after a day of baking, my mother would drive all over the neighborhood delivering loaves to Texans who never knew that Portuguese Easter Bread existed until we moved to Houston.</span></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEnough already with trip down Memory Lane.  Let\'s cut to the good stuff!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #800080;\"><strong>Authentic Portuguese Easter Bread Recipe</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlease note that I am transferring this from a recipe card passed down by my mother.  This is not allrecipes.com, peeps.  There will be confusion.  (I had to call my mother 3 times during this process.)  Please feel free to ask questions in the comment section, and I will be happy to clarify.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n2 cups sugar\r\n\r\n8 eggs\r\n\r\n1 tablespoon salt\r\n\r\n3 envelopes dry yeast dissolved in 1 cup warm water\r\n\r\n5 lbs. flour (4 c. = 1 pound)\r\n\r\n1/2 lb. butter\r\n\r\nHUGE bowl to mix ingredients\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5299\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220001-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nBeat eggs.  Add sugar, salt &amp; yeast mixture.  Heat milk to scald.  Add broken pieces of butter and let cool to lukewarm.  Add to mixture and stir well.  Stir flour in with wooden spoon while you can, then use hands.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220002.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5300\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220002-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\nKnead well.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5301\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220003-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></span>\r\n\r\n(Grease bowl that it will rise in.)  Set to rise till double.  Knead again.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5302\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220004-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nLet rise till double.  Shape in place in greased pans.  Set aside and let rise till double.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5303\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220005-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nBake in 350 degree oven for 3/4 hour or till golden brown.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: medium;\"><strong>Additions/Subtractions for my version:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>I used the Trader Joe\'s White Whole Wheat Flour.  Thus, the darker dough.  It still rose, just not as much as white flour.  Please note, however, that loaves with white flour will not rise too much higher than the bottom photo.</li>\r\n	<li>Unlike my mother, I decided to cut the recipe in half.  The recipe listed above is for the full recipe which yields 8 rounded loaves.</li>\r\n	<li>Mine are a little too \"golden brown\".  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/15/day-168-its-more-than-complicated/\" target=\"_blank\">This seems to be a habit of mine.</a></strong> Check yours early and take them out sooner than I did.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Happy Baking and Happy Easter! </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 208:  Portuguese Easter Bread ','','inherit','open','open','','5295-revision-11','','','2011-04-23 19:34:27','2011-04-24 02:34:27','',5295,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/23/5295-revision-11/',0,'revision','',0),(5313,1,'2011-04-23 19:35:19','2011-04-24 02:35:19','I\'m 50% Portuguese.  Both of my maternal grandparents are from Portugal.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNot too many Americans can say they are a full 50% of any nationality.  Most are a mix of this and that.  My Dad\'s side of the family, for example, is a bit of English, a splash of Scottish, a dose of French, and a sprinkling of who-knows-what-else.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGrowing up, this Portuguese thing really bothered me.  Seen the movie <strong><em><a href=\"http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0259446/\" target=\"_blank\">My Big Fat Greek Wedding</a></em></strong>?  My Portuguese family is not too far off from the family in the movie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou can imagine how this embarrassed an awkward and self-conscious teenager to no end.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs an adult, I consider my Portuguese heritage to be pretty groovy.  Vive le difference!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong><del>Most </del>All of the traditions in my Portuguese family have to do with food.  I\'ve said it before, and I\'ll say it again:  The Portuguese rival the Italians with their food obsession.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis time of year, the food obsession is Portuguese Easter Bread.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs a child, I have fond memories of both my Nana and my mother baking the bread in time for Easter morning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>Nana memory:</strong></span> We were out at the beach house during an unseasonal \"heat wave\".  (April in New York?  I\'m wondering if it was 80?  That would classify as a \"cool front\" in Arizona.)  Anywho, Nana stepped away from the kitchen, and I, of course, ate some of the dough.  When Nana came back to the kitchen, she explained to me how yeast causes the bread to rise while doing her best Julia Child impression.  (She\'s always had a flair for the dramatic.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll I could think about for the rest of the afternoon was how my stomach would eventually explode from the yeast.  I eventually confessed my misdeed to Nana a few hours later when I could bare the terror no longer.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNana wiped away my tears and assured me that my stomach would remain in tact.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>Mom memory: </strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">My mother tends to go overboard at Christmas and Easter.  At Easter, this translates to a reenaction of the Miracle of the Loaves. </span></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Our family Portuguese Easter Bread recipe already feeds a few families.  But why bake for a few families when you can feed the entire neighborhood?</span></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">My mother would double or triple the recipe.  I remember bags and bags of flour and dough EVERYWHERE!  Then, after a day of baking, my mother would drive all over the neighborhood delivering loaves to Texans who never knew that Portuguese Easter Bread existed until we moved to Houston.</span></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEnough already with trip down Memory Lane.  Let\'s cut to the good stuff!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #800080;\"><strong>Authentic Portuguese Easter Bread Recipe</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlease note that I am transferring this from a recipe card passed down by my mother.  This is not allrecipes.com, peeps.  There will be confusion.  (I had to call my mother 3 times during this process.)  Please feel free to ask questions in the comment section, and I will be happy to clarify.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n2 cups sugar\r\n\r\n8 eggs\r\n\r\n1 tablespoon salt\r\n\r\n3 envelopes dry yeast dissolved in 1 cup warm water\r\n\r\n5 lbs. flour (4 c. = 1 pound)\r\n\r\n1/2 lb. butter\r\n\r\nHUGE bowl to mix ingredients\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5299\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220001-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nBeat eggs.  Add sugar, salt &amp; yeast mixture.  Heat milk to scald.  Add broken pieces of butter and let cool to lukewarm.  Add to mixture and stir well.  Stir flour in with wooden spoon while you can, then use hands.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220002.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5300\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220002-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\nKnead well.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5301\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220003-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></span>\r\n\r\n(Grease bowl that it will rise in.)  Set to rise till double.  Knead again.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5302\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220004-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nLet rise till double.  Shape in place in greased pans.  Set aside and let rise till double.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5303\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220005-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nBake in 350 degree oven for 3/4 hour or till golden brown.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: medium;\"><strong>Additions/Subtractions for my version:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>I used the Trader Joe\'s White Whole Wheat Flour.  Thus, the darker dough.  It still rose, just not as much as white flour.  Please note, however, that loaves with white flour will not rise too much higher than the bottom photo.</li>\r\n	<li>Unlike my mother, I decided to cut the recipe in half.  The recipe listed above is for the full recipe which yields 8 rounded loaves.</li>\r\n	<li>Mine are a little too \"golden brown\".  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/15/day-168-its-more-than-complicated/\" target=\"_blank\">This seems to be a habit of mine.</a></strong> Check yours early and take them out sooner than I did.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Happy Baking and Happy Easter! </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 208:  Portuguese Easter Bread ','','inherit','open','open','','5295-revision-12','','','2011-04-23 19:35:19','2011-04-24 02:35:19','',5295,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/23/5295-revision-12/',0,'revision','',0),(5314,1,'2011-04-23 19:36:47','2011-04-24 02:36:47','I\'m 50% Portuguese.  Both of my maternal grandparents are from Portugal.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNot too many Americans can say they are a full 50% of any nationality.  Most are a mix of this and that.  My Dad\'s side of the family, for example, is a bit of English, a splash of Scottish, a dose of French, and a sprinkling of who-knows-what-else.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGrowing up, this Portuguese thing really bothered me.  Seen the movie <strong><em><a href=\"http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0259446/\" target=\"_blank\">My Big Fat Greek Wedding</a></em></strong>?  My Portuguese family is not too far off from the family in the movie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou can imagine how this embarrassed an awkward and self-conscious teenager to no end.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs an adult, I consider my Portuguese heritage to be pretty groovy.  Vive le difference!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong><del>Most </del>All of the traditions in my Portuguese family have to do with food.  I\'ve said it before, and I\'ll say it again:  The Portuguese rival the Italians with their food obsession.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis time of year, the food obsession is Portuguese Easter Bread.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs a child, I have fond memories of both my Nana and my mother baking the bread in time for Easter morning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>Nana memory:</strong></span> We were out at the beach house during an unseasonal \"heat wave\".  (April in New York?  I\'m wondering if it was 80?  That would classify as a \"cool front\" in Arizona.)  Anywho, Nana stepped away from the kitchen, and I, of course, ate some of the dough.  When Nana came back to the kitchen, she explained to me how yeast causes the bread to rise while doing her best Julia Child impression.  (She\'s always had a flair for the dramatic.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll I could think about for the rest of the afternoon was how my stomach would eventually explode from the yeast.  I eventually confessed my misdeed to Nana a few hours later when I could bear the terror no longer.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNana wiped away my tears and assured me that my stomach would remain in tact.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>Mom memory: </strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">My mother tends to go overboard at Christmas and Easter.  At Easter, this translates to a reenaction of the Miracle of the Loaves. </span></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Our family Portuguese Easter Bread recipe already feeds a few families.  But why bake for a few families when you can feed the entire neighborhood?</span></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">My mother would double or triple the recipe.  I remember bags and bags of flour and dough EVERYWHERE!  Then, after a day of baking, my mother would drive all over the neighborhood delivering loaves to Texans who never knew that Portuguese Easter Bread existed until we moved to Houston.</span></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEnough already with trip down Memory Lane.  Let\'s cut to the good stuff!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #800080;\"><strong>Authentic Portuguese Easter Bread Recipe</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlease note that I am transferring this from a recipe card passed down by my mother.  This is not allrecipes.com, peeps.  There will be confusion.  (I had to call my mother 3 times during this process.)  Please feel free to ask questions in the comment section, and I will be happy to clarify.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n2 cups sugar\r\n\r\n8 eggs\r\n\r\n1 tablespoon salt\r\n\r\n3 envelopes dry yeast dissolved in 1 cup warm water\r\n\r\n5 lbs. flour (4 c. = 1 pound)\r\n\r\n1/2 lb. butter\r\n\r\nHUGE bowl to mix ingredients\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5299\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220001-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nBeat eggs.  Add sugar, salt &amp; yeast mixture.  Heat milk to scald.  Add broken pieces of butter and let cool to lukewarm.  Add to mixture and stir well.  Stir flour in with wooden spoon while you can, then use hands.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220002.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5300\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220002-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\nKnead well.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5301\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220003-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></span>\r\n\r\n(Grease bowl that it will rise in.)  Set to rise till double.  Knead again.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5302\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220004-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nLet rise till double.  Shape in place in greased pans.  Set aside and let rise till double.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5303\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220005-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nBake in 350 degree oven for 3/4 hour or till golden brown.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: medium;\"><strong>Additions/Subtractions for my version:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>I used the Trader Joe\'s White Whole Wheat Flour.  Thus, the darker dough.  It still rose, just not as much as white flour.  Please note, however, that loaves with white flour will not rise too much higher than the bottom photo.</li>\r\n	<li>Unlike my mother, I decided to cut the recipe in half.  The recipe listed above is for the full recipe which yields 8 rounded loaves.</li>\r\n	<li>Mine are a little too \"golden brown\".  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/15/day-168-its-more-than-complicated/\" target=\"_blank\">This seems to be a habit of mine.</a></strong> Check yours early and take them out sooner than I did.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Happy Baking and Happy Easter! </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 208:  Portuguese Easter Bread ','','inherit','open','open','','5295-revision-13','','','2011-04-23 19:36:47','2011-04-24 02:36:47','',5295,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/23/5295-revision-13/',0,'revision','',0),(5315,1,'2011-04-23 19:40:08','2011-04-24 02:40:08','I\'m 50% Portuguese.  Both of my maternal grandparents are from Portugal.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNot too many Americans can say they are a full 50% of any nationality.  Most are a mix of this and that.  My Dad\'s side of the family, for example, is a bit of English, a splash of Scottish, a dose of French, and a sprinkling of who-knows-what-else.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGrowing up, this Portuguese thing really bothered me.  Seen the movie <strong><em><a href=\"http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0259446/\" target=\"_blank\">My Big Fat Greek Wedding</a></em></strong>?  My Portuguese family is not too far off from the family in the movie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou can imagine how this embarrassed an awkward and self-conscious teenager to no end.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs an adult, I consider my Portuguese heritage to be pretty groovy.  Vive le difference!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong><del>Most </del>All of the traditions in my Portuguese family have to do with food.  I\'ve said it before, and I\'ll say it again:  The Portuguese rival the Italians with their food obsession.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis time of year, the food obsession is Portuguese Easter Bread.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs a child, I have fond memories of both my Nana and my mother baking the bread in time for Easter morning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>Nana memory:</strong></span> We were out at the beach house during an unseasonal \"heat wave\".  (April in New York?  I\'m wondering if it was 80?  That would classify as a \"cool front\" in Arizona.)  Anywho, Nana stepped away from the kitchen, and I, of course, ate some of the dough.  When Nana came back to the kitchen, she explained to me how yeast causes the bread to rise while doing her best Julia Child impression.  (She\'s always had a flair for the dramatic.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll I could think about for the rest of the afternoon was how my stomach would eventually explode from the yeast.  I eventually confessed my misdeed to Nana a few hours later when I could bear the terror no longer.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNana wiped away my tears and assured me that my stomach would remain in tact.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>Mom memory: </strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">My mother tends to go overboard at Christmas and Easter.  At Easter, this translates to a reenaction of the Miracle of the Loaves. </span></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Our family Portuguese Easter Bread recipe already feeds a few families.  But why bake for a few families when you can feed the entire neighborhood?</span></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">My mother would double or triple the recipe.  I remember bags and bags of flour and dough EVERYWHERE!  Then, after a day of baking, my mother would drive all over the neighborhood delivering loaves to Texans who never knew that Portuguese Easter Bread existed until we moved to Houston.</span></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEnough already with trip down Memory Lane.  Let\'s cut to the good stuff!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #800080;\"><strong>Authentic Portuguese Easter Bread Recipe</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlease note that I am transferring this from a recipe card passed down by my mother.  This is not allrecipes.com, peeps.  There will be confusion.  (I had to call my mother 3 times during this process.)  Please feel free to ask questions in the comment section, and I will be happy to clarify.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n2 cups sugar\r\n\r\n8 eggs\r\n\r\n1 tablespoon salt\r\n\r\n3 envelopes dry yeast dissolved in 1 cup warm water\r\n\r\n5 lbs. flour (4 c. = 1 pound)\r\n\r\n1/2 lb. butter\r\n\r\nHUGE bowl to mix ingredients\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5299\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220001-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nBeat eggs.  Add sugar, salt &amp; yeast mixture.  Heat milk to scald.  Add broken pieces of butter and let cool to lukewarm.  Add to mixture and stir well.  Stir flour in with wooden spoon while you can, then use hands.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220002.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5300\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220002-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\nKnead well.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5301\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220003-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></span>\r\n\r\n(Grease bowl that it will rise in.)  Set to rise till double.  Knead again.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5302\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220004-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nLet rise till double.  Shape in place in greased pans.  Set aside and let rise till double.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5303\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220005-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nBake in 350 degree oven for ¾ hour or till golden brown.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: medium;\"><strong>Additions/Subtractions for my version:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>I used the Trader Joe\'s White Whole Wheat Flour.  Thus, the darker dough.  It still rose, just not as much as white flour.  Please note, however, that loaves with white flour will not rise too much higher than the bottom photo.</li>\r\n	<li>Unlike my mother, I decided to cut the recipe in half.  The recipe listed above is for the full recipe which yields 8 rounded loaves.</li>\r\n	<li>Mine are a little too \"golden brown\".  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/15/day-168-its-more-than-complicated/\" target=\"_blank\">This seems to be a habit of mine.</a></strong> Check yours early and take them out sooner than I did.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Happy Baking and Happy Easter! </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 208:  Portuguese Easter Bread ','','inherit','open','open','','5295-revision-14','','','2011-04-23 19:40:08','2011-04-24 02:40:08','',5295,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/23/5295-revision-14/',0,'revision','',0),(5316,1,'2011-04-23 19:41:32','2011-04-24 02:41:32','I\'m 50% Portuguese.  Both of my maternal grandparents are from Portugal.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNot too many Americans can say they are a full 50% of any nationality.  Most are a mix of this and that.  My Dad\'s side of the family, for example, is a bit of English, a splash of Scottish, a dose of French, and a sprinkling of who-knows-what-else.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGrowing up, this Portuguese thing really bothered me.  Seen the movie <strong><em><a href=\"http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0259446/\" target=\"_blank\">My Big Fat Greek Wedding</a></em></strong>?  My Portuguese family is not too far off from the family in the movie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou can imagine how this embarrassed an awkward and self-conscious teenager to no end.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs an adult, I consider my Portuguese heritage to be pretty groovy.  Vive le difference!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong><del>Most </del>All of the traditions in my Portuguese family have to do with food.  I\'ve said it before, and I\'ll say it again:  The Portuguese rival the Italians with their food obsession.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis time of year, the food obsession is Portuguese Easter Bread.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs a child, I have fond memories of both my Nana and my mother baking the bread in time for Easter morning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>Nana memory:</strong></span> We were out at the beach house during an unseasonal \"heat wave\".  (April in New York?  I\'m wondering if it was 80?  That would classify as a \"cool front\" in Arizona.)  Anywho, Nana stepped away from the kitchen, and I, of course, ate some of the dough.  When Nana came back to the kitchen, she explained to me how yeast causes the bread to rise while doing her best Julia Child impression.  (She\'s always had a flair for the dramatic.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll I could think about for the rest of the afternoon was how my stomach would eventually explode from the yeast.  I eventually confessed my misdeed to Nana a few hours later when I could bear the terror no longer.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNana wiped away my tears and assured me that my stomach would remain in tact.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>Mom memory: </strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">My mother tends to go overboard at Christmas and Easter.  At Easter, this translates to a reenaction of the Miracle of the Loaves. </span></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Our family Portuguese Easter Bread recipe already feeds a few families.  But why bake for only a few families when you can feed the entire neighborhood?</span></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">My mother would double or triple the recipe.  I remember bags and bags of flour and dough EVERYWHERE!  Then, after a day of baking, my mother would drive all over the neighborhood delivering loaves to Texans who never knew that Portuguese Easter Bread existed until we moved to Houston.</span></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEnough already with trip down Memory Lane.  Let\'s cut to the good stuff!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #800080;\"><strong>Authentic Portuguese Easter Bread Recipe</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlease note that I am transferring this from a recipe card passed down by my mother.  This is not allrecipes.com, peeps.  There will be confusion.  (I had to call my mother 3 times during this process.)  Please feel free to ask questions in the comment section, and I will be happy to clarify.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n2 cups sugar\r\n\r\n8 eggs\r\n\r\n1 tablespoon salt\r\n\r\n3 envelopes dry yeast dissolved in 1 cup warm water\r\n\r\n5 lbs. flour (4 c. = 1 pound)\r\n\r\n1/2 lb. butter\r\n\r\nHUGE bowl to mix ingredients\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5299\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220001-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nBeat eggs.  Add sugar, salt &amp; yeast mixture.  Heat milk to scald.  Add broken pieces of butter and let cool to lukewarm.  Add to mixture and stir well.  Stir flour in with wooden spoon while you can, then use hands.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220002.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5300\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220002-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\nKnead well.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5301\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220003-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></span>\r\n\r\n(Grease bowl that it will rise in.)  Set to rise till double.  Knead again.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5302\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220004-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nLet rise till double.  Shape in place in greased pans.  Set aside and let rise till double.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5303\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4220005-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nBake in 350 degree oven for ¾ hour or till golden brown.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: medium;\"><strong>Additions/Subtractions for my version:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>I used the Trader Joe\'s White Whole Wheat Flour.  Thus, the darker dough.  It still rose, just not as much as white flour.  Please note, however, that loaves with white flour will not rise too much higher than the bottom photo.</li>\r\n	<li>Unlike my mother, I decided to cut the recipe in half.  The recipe listed above is for the full recipe which yields 8 rounded loaves.</li>\r\n	<li>Mine are a little too \"golden brown\".  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/15/day-168-its-more-than-complicated/\" target=\"_blank\">This seems to be a habit of mine.</a></strong> Check yours early and take them out sooner than I did.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Happy Baking and Happy Easter! </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 208:  Portuguese Easter Bread ','','inherit','open','open','','5295-revision-15','','','2011-04-23 19:41:32','2011-04-24 02:41:32','',5295,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/23/5295-revision-15/',0,'revision','',0),(5317,1,'2011-04-25 01:11:44','2011-04-25 08:11:44','<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5321 alignleft\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4230013-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nAs I\'ve mentioned many, many, many time before, my fair city looks for every and any excuse to hang outside this time of year.  We don\'t even care about the evil tree pollens blowing up our nasal cavities and tormenting us without pity.  When we have perfect weather, we\'re perfectly content with sacrificing our sinuses for cool breezes, and in this case, live music.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEach spring and fall, The City of Phoenix hosts live concerts for 4-5 consecutive weekends at the park a half a block away from my house.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes, that view is my \'hood.  Mr. Rogers, it\'s always a beautiful day in my neighborhood.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOriginally, I was to trek on down with Kimeee and the dogs to soak up the night breezes and the tunes, but Kimeee was waiting for confirmation on her teenagers\' plans, and since teenagers aren\'t going to make plans until they\'re good and ready...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou know what happened.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLittle Miss B and I walked down all by our lonesome.  I figured I\'d run into someone down there.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhich I did!  My neighbors!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere was a lot of Bella Worshipping (they are big dog lovers) and lots of Baby Worshipping (they are the proud grandparents of the most adorable 13-month old snookums).\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_5318\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Wind in the desert in April = I should buy stock in Zyrtec. \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4230011.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5318\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4230011-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd...guess what I found out?  Oh, how I love it when this kind of stuff happens.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTheir daughter and her husband have taken 3 -- count them, 3! -- vacations with <strong><a href=\"http://www.vbt.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Vermont Bicycle Tours </a></strong>whom I am joining with my cousins for our <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/02/21/day-144-i-planned-the-adventure-of-a-lifetime/\" target=\"_blank\">Big Italian Adventure</a></strong>.  Their daughter RAVES about VBT, and so does my friend, Sarah, so this is truly destined to be The Trip of a Lifetime.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAren\'t unplanned bumping-into-one-another-coincidences swell?  :-)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 209:  Concert in the Park  ','','publish','open','open','','day-209-concert-in-the-park','','\nhttp://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/02/21/day-144-i-planned-the-adventure-of-a-lifetime/','2011-04-24 19:37:35','2011-04-25 02:37:35','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=5317',0,'post','',3),(5318,1,'2011-04-24 12:35:13','2011-04-24 19:35:13','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-335','','','2011-04-24 12:35:13','2011-04-24 19:35:13','',5317,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4230011.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5319,1,'2011-04-24 12:36:25','2011-04-24 19:36:25','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-336','','','2011-04-24 12:36:25','2011-04-24 19:36:25','',5317,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4230012.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5320,1,'2011-04-24 11:39:48','2011-04-24 18:39:48','','Day 209:  Concert in the Park  ','','inherit','open','open','','5317-revision','','','2011-04-24 11:39:48','2011-04-24 18:39:48','',5317,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/24/5317-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(5323,1,'2011-04-24 18:58:11','2011-04-25 01:58:11','<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5321 alignleft\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4230013-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\n\nAs I\'ve mentioned many, many, many time before, my fair city looks for every and any excuse to hang outside this time of year.  We don\'t even care about the evil tree pollen\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 209:  Concert in the Park  ','','inherit','open','open','','5317-revision-3','','','2011-04-24 18:58:11','2011-04-25 01:58:11','',5317,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/24/5317-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(5321,1,'2011-04-24 17:23:27','2011-04-25 00:23:27','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-337','','','2011-04-24 17:23:27','2011-04-25 00:23:27','',5317,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4230013.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5322,1,'2011-04-24 12:37:17','2011-04-24 19:37:17','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4230011.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5318\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4230011-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4230012.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-5319\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4230012-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>','Day 209:  Concert in the Park  ','','inherit','open','open','','5317-revision-2','','','2011-04-24 12:37:17','2011-04-24 19:37:17','',5317,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/24/5317-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(5324,1,'2011-04-24 19:21:21','2011-04-25 02:21:21','<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5321 alignleft\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4230013-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\n\nAs I\'ve mentioned many, many, many time before, my fair city looks for every and any excuse to hang outside this time of year.  We don\'t even care about the evil tree pollens blowing up our nasal cavities and tormenting us without pity.  When we have perfect weather, we\'re perfectly content with sacrificing our sinuses for cool breezes, and in this case, live music.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nEach spring and fall, The City of Phoenix hosts live concerts for 4-5 consecutive weekends at the park a half a block away from my house.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYes, that view to your left is my \'hood.  It\'s always a beautiful day in the neighborhood.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOriginally, I was to trek on down with Kimeee and the dogs to soak up the night breezes and the tunes, but Kimeee was waiting for confirmation on her teenagers\' plans, and since teenagers aren\'t going to make plans until they\'re good and ready...\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYou know what happened.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLittle Miss B and I walked down by our lonesome.  I figured I\'d run into someone down there.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhich I did!  My neighbors!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThere was a lot of Bella Worshipping (they are big dog lovers) and lots of Baby Worshipping (they are the proud grandparents of the most adorable 13-month old snookums).\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_5318\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Wind in the desert in April = I should buy stock in Zyrtec. \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4230011.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5318\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4230011-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd...guess what I found out?  Oh, how I love it when this kind of stuff happens.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nTheir daughter and her husband have taken 3 -- count them, 3! -- tours with Vermont Bicycle Tours whom I am joining with my cousins for our Big Italian Adventure Trip.  Their daughter RAVES about VBT, and so does my friend, Sarah, so this is truly destined to be The Trip of a Lifetime.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAren\'t unplanned bumping-into-one-anothers and coincidences swell?  :-)\n\n&nbsp;','Day 209:  Concert in the Park  ','','inherit','open','open','','5317-revision-4','','','2011-04-24 19:21:21','2011-04-25 02:21:21','',5317,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/24/5317-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(5325,1,'2011-04-24 19:25:25','2011-04-25 02:25:25','<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5321 alignleft\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4230013-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\n\nAs I\'ve mentioned many, many, many time before, my fair city looks for every and any excuse to hang outside this time of year.  We don\'t even care about the evil tree pollens blowing up our nasal cavities and tormenting us without pity.  When we have perfect weather, we\'re perfectly content with sacrificing our sinuses for cool breezes, and in this case, live music.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nEach spring and fall, The City of Phoenix hosts live concerts for 4-5 consecutive weekends at the park a half a block away from my house.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYes, that view is my \'hood.  Mr. Rogers, it\'s always a beautiful day in my neighborhood.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOriginally, I was to trek on down with Kimeee and the dogs to soak up the night breezes and the tunes, but Kimeee was waiting for confirmation on her teenagers\' plans, and since teenagers aren\'t going to make plans until they\'re good and ready...\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYou know what happened.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLittle Miss B and I walked down all by our lonesome.  I figured I\'d run into someone down there.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhich I did!  My neighbors!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThere was a lot of Bella Worshipping (they are big dog lovers) and lots of Baby Worshipping (they are the proud grandparents of the most adorable 13-month old snookums).\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_5318\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Wind in the desert in April = I should buy stock in Zyrtec. \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4230011.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5318\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4230011-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd...guess what I found out?  Oh, how I love it when this kind of stuff happens.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nTheir daughter and her husband have taken 3 -- count them, 3! -- tours with <strong><a href=\"http://www.vbt.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Vermont Bicycle Tours </a></strong>whom I am joining with my cousins for our <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/02/21/day-144-i-planned-the-adventure-of-a-lifetime/\" target=\"_blank\">Big Italian Adventure</a></strong>.  Their daughter RAVES about VBT, and so does my friend, Sarah, so this is truly destined to be The Trip of a Lifetime.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAren\'t unplanned bumping-into-one-anothers and coincidences swell?  :-)\n\n&nbsp;','Day 209:  Concert in the Park  ','','inherit','open','open','','5317-revision-5','','','2011-04-24 19:25:25','2011-04-25 02:25:25','',5317,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/24/5317-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(5326,1,'2011-04-24 19:26:40','2011-04-25 02:26:40','<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5321 alignleft\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4230013-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\n\nAs I\'ve mentioned many, many, many time before, my fair city looks for every and any excuse to hang outside this time of year.  We don\'t even care about the evil tree pollens blowing up our nasal cavities and tormenting us without pity.  When we have perfect weather, we\'re perfectly content with sacrificing our sinuses for cool breezes, and in this case, live music.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nEach spring and fall, The City of Phoenix hosts live concerts for 4-5 consecutive weekends at the park a half a block away from my house.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYes, that view is my \'hood.  Mr. Rogers, it\'s always a beautiful day in my neighborhood.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOriginally, I was to trek on down with Kimeee and the dogs to soak up the night breezes and the tunes, but Kimeee was waiting for confirmation on her teenagers\' plans, and since teenagers aren\'t going to make plans until they\'re good and ready...\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYou know what happened.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLittle Miss B and I walked down all by our lonesome.  I figured I\'d run into someone down there.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhich I did!  My neighbors!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThere was a lot of Bella Worshipping (they are big dog lovers) and lots of Baby Worshipping (they are the proud grandparents of the most adorable 13-month old snookums).\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_5318\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Wind in the desert in April = I should buy stock in Zyrtec. \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4230011.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5318\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4230011-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd...guess what I found out?  Oh, how I love it when this kind of stuff happens.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nTheir daughter and her husband have taken 3 -- count them, 3! -- tours with <strong><a href=\"http://www.vbt.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Vermont Bicycle Tours </a></strong>whom I am joining with my cousins for our <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/02/21/day-144-i-planned-the-adventure-of-a-lifetime/\" target=\"_blank\">Big Italian Adventure</a></strong>.  Their daughter RAVES about VBT, and so does my friend, Sarah, so this is truly destined to be The Trip of a Lifetime.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAren\'t unplanned bumping-into-one-anothers and coincidences swell?  :-)\n\n&nbsp;','Day 209:  Concert in the Park  ','','inherit','open','open','','5317-revision-6','','','2011-04-24 19:26:40','2011-04-25 02:26:40','',5317,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/24/5317-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(5327,1,'2011-04-24 19:27:48','2011-04-25 02:27:48','<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5321 alignleft\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4230013-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\n\nAs I\'ve mentioned many, many, many time before, my fair city looks for every and any excuse to hang outside this time of year.  We don\'t even care about the evil tree pollens blowing up our nasal cavities and tormenting us without pity.  When we have perfect weather, we\'re perfectly content with sacrificing our sinuses for cool breezes, and in this case, live music.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nEach spring and fall, The City of Phoenix hosts live concerts for 4-5 consecutive weekends at the park a half a block away from my house.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYes, that view is my \'hood.  Mr. Rogers, it\'s always a beautiful day in my neighborhood.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOriginally, I was to trek on down with Kimeee and the dogs to soak up the night breezes and the tunes, but Kimeee was waiting for confirmation on her teenagers\' plans, and since teenagers aren\'t going to make plans until they\'re good and ready...\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYou know what happened.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLittle Miss B and I walked down all by our lonesome.  I figured I\'d run into someone down there.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhich I did!  My neighbors!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThere was a lot of Bella Worshipping (they are big dog lovers) and lots of Baby Worshipping (they are the proud grandparents of the most adorable 13-month old snookums).\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_5318\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Wind in the desert in April = I should buy stock in Zyrtec. \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4230011.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5318\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4230011-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd...guess what I found out?  Oh, how I love it when this kind of stuff happens.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nTheir daughter and her husband have taken 3 -- count them, 3! -- tours with <strong><a href=\"http://www.vbt.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Vermont Bicycle Tours </a></strong>whom I am joining with my cousins for our <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/02/21/day-144-i-planned-the-adventure-of-a-lifetime/\" target=\"_blank\">Big Italian Adventure</a></strong>.  Their daughter RAVES about VBT, and so does my friend, Sarah, so this is truly destined to be The Trip of a Lifetime.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAren\'t unplanned bumping-into-one-anothers and coincidences swell?  :-)\n\n&nbsp;','Day 209:  Concert in the Park  ','','inherit','open','open','','5317-revision-7','','','2011-04-24 19:27:48','2011-04-25 02:27:48','',5317,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/24/5317-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(5328,1,'2011-04-24 19:34:00','2011-04-25 02:34:00','<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5321 alignleft\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4230013-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\n\nAs I\'ve mentioned many, many, many time before, my fair city looks for every and any excuse to hang outside this time of year.  We don\'t even care about the evil tree pollens blowing up our nasal cavities and tormenting us without pity.  When we have perfect weather, we\'re perfectly content with sacrificing our sinuses for cool breezes, and in this case, live music.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nEach spring and fall, The City of Phoenix hosts live concerts for 4-5 consecutive weekends at the park a half a block away from my house.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYes, that view is my \'hood.  Mr. Rogers, it\'s always a beautiful day in my neighborhood.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOriginally, I was to trek on down with Kimeee and the dogs to soak up the night breezes and the tunes, but Kimeee was waiting for confirmation on her teenagers\' plans, and since teenagers aren\'t going to make plans until they\'re good and ready...\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYou know what happened.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLittle Miss B and I walked down all by our lonesome.  I figured I\'d run into someone down there.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhich I did!  My neighbors!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThere was a lot of Bella Worshipping (they are big dog lovers) and lots of Baby Worshipping (they are the proud grandparents of the most adorable 13-month old snookums).\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_5318\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Wind in the desert in April = I should buy stock in Zyrtec. \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4230011.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5318\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4230011-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd...guess what I found out?  Oh, how I love it when this kind of stuff happens.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nTheir daughter and her husband have taken 3 -- count them, 3! -- tours with <strong><a href=\"http://www.vbt.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Vermont Bicycle Tours </a></strong>whom I am joining with my cousins for our <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/02/21/day-144-i-planned-the-adventure-of-a-lifetime/\" target=\"_blank\">Big Italian Adventure</a></strong>.  Their daughter RAVES about VBT, and so does my friend, Sarah, so this is truly destined to be The Trip of a Lifetime.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAren\'t unplanned bumping-into-one-another coincidences swell?  :-)\n\n&nbsp;','Day 209:  Concert in the Park  ','','inherit','open','open','','5317-autosave','','','2011-04-24 19:34:00','2011-04-25 02:34:00','',5317,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/24/5317-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(5329,1,'2011-04-24 19:31:58','2011-04-25 02:31:58','<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5321 alignleft\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4230013-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nAs I\'ve mentioned many, many, many time before, my fair city looks for every and any excuse to hang outside this time of year.  We don\'t even care about the evil tree pollens blowing up our nasal cavities and tormenting us without pity.  When we have perfect weather, we\'re perfectly content with sacrificing our sinuses for cool breezes, and in this case, live music.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEach spring and fall, The City of Phoenix hosts live concerts for 4-5 consecutive weekends at the park a half a block away from my house.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes, that view is my \'hood.  Mr. Rogers, it\'s always a beautiful day in my neighborhood.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOriginally, I was to trek on down with Kimeee and the dogs to soak up the night breezes and the tunes, but Kimeee was waiting for confirmation on her teenagers\' plans, and since teenagers aren\'t going to make plans until they\'re good and ready...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou know what happened.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLittle Miss B and I walked down all by our lonesome.  I figured I\'d run into someone down there.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhich I did!  My neighbors!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere was a lot of Bella Worshipping (they are big dog lovers) and lots of Baby Worshipping (they are the proud grandparents of the most adorable 13-month old snookums).\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_5318\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Wind in the desert in April = I should buy stock in Zyrtec. \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4230011.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5318\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4230011-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd...guess what I found out?  Oh, how I love it when this kind of stuff happens.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTheir daughter and her husband have taken 3 -- count them, 3! -- tours with <strong><a href=\"http://www.vbt.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Vermont Bicycle Tours </a></strong>whom I am joining with my cousins for our <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/02/21/day-144-i-planned-the-adventure-of-a-lifetime/\" target=\"_blank\">Big Italian Adventure</a></strong>.  Their daughter RAVES about VBT, and so does my friend, Sarah, so this is truly destined to be The Trip of a Lifetime.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAren\'t unplanned bumping-into-one-anothers and coincidences swell?  :-)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 209:  Concert in the Park  ','','inherit','open','open','','5317-revision-8','','','2011-04-24 19:31:58','2011-04-25 02:31:58','',5317,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/24/5317-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(5330,1,'2011-04-24 19:34:13','2011-04-25 02:34:13','<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5321 alignleft\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4230013-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nAs I\'ve mentioned many, many, many time before, my fair city looks for every and any excuse to hang outside this time of year.  We don\'t even care about the evil tree pollens blowing up our nasal cavities and tormenting us without pity.  When we have perfect weather, we\'re perfectly content with sacrificing our sinuses for cool breezes, and in this case, live music.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEach spring and fall, The City of Phoenix hosts live concerts for 4-5 consecutive weekends at the park a half a block away from my house.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes, that view is my \'hood.  Mr. Rogers, it\'s always a beautiful day in my neighborhood.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOriginally, I was to trek on down with Kimeee and the dogs to soak up the night breezes and the tunes, but Kimeee was waiting for confirmation on her teenagers\' plans, and since teenagers aren\'t going to make plans until they\'re good and ready...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou know what happened.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLittle Miss B and I walked down all by our lonesome.  I figured I\'d run into someone down there.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhich I did!  My neighbors!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere was a lot of Bella Worshipping (they are big dog lovers) and lots of Baby Worshipping (they are the proud grandparents of the most adorable 13-month old snookums).\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_5318\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Wind in the desert in April = I should buy stock in Zyrtec. \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4230011.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5318\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4230011-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd...guess what I found out?  Oh, how I love it when this kind of stuff happens.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTheir daughter and her husband have taken 3 -- count them, 3! -- tours with <strong><a href=\"http://www.vbt.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Vermont Bicycle Tours </a></strong>whom I am joining with my cousins for our <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/02/21/day-144-i-planned-the-adventure-of-a-lifetime/\" target=\"_blank\">Big Italian Adventure</a></strong>.  Their daughter RAVES about VBT, and so does my friend, Sarah, so this is truly destined to be The Trip of a Lifetime.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAren\'t unplanned bumping-into-one-another coincidences swell?  :-)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 209:  Concert in the Park  ','','inherit','open','open','','5317-revision-9','','','2011-04-24 19:34:13','2011-04-25 02:34:13','',5317,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/24/5317-revision-9/',0,'revision','',0),(5332,1,'2011-04-25 19:36:27','2011-04-26 02:36:27','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-338','','','2011-04-25 19:36:27','2011-04-26 02:36:27','',5331,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4240022.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5333,1,'2011-04-25 19:39:26','2011-04-26 02:39:26','','DSC_0100','','inherit','open','open','','dsc_0100','','','2011-04-25 19:39:26','2011-04-26 02:39:26','',5331,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/DSC_0100.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5334,1,'2011-04-25 19:37:41','2011-04-26 02:37:41','The plan was to meet Jennie from the Block at the Desert Botanical Gardens for their Spring Butterfly Exhibit.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLittle did I know that I would receive added bonuses of a Bunny Man sighting and a personal photography lesson.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPhotography happens to be one of JftB\'s many talents.  This means she owns a REALLY NICE camera.  I am the proud owner of an Olympus point and shoot.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHere is a side-by-side comparison:\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4240022.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5332\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4240022-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 210:  Butterflies, Bunny Man, and Impromptu Photography Class','','inherit','open','open','','5331-revision','','','2011-04-25 19:37:41','2011-04-26 02:37:41','',5331,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/25/5331-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(5335,1,'2011-04-25 19:48:16','2011-04-26 02:48:16','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-339','','','2011-04-25 19:48:16','2011-04-26 02:48:16','',5331,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4240061.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5339,1,'2011-04-25 21:45:04','2011-04-26 04:45:04','<iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" width=\"480\" height=\"390\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/2_ZmCP3QG4U\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen></iframe>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFor butterfly and garden photos taken by someone who actually knows what she\'s doing, please visit<strong><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/hojennifer/sets/72157626447679813/\" target=\"_blank\"> JftB\'s flikr page</a></strong>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 210:  Butterflies, Bunny Man, and Impromptu Photography Class','','inherit','open','open','','5331-revision-5','','','2011-04-25 21:45:04','2011-04-26 04:45:04','',5331,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/25/5331-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(5340,1,'2011-04-25 21:45:17','2011-04-26 04:45:17','<iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" width=\"480\" height=\"390\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/2_ZmCP3QG4U\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen></iframe>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFor butterfly and garden photos taken by someone who actually knows what she\'s doing, please visit<strong><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/hojennifer/sets/72157626447679813/\" target=\"_blank\"> JftB\'s flikr page</a></strong>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 210:  Butterflies, Bunny Man, and Impromptu Photography Class','','inherit','open','open','','5331-revision-6','','','2011-04-25 21:45:17','2011-04-26 04:45:17','',5331,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/25/5331-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(5336,1,'2011-04-25 19:56:30','2011-04-26 02:56:30','[caption id=\"attachment_5335\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"(insert your own corny metaphor about metamorphosis here)\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4240061.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5335 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4240061-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe plan was to meet Jennie from the Block at the Desert Botanical Gardens for their Spring Butterfly Exhibit.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLittle did I know that I would receive added bonuses of a Bunny Man sighting and a personal photography lesson.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPhotography happens to be one of JftB\'s many talents.  This means she owns a REALLY NICE camera.  I am the proud owner of an Olympus point and shoot.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHere is a side-by-side comparison:\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4240022.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5332\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4240022-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/DSC_0100.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5333\" title=\"DSC_0100\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/DSC_0100-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" /></a>\n\nLeft:  my close-up **\n\nRight:  JftB\'s close-up\n\n&nbsp;\n\n** You want to know what that is?  Let\'s play a little guessing game in the comments section, shall we?  he he he\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWith photo ops abounding, you know what that means.  It\'s time for my 3rd Slideshow Ever.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYou will first see photos taken with my point and shoot.  From Bunny Man on, you will see my first real shot at amateur photography.  Thanks for the one-on-one, JftB!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFor butterfly and garden photos taken by someone who knows what she\'s doing, please visit<strong><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/hojennifer/sets/72157626447679813/\" target=\"_blank\"> JftB\'s flikr page</a></strong>.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 210:  Butterflies, Bunny Man, and Impromptu Photography Class','','inherit','open','open','','5331-revision-2','','','2011-04-25 19:56:30','2011-04-26 02:56:30','',5331,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/25/5331-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(5337,1,'2011-04-25 21:32:37','2011-04-26 04:32:37','[caption id=\"attachment_5335\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"(insert your own corny metaphor about metamorphosis here)\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4240061.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5335 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4240061-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe plan was to meet Jennie from the Block at the Desert Botanical Gardens for their Spring Butterfly Exhibit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLittle did I know that I would receive added bonuses of a Bunny Man sighting and a personal photography lesson.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPhotography happens to be one of JftB\'s many talents.  This means she owns a REALLY NICE camera.  I am the proud owner of an Olympus point and shoot.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere is a side-by-side comparison:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4240022.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5332\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4240022-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/DSC_0100.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5333\" title=\"DSC_0100\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/DSC_0100-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" /></a>\r\n\r\nLeft:  my close-up **\r\n\r\nRight:  JftB\'s close-up\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n** You want to know what that is?  Let\'s play a little guessing game in the comments section, shall we?  he he he\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWith photo ops abounding, you know what that means.  It\'s time for my 3rd Slideshow Ever.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou will first see photos taken with my point and shoot.  From Bunny Man on, you will see my first real shot at amateur photography.  Thanks for the one-on-one, JftB!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFor butterfly and garden photos taken by someone who knows what she\'s doing, please visit<strong><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/hojennifer/sets/72157626447679813/\" target=\"_blank\"> JftB\'s flikr page</a></strong>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 210:  Butterflies, Bunny Man, and Impromptu Photography Class','','inherit','open','open','','5331-revision-3','','','2011-04-25 21:32:37','2011-04-26 04:32:37','',5331,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/25/5331-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(5338,1,'2011-04-25 21:36:59','2011-04-26 04:36:59','[caption id=\"attachment_5335\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"(insert your own corny metaphor about metamorphosis here)\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4240061.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5335 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4240061-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe plan was to meet Jennie from the Block at the Desert Botanical Gardens for their Spring Butterfly Exhibit.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLittle did I know that I would receive added bonuses of a Bunny Man sighting and a personal photography lesson.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPhotography happens to be one of JftB\'s many talents.  This means she owns a REALLY NICE camera.  I am the proud owner of an Olympus point and shoot.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHere is a side-by-side comparison:\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4240022.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5332\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4240022-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/DSC_0100.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5333\" title=\"DSC_0100\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/DSC_0100-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" /></a>\n\nLeft:  my close-up **\n\nRight:  JftB\'s close-up\n\n&nbsp;\n\n** You want to know what that is?  Let\'s play a little guessing game in the comments section, shall we?  he he he\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWith photo ops abounding, you know what that means.  It\'s time for my 3rd Slideshow Ever.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYou will first see the photos I took during my impromptu photography lesson.  (Thanks for the one-on-one, JftB!)  From the hitchhiking butterfly sign on, you will see photos a la point and shoot.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFor butterfly and garden photos taken by someone who actually knows what she\'s doing, please visit<strong><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/hojennifer/sets/72157626447679813/\" target=\"_blank\"> JftB\'s flikr page</a></strong>.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 210:  Butterflies, Bunny Man, and Impromptu Photography Class','','inherit','open','open','','5331-revision-4','','','2011-04-25 21:36:59','2011-04-26 04:36:59','',5331,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/25/5331-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(5341,1,'2011-04-25 21:46:23','2011-04-26 04:46:23','[caption id=\"attachment_5335\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"(insert your own corny metaphor about metamorphosis here)\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4240061.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5335 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4240061-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe plan was to meet Jennie from the Block at the Desert Botanical Gardens for their Spring Butterfly Exhibit.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLittle did I know that I would receive added bonuses of a Bunny Man sighting and a personal photography lesson.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPhotography happens to be one of JftB\'s many talents.  This means she owns a REALLY NICE camera.  I am the proud owner of an Olympus point and shoot.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHere is a side-by-side comparison:\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4240022.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5332\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4240022-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/DSC_0100.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5333\" title=\"DSC_0100\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/DSC_0100-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" /></a>\n\nLeft:  my close-up **\n\nRight:  JftB\'s close-up\n\n&nbsp;\n\n** You want to know what that is?  Let\'s play a little guessing game in the comments section, shall we?  he he he\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWith photo ops abounding, you know what that means.  It\'s time for my 3rd Slideshow Ever.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYou will first see the photos I took during my impromptu photography lesson.  (Thanks for the one-on-one, JftB!)  From the hitchhiking butterfly sign on, you will see photos a la point and shoot.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFor butterfly and garden photos taken by someone who actually knows what she\'s doing, please visit<strong><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/hojennifer/sets/72157626447679813/\" target=\"_blank\"> JftB\'s flikr page</a></strong>.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 210:  Butterflies, Bunny Man, and Impromptu Photography Class','','inherit','open','open','','5331-revision-7','','','2011-04-25 21:46:23','2011-04-26 04:46:23','',5331,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/25/5331-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(5342,1,'2011-04-25 21:47:26','2011-04-26 04:47:26','[caption id=\"attachment_5335\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"(insert your own corny metaphor about metamorphosis here)\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4240061.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5335 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4240061-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe plan was to meet Jennie from the Block at the Desert Botanical Gardens for their Spring Butterfly Exhibit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLittle did I know that I would receive added bonuses of a Bunny Man sighting and a personal photography lesson.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPhotography happens to be one of JftB\'s many talents.  This means she owns a REALLY NICE camera.  I am the proud owner of an Olympus point and shoot.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere is a side-by-side comparison:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4240022.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5332\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4240022-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/DSC_0100.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5333\" title=\"DSC_0100\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/DSC_0100-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" /></a>\r\n\r\nLeft:  my close-up **\r\n\r\nRight:  JftB\'s close-up\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n** You want to know what that is?  Let\'s play a little guessing game in the comments section, shall we?  he he he\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWith photo ops abounding, you know what that means.  It\'s time for my 3rd Slideshow Ever.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou will first see the photos I took during my impromptu photography lesson.  (Thanks for the one-on-one, JftB!)  From the hitchhiking butterfly sign on, you will see photos à la point and shoot.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" width=\"480\" height=\"390\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/2_ZmCP3QG4U\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen></iframe>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFor butterfly and garden photos taken by someone who actually knows what she\'s doing, please visit<strong><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/hojennifer/sets/72157626447679813/\" target=\"_blank\"> JftB\'s flikr page</a></strong>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 210:  Butterflies, Bunny Man, and Impromptu Photography Class','','inherit','open','open','','5331-revision-8','','','2011-04-25 21:47:26','2011-04-26 04:47:26','',5331,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/25/5331-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(5343,1,'2011-04-25 21:49:57','2011-04-26 04:49:57','[caption id=\"attachment_5335\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"(insert your own corny metaphor about metamorphosis here)\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4240061.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5335 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4240061-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe plan was to meet Jennie from the Block at the Desert Botanical Gardens for their Spring Butterfly Exhibit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLittle did I know that I would receive added bonuses of a Bunny Man sighting and a personal photography lesson.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPhotography happens to be one of JftB\'s many talents.  This means she owns a REALLY NICE camera.  I am the proud owner of an Olympus point and shoot.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere is a side-by-side comparison:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4240022.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5332\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P4240022-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/DSC_0100.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5333\" title=\"DSC_0100\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/DSC_0100-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" /></a>\r\n\r\nLeft:  my close-up **\r\n\r\nRight:  JftB\'s close-up\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n** You want to know what that is?  Let\'s play a little guessing game in the comments section, shall we?  heh heh heh\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWith photo ops abounding, you know what that means.  It\'s time for my 3rd Slideshow Ever.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou will first see the photos I took during my impromptu photography lesson.  (Thanks for the one-on-one, JftB!)  From the hitchhiking butterfly sign on, you will see photos à la point and shoot.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" width=\"480\" height=\"390\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/2_ZmCP3QG4U\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen></iframe>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFor butterfly and garden photos taken by someone who actually knows what she\'s doing, please visit<strong><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/hojennifer/sets/72157626447679813/\" target=\"_blank\"> JftB\'s flikr page</a></strong>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 210:  Butterflies, Bunny Man, and Impromptu Photography Class','','inherit','open','open','','5331-revision-9','','','2011-04-25 21:49:57','2011-04-26 04:49:57','',5331,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/25/5331-revision-9/',0,'revision','',0),(5414,1,'2011-05-04 01:11:58','2011-05-04 08:11:58','[caption id=\"attachment_5418\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Are you kidding me?  \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/P4300010.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5418\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/P4300010-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nGoing on one of these President\'s Club trips is like being thrown Monopoly money.  The company says, \"Eat what you want, do what you want, and we\'ll pick up the tab!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nO.k.!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYesterday, Jimmykins granted me a lifelong wish of whale watching.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFor Day 216, he signed us up on a Segway tour.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen he first told me about it, I asked, \"What the hell is a Segway?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, my, my, my.  Poor Jimmykins.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen you invite a feisty, independent broad on a trip, she\'s going to have opinions.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd my opinion of a Segway is that it exists for lazy Americans to get even lazier.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy first question to Mr. Segway Tour Dude:  \"Do you have a bicycle with a basket and a bell that I can ride behind the group?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe laughed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"I\'m not kidding.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe laughed again.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"I\'m really not kidding.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMr. Segway Tour Dude confirmed,  \"You really want a bicycle?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Yes.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe shifted uncomfortably.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI prodded, \"Why would any able-bodied person use a Segway when there are bicycles at the back of your shop?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMr. Segway Tour Dude then pontificated about the high tech wizardry behind the Segway and its Maker.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYawn.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Can I please ride the bicycle?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI then remembered that I was Jimmykins\' guest on a company trip, and that I better shut my pie hole and try to be good little yes woman.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI stepped on to my Segway and zipped it.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere are worse things in life than lazying it up on a Saturday morning when you\'re cranky and your uterus is screaming for mercy because you just started your monthly \"celebration\".  The bike ride would have probably killed me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I actually had fun on the Segway, dammit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/P4300011.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5419\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/P4300011-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/P4300013.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5420\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/P4300013-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>','Day 216:  I am a Segway Scrooge','','publish','open','open','','day-215-i-am-a-segway-scrooge','','','2011-05-03 21:09:45','2011-05-04 04:09:45','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=5414',0,'post','',2),(5345,1,'2011-04-27 01:11:02','2011-04-27 08:11:02','<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/bfishadow/4228118562/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-5354\" title=\"4228118562_b3bdf253f3\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/4228118562_b3bdf253f3-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>Unlike most members of my gender, I hate shopping.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBack in November, <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/27/day-59-fashion-makeover-part-2-featuring-enquirer-worthy-photos/\" target=\"_blank\">I had the bright idea of decluttering my closet</a></strong>.  I pared down both summer and winter wardrobes nicely.  (We only have two seasons here.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAhhh... A clutter-free closet = a clutter-free mind.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe only problem is that I am now seriously lacking in the summer clothes department.  Since my last shopping trip (<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/08/day-71-make-me-over-nordstrom/\" target=\"_blank\">on Day 71</a></strong> -- See? I told you I hated it!) was a complete bust, I needed to venture out again.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis time around, I would go on my own.  I\'m a grown woman.  I can do this.  <span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>I can pull a wardrobe together without the help/hindrance of a personal shopper who envisions me in a night look suitable for the disco.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_5350\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Remember this from Day 71?  It&#39;s not 1977, Nordies.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/PC050184.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5350 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/PC050184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI tried going out this weekend, but with no success.  I wandered around a few stores aimlessly, and then spent a great deal of time looking for a snack at AJ\'s.  Unless I enter the shopping trenches with a completely full stomach, I\'m hopeless.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m not sure what I was thinking, because I was also PMSing.  (Sorry, token male readers.)  Women, should we all agree that no woman in her right mind should be trying on clothes when she is bloated, tired, and temperamental?  Clothes shopping at this time is beyond stupid.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nObviously beyond stupidity, I decided to give shopping the old college try the next day at lunch time.  I was on a mission to buy a few new clothes for my upcoming trip to Santa Barbara.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Why is it that women feel as though they always need new clothes for a trip??? )\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>There is a strange phenomenon that exists within the Noble Publishing Superpower that is my employer where women vacate the building during lunch and hightail it to the mall a half a block away.</strong></span> They return with new shoes and new clothes.  I am always in awe that they can make fashion decisions in approximately an hour.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn Day 211, I joined their club.  With a 20% off coupon and a prayer, I headed out to the mall.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe heavens opened and the shopping angels sang.  I returned to the office with 2 cute pairs of shorts (one dressy and one casual), a belt, and the <span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Greatest Strapless Top in the History of the Shopping World</strong></span>.  Put it together with the dressy pair of shorts and my black wedges, this completes the<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong> Greatest Date Outfit in the History of the World</strong></span>.  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/23/day-207-reclaiming-my-luck/\" target=\"_blank\">With my newfound luck</a></strong>, I am sure that a Great Date Outfit opportunity is just around the corner.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are wondering what this mythical date outfit looks like, I promise to take a photo when I don it soon.  Since I am still PMSing, I don\'t have the energy to stage a photo for you now.  To assure you that I am not exaggerating, I am even too tired to haul myself to the pantry for a piece of chocolate.  I\'m sure that you can relate.  Woe is us.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBack to Lunchtime Shopping Superpowers...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI think for me, the lunchtime-imposed limit on time is a really, really good thing.  I basically had to zone in on what I liked, try on things quickly, and rush back to work to avoid getting fired.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSince I work with aforementioned fashionistas, I was able to receive a complimentary post-shopping assessment back at the office.  Michelle B and Britt both gave their enthusiastic approval.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI could get used to this.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd that could be (cha-ching!) dangerous.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 211:  Lunchtime Shopping ','','publish','open','open','','day-211-lunchtime-shopping','','','2011-04-26 20:32:48','2011-04-27 03:32:48','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=5345',0,'post','',1),(5346,1,'2011-04-26 13:32:35','2011-04-26 20:32:35','','Auto Draft','','inherit','open','open','','5345-revision','','','2011-04-26 13:32:35','2011-04-26 20:32:35','',5345,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/26/5345-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(5347,1,'2011-04-29 01:11:39','2011-04-29 08:11:39','<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/benny_lin/276203090/\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-5369\" title=\"276203090_b151d039c6\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/276203090_b151d039c6-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>Yesterday I worked through my extreme loathing of shopping and surprised myself with an enjoyable and successful lunchtime shopping expedition.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m now ready for my Santa Barbara trip as well as a Hot Date (I\'m working on manifesting this one into my life) for which I will don Greatest Date Outfit in the History of the World.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFor Day 212, I originally scheduled another soul-scintillating activity that I would delve into during my lunch hour.  Little did I know that I would be distracted by a Banana Republic email luring me in with a 40% discount on all tops in the store.  For 3 hours only.  At lunchtime, of course.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLet me share that I\'ve been on the Banana Republic email list for years.  YEARS!  I\'m not sure why, because I delete all their emails.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut now, with my lunchtime shopping radar finely tuned, I not only read the email, but I acted on it.  I dissed my original plans for shopping.   I\'m so ashamed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI need an intervention.  Now.','Day 212:  I am a Lunchtime Shopaholic','','publish','open','open','','day-212-i-am-a-lunchtime-shopaholic','','','2011-04-29 13:42:19','2011-04-29 20:42:19','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=5347',0,'post','',2),(5348,1,'2011-04-26 19:27:15','2011-04-27 02:27:15','','Auto Draft','','inherit','open','open','','5347-revision','','','2011-04-26 19:27:15','2011-04-27 02:27:15','',5347,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/26/5347-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(5349,1,'2011-04-26 19:48:50','2011-04-27 02:48:50','Unlike most members of my gender, I hate shopping.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBack in November, I had the bright idea to declutter my closet.  I pared down both summer and winter wardrobes nicely.  (We only have two seasons here.)  Ahhh...A clutter-free closet = a clutter-free mind.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe only problem is that now I am seriously lacking in the summer clothes department.  Since my last shopping trip (on Day 71 -- See I told you I hated it!) was a complete bust, I needed to venture out again.  This time around, I would go on my own.  I\'m a big girl now.  I can pull a wardrobe together without the help/hindrance of a personal shopper who wants to me in a night look suitable for the disco.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIt\'s not 1976 anymore, Nordies.  photo\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI tried going out this weekend, but with no success.  I wandered around a few stores aimlessly, and then spent a great deal of time looking for a snack at AJ\'s.  Unless I enter the shopping trenches with a completely full stomach, I\'m hopeless.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'m not sure what I was thinking, because I was also PMSing.  (Sorry, token male readers.)  Women, should we all agree that no woman in her right mind should be trying on clothes when she is bloated, tired, and temperamental?  Clothes shopping at this time is beyond stupid.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nObviously beyond stupidity, I decided to give shopping the old college try the next day at lunch time.  I was on a mission to buy a few new clothes for my upcoming trip to Santa Barbara.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n(Why is it that women feel as though they always need new clothes for a trip??? )\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThere are women at Noble Publishing Superpower who vacate the building during lunch and hightail it to the mall a half a block away.  They return with new shoes and new clothes.  I am always in awe that they can make fashion decisions in approximatel\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 211:  Lunchtime Shopping ','','inherit','open','open','','5345-revision-2','','','2011-04-26 19:48:50','2011-04-27 02:48:50','',5345,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/26/5345-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(5350,1,'2011-04-26 20:06:11','2011-04-27 03:06:11','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','It\'s not 1977, Nordies.','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-340','','','2011-04-26 20:06:11','2011-04-27 03:06:11','',5345,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/PC050184.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5351,1,'2011-04-26 20:10:16','2011-04-27 03:10:16','Unlike most members of my gender, I hate shopping.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBack in November, <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/27/day-59-fashion-makeover-part-2-featuring-enquirer-worthy-photos/\" target=\"_blank\">I had the bright idea of decluttering my closet</a></strong>.  I pared down both summer and winter wardrobes nicely.  (We only have two seasons here.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAhhh... A clutter-free closet = a clutter-free mind.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe only problem is that I am now seriously lacking in the summer clothes department.  Since my last shopping trip (<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/08/day-71-make-me-over-nordstrom/\" target=\"_blank\">on Day 71</a></strong> -- See I told you I hated it!) was a complete bust, I needed to venture out again.  This time around, I would go on my own.  I\'m a big girl now.  I can pull a wardrobe together without the help/hindrance of a personal shopper who wants to me in a night look suitable for the disco.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_5350\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"It&#39;s not 1977, Nordies.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/PC050184.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/PC050184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI tried going out this weekend, but with no success.  I wandered around a few stores aimlessly, and then spent a great deal of time looking for a snack at AJ\'s.  Unless I enter the shopping trenches with a completely full stomach, I\'m hopeless.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'m not sure what I was thinking, because I was also PMSing.  (Sorry, token male readers.)  Women, should we all agree that no woman in her right mind should be trying on clothes when she is bloated, tired, and temperamental?  Clothes shopping at this time is beyond stupid.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nObviously beyond stupidity, I decided to give shopping the old college try the next day at lunch time.  I was on a mission to buy a few new clothes for my upcoming trip to Santa Barbara.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n(Why is it that women feel as though they always need new clothes for a trip??? )\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThere is a strange phenomenon at Noble Publishing Superpower where women vacate the building during lunch and hightail it to the mall a half a block away.  They return with new shoes and new clothes.  I am always in awe that they can make fashion decisions in approximately an hour.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn Day 211, I joined their club.  With a 20% off coupon and a prayer, I headed out to the mall.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe heavens opened and the shopping angels sang.  I returned to the office with 2 cute pairs of shorts (one dressy and one casual), a belt, and the Greatest Strapless Top in the History of the Shopping World.  Put it together with the dressy pair of shorts and my black wedges, this completes the Greatest Date Outfit in the History of the World.  With my newfound luck, I am sure that a Great Date Outfit opportunity is just around the corner.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIf you are wondering what this mythical date outfit looks like, I promise to take a photo when I don it soon.  Since I am PMSing still, I don\'t have the energy to stage a photo for you now.  To assure you that I am not exaggerating, I am even too tired to haul myself to the pantry for a piece of chocolate.  I\'m sure that you can relate.  Woe is us.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBack to Lunchtime Shopping Superpowers...\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI think for me, the limit on time is a really, really good thing.  I basically had to zone in on what I liked, try on things quickly, and rush back to work to avoid getting fired.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSince I work with aforementioned fashionistas, I was able to receive a complimentary post-shopping assessment back at the office.  Michelle B and Britt both gave enthusiastic approval.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI could get used to this.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd that could be (cha-ching!) dangerous.\n\n&nbsp;','Day 211:  Lunchtime Shopping ','','inherit','open','open','','5345-revision-3','','','2011-04-26 20:10:16','2011-04-27 03:10:16','',5345,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/26/5345-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(5352,1,'2011-04-26 20:11:01','2011-04-27 03:11:01','Unlike most members of my gender, I hate shopping.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBack in November, <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/27/day-59-fashion-makeover-part-2-featuring-enquirer-worthy-photos/\" target=\"_blank\">I had the bright idea of decluttering my closet</a></strong>.  I pared down both summer and winter wardrobes nicely.  (We only have two seasons here.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAhhh... A clutter-free closet = a clutter-free mind.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe only problem is that I am now seriously lacking in the summer clothes department.  Since my last shopping trip (<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/08/day-71-make-me-over-nordstrom/\" target=\"_blank\">on Day 71</a></strong> -- See I told you I hated it!) was a complete bust, I needed to venture out again.  This time around, I would go on my own.  I\'m a big girl now.  I can pull a wardrobe together without the help/hindrance of a personal shopper who wants to me in a night look suitable for the disco.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_5350\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"It&#39;s not 1977, Nordies.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/PC050184.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/PC050184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI tried going out this weekend, but with no success.  I wandered around a few stores aimlessly, and then spent a great deal of time looking for a snack at AJ\'s.  Unless I enter the shopping trenches with a completely full stomach, I\'m hopeless.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m not sure what I was thinking, because I was also PMSing.  (Sorry, token male readers.)  Women, should we all agree that no woman in her right mind should be trying on clothes when she is bloated, tired, and temperamental?  Clothes shopping at this time is beyond stupid.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nObviously beyond stupidity, I decided to give shopping the old college try the next day at lunch time.  I was on a mission to buy a few new clothes for my upcoming trip to Santa Barbara.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Why is it that women feel as though they always need new clothes for a trip??? )\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere is a strange phenomenon that exists within Noble Publishing Superpower where women vacate the building during lunch and hightail it to the mall a half a block away.  They return with new shoes and new clothes.  I am always in awe that they can make fashion decisions in approximately an hour.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn Day 211, I joined their club.  With a 20% off coupon and a prayer, I headed out to the mall.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe heavens opened and the shopping angels sang.  I returned to the office with 2 cute pairs of shorts (one dressy and one casual), a belt, and the Greatest Strapless Top in the History of the Shopping World.  Put it together with the dressy pair of shorts and my black wedges, this completes the Greatest Date Outfit in the History of the World.  With my newfound luck, I am sure that a Great Date Outfit opportunity is just around the corner.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are wondering what this mythical date outfit looks like, I promise to take a photo when I don it soon.  Since I am PMSing still, I don\'t have the energy to stage a photo for you now.  To assure you that I am not exaggerating, I am even too tired to haul myself to the pantry for a piece of chocolate.  I\'m sure that you can relate.  Woe is us.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBack to Lunchtime Shopping Superpowers...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI think for me, the limit on time is a really, really good thing.  I basically had to zone in on what I liked, try on things quickly, and rush back to work to avoid getting fired.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSince I work with aforementioned fashionistas, I was able to receive a complimentary post-shopping assessment back at the office.  Michelle B and Britt both gave enthusiastic approval.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI could get used to this.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd that could be (cha-ching!) dangerous.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 211:  Lunchtime Shopping ','','inherit','open','open','','5345-revision-4','','','2011-04-26 20:11:01','2011-04-27 03:11:01','',5345,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/26/5345-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(5353,1,'2011-04-26 20:11:22','2011-04-27 03:11:22','Unlike most members of my gender, I hate shopping.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBack in November, <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/27/day-59-fashion-makeover-part-2-featuring-enquirer-worthy-photos/\" target=\"_blank\">I had the bright idea of decluttering my closet</a></strong>.  I pared down both summer and winter wardrobes nicely.  (We only have two seasons here.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAhhh... A clutter-free closet = a clutter-free mind.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe only problem is that I am now seriously lacking in the summer clothes department.  Since my last shopping trip (<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/08/day-71-make-me-over-nordstrom/\" target=\"_blank\">on Day 71</a></strong> -- See I told you I hated it!) was a complete bust, I needed to venture out again.  This time around, I would go on my own.  I\'m a big girl now.  I can pull a wardrobe together without the help/hindrance of a personal shopper who wants to me in a night look suitable for the disco.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_5350\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"It&#39;s not 1977, Nordies.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/PC050184.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/PC050184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI tried going out this weekend, but with no success.  I wandered around a few stores aimlessly, and then spent a great deal of time looking for a snack at AJ\'s.  Unless I enter the shopping trenches with a completely full stomach, I\'m hopeless.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m not sure what I was thinking, because I was also PMSing.  (Sorry, token male readers.)  Women, should we all agree that no woman in her right mind should be trying on clothes when she is bloated, tired, and temperamental?  Clothes shopping at this time is beyond stupid.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nObviously beyond stupidity, I decided to give shopping the old college try the next day at lunch time.  I was on a mission to buy a few new clothes for my upcoming trip to Santa Barbara.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Why is it that women feel as though they always need new clothes for a trip??? )\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere is a strange phenomenon that exists within Noble Publishing Superpower where women vacate the building during lunch and hightail it to the mall a half a block away.  They return with new shoes and new clothes.  I am always in awe that they can make fashion decisions in approximately an hour.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn Day 211, I joined their club.  With a 20% off coupon and a prayer, I headed out to the mall.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe heavens opened and the shopping angels sang.  I returned to the office with 2 cute pairs of shorts (one dressy and one casual), a belt, and the Greatest Strapless Top in the History of the Shopping World.  Put it together with the dressy pair of shorts and my black wedges, this completes the Greatest Date Outfit in the History of the World.  With my newfound luck, I am sure that a Great Date Outfit opportunity is just around the corner.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are wondering what this mythical date outfit looks like, I promise to take a photo when I don it soon.  Since I am PMSing still, I don\'t have the energy to stage a photo for you now.  To assure you that I am not exaggerating, I am even too tired to haul myself to the pantry for a piece of chocolate.  I\'m sure that you can relate.  Woe is us.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBack to Lunchtime Shopping Superpowers...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI think for me, the limit on time is a really, really good thing.  I basically had to zone in on what I liked, try on things quickly, and rush back to work to avoid getting fired.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSince I work with aforementioned fashionistas, I was able to receive a complimentary post-shopping assessment back at the office.  Michelle B and Britt both gave enthusiastic approval.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI could get used to this.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd that could be (cha-ching!) dangerous.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 211:  Lunchtime Shopping ','','inherit','open','open','','5345-revision-5','','','2011-04-26 20:11:22','2011-04-27 03:11:22','',5345,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/26/5345-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(5354,1,'2011-04-26 20:15:48','2011-04-27 03:15:48','','4228118562_b3bdf253f3','','inherit','open','open','','4228118562_b3bdf253f3','','','2011-04-26 20:15:48','2011-04-27 03:15:48','',5345,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/4228118562_b3bdf253f3.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5355,1,'2011-04-26 20:11:43','2011-04-27 03:11:43','Unlike most members of my gender, I hate shopping.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBack in November, <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/27/day-59-fashion-makeover-part-2-featuring-enquirer-worthy-photos/\" target=\"_blank\">I had the bright idea of decluttering my closet</a></strong>.  I pared down both summer and winter wardrobes nicely.  (We only have two seasons here.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAhhh... A clutter-free closet = a clutter-free mind.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe only problem is that I am now seriously lacking in the summer clothes department.  Since my last shopping trip (<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/08/day-71-make-me-over-nordstrom/\" target=\"_blank\">on Day 71</a></strong> -- See I told you I hated it!) was a complete bust, I needed to venture out again.  This time around, I would go on my own.  I\'m a big girl now.  I can pull a wardrobe together without the help/hindrance of a personal shopper who wants to me in a night look suitable for the disco.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_5350\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"It&#39;s not 1977, Nordies.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/PC050184.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/PC050184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI tried going out this weekend, but with no success.  I wandered around a few stores aimlessly, and then spent a great deal of time looking for a snack at AJ\'s.  Unless I enter the shopping trenches with a completely full stomach, I\'m hopeless.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m not sure what I was thinking, because I was also PMSing.  (Sorry, token male readers.)  Women, should we all agree that no woman in her right mind should be trying on clothes when she is bloated, tired, and temperamental?  Clothes shopping at this time is beyond stupid.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nObviously beyond stupidity, I decided to give shopping the old college try the next day at lunch time.  I was on a mission to buy a few new clothes for my upcoming trip to Santa Barbara.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Why is it that women feel as though they always need new clothes for a trip??? )\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere is a strange phenomenon that exists within Noble Publishing Superpower where women vacate the building during lunch and hightail it to the mall a half a block away.  They return with new shoes and new clothes.  I am always in awe that they can make fashion decisions in approximately an hour.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn Day 211, I joined their club.  With a 20% off coupon and a prayer, I headed out to the mall.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe heavens opened and the shopping angels sang.  I returned to the office with 2 cute pairs of shorts (one dressy and one casual), a belt, and the Greatest Strapless Top in the History of the Shopping World.  Put it together with the dressy pair of shorts and my black wedges, this completes the Greatest Date Outfit in the History of the World.  With my newfound luck, I am sure that a Great Date Outfit opportunity is just around the corner.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are wondering what this mythical date outfit looks like, I promise to take a photo when I don it soon.  Since I am PMSing still, I don\'t have the energy to stage a photo for you now.  To assure you that I am not exaggerating, I am even too tired to haul myself to the pantry for a piece of chocolate.  I\'m sure that you can relate.  Woe is us.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBack to Lunchtime Shopping Superpowers...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI think for me, the limit on time is a really, really good thing.  I basically had to zone in on what I liked, try on things quickly, and rush back to work to avoid getting fired.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSince I work with aforementioned fashionistas, I was able to receive a complimentary post-shopping assessment back at the office.  Michelle B and Britt both gave enthusiastic approval.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI could get used to this.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd that could be (cha-ching!) dangerous.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 211:  Lunchtime Shopping ','','inherit','open','open','','5345-revision-6','','','2011-04-26 20:11:43','2011-04-27 03:11:43','',5345,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/26/5345-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(5356,1,'2011-04-26 20:16:28','2011-04-27 03:16:28','<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/bfishadow/4228118562/\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-5354\" title=\"4228118562_b3bdf253f3\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/4228118562_b3bdf253f3-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>Unlike most members of my gender, I hate shopping.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBack in November, <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/27/day-59-fashion-makeover-part-2-featuring-enquirer-worthy-photos/\" target=\"_blank\">I had the bright idea of decluttering my closet</a></strong>.  I pared down both summer and winter wardrobes nicely.  (We only have two seasons here.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAhhh... A clutter-free closet = a clutter-free mind.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe only problem is that I am now seriously lacking in the summer clothes department.  Since my last shopping trip (<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/08/day-71-make-me-over-nordstrom/\" target=\"_blank\">on Day 71</a></strong> -- See I told you I hated it!) was a complete bust, I needed to venture out again.  This time around, I would go on my own.  I\'m a big girl now.  I can pull a wardrobe together without the help/hindrance of a personal shopper who wants to me in a night look suitable for the disco.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_5350\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"It&#39;s not 1977, Nordies.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/PC050184.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/PC050184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI tried going out this weekend, but with no success.  I wandered around a few stores aimlessly, and then spent a great deal of time looking for a snack at AJ\'s.  Unless I enter the shopping trenches with a completely full stomach, I\'m hopeless.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m not sure what I was thinking, because I was also PMSing.  (Sorry, token male readers.)  Women, should we all agree that no woman in her right mind should be trying on clothes when she is bloated, tired, and temperamental?  Clothes shopping at this time is beyond stupid.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nObviously beyond stupidity, I decided to give shopping the old college try the next day at lunch time.  I was on a mission to buy a few new clothes for my upcoming trip to Santa Barbara.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Why is it that women feel as though they always need new clothes for a trip??? )\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere is a strange phenomenon that exists within Noble Publishing Superpower where women vacate the building during lunch and hightail it to the mall a half a block away.  They return with new shoes and new clothes.  I am always in awe that they can make fashion decisions in approximately an hour.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn Day 211, I joined their club.  With a 20% off coupon and a prayer, I headed out to the mall.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe heavens opened and the shopping angels sang.  I returned to the office with 2 cute pairs of shorts (one dressy and one casual), a belt, and the Greatest Strapless Top in the History of the Shopping World.  Put it together with the dressy pair of shorts and my black wedges, this completes the Greatest Date Outfit in the History of the World.  With my newfound luck, I am sure that a Great Date Outfit opportunity is just around the corner.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are wondering what this mythical date outfit looks like, I promise to take a photo when I don it soon.  Since I am PMSing still, I don\'t have the energy to stage a photo for you now.  To assure you that I am not exaggerating, I am even too tired to haul myself to the pantry for a piece of chocolate.  I\'m sure that you can relate.  Woe is us.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBack to Lunchtime Shopping Superpowers...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI think for me, the limit on time is a really, really good thing.  I basically had to zone in on what I liked, try on things quickly, and rush back to work to avoid getting fired.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSince I work with aforementioned fashionistas, I was able to receive a complimentary post-shopping assessment back at the office.  Michelle B and Britt both gave enthusiastic approval.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI could get used to this.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd that could be (cha-ching!) dangerous.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 211:  Lunchtime Shopping ','','inherit','open','open','','5345-revision-7','','','2011-04-26 20:16:28','2011-04-27 03:16:28','',5345,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/26/5345-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(5357,1,'2011-04-26 20:16:57','2011-04-27 03:16:57','<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/bfishadow/4228118562/\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-5354\" title=\"4228118562_b3bdf253f3\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/4228118562_b3bdf253f3-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>Unlike most members of my gender, I hate shopping.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBack in November, <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/27/day-59-fashion-makeover-part-2-featuring-enquirer-worthy-photos/\" target=\"_blank\">I had the bright idea of decluttering my closet</a></strong>.  I pared down both summer and winter wardrobes nicely.  (We only have two seasons here.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAhhh... A clutter-free closet = a clutter-free mind.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe only problem is that I am now seriously lacking in the summer clothes department.  Since my last shopping trip (<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/08/day-71-make-me-over-nordstrom/\" target=\"_blank\">on Day 71</a></strong> -- See I told you I hated it!) was a complete bust, I needed to venture out again.  This time around, I would go on my own.  I\'m a big girl now.  I can pull a wardrobe together without the help/hindrance of a personal shopper who wants to me in a night look suitable for the disco.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_5350\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Remember this from Day 71?  It&#39;s not 1977, Nordies.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/PC050184.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5350 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/PC050184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI tried going out this weekend, but with no success.  I wandered around a few stores aimlessly, and then spent a great deal of time looking for a snack at AJ\'s.  Unless I enter the shopping trenches with a completely full stomach, I\'m hopeless.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m not sure what I was thinking, because I was also PMSing.  (Sorry, token male readers.)  Women, should we all agree that no woman in her right mind should be trying on clothes when she is bloated, tired, and temperamental?  Clothes shopping at this time is beyond stupid.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nObviously beyond stupidity, I decided to give shopping the old college try the next day at lunch time.  I was on a mission to buy a few new clothes for my upcoming trip to Santa Barbara.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Why is it that women feel as though they always need new clothes for a trip??? )\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere is a strange phenomenon that exists within Noble Publishing Superpower where women vacate the building during lunch and hightail it to the mall a half a block away.  They return with new shoes and new clothes.  I am always in awe that they can make fashion decisions in approximately an hour.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn Day 211, I joined their club.  With a 20% off coupon and a prayer, I headed out to the mall.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe heavens opened and the shopping angels sang.  I returned to the office with 2 cute pairs of shorts (one dressy and one casual), a belt, and the Greatest Strapless Top in the History of the Shopping World.  Put it together with the dressy pair of shorts and my black wedges, this completes the Greatest Date Outfit in the History of the World.  With my newfound luck, I am sure that a Great Date Outfit opportunity is just around the corner.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are wondering what this mythical date outfit looks like, I promise to take a photo when I don it soon.  Since I am PMSing still, I don\'t have the energy to stage a photo for you now.  To assure you that I am not exaggerating, I am even too tired to haul myself to the pantry for a piece of chocolate.  I\'m sure that you can relate.  Woe is us.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBack to Lunchtime Shopping Superpowers...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI think for me, the limit on time is a really, really good thing.  I basically had to zone in on what I liked, try on things quickly, and rush back to work to avoid getting fired.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSince I work with aforementioned fashionistas, I was able to receive a complimentary post-shopping assessment back at the office.  Michelle B and Britt both gave enthusiastic approval.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI could get used to this.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd that could be (cha-ching!) dangerous.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 211:  Lunchtime Shopping ','','inherit','open','open','','5345-revision-8','','','2011-04-26 20:16:57','2011-04-27 03:16:57','',5345,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/26/5345-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(5358,1,'2011-04-26 20:17:22','2011-04-27 03:17:22','<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/bfishadow/4228118562/\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-5354\" title=\"4228118562_b3bdf253f3\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/4228118562_b3bdf253f3-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>Unlike most members of my gender, I hate shopping.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBack in November, <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/27/day-59-fashion-makeover-part-2-featuring-enquirer-worthy-photos/\" target=\"_blank\">I had the bright idea of decluttering my closet</a></strong>.  I pared down both summer and winter wardrobes nicely.  (We only have two seasons here.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAhhh... A clutter-free closet = a clutter-free mind.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe only problem is that I am now seriously lacking in the summer clothes department.  Since my last shopping trip (<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/08/day-71-make-me-over-nordstrom/\" target=\"_blank\">on Day 71</a></strong> -- See I told you I hated it!) was a complete bust, I needed to venture out again.  This time around, I would go on my own.  I\'m a big girl now.  I can pull a wardrobe together without the help/hindrance of a personal shopper who wants to me in a night look suitable for the disco.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_5350\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Remember this from Day 71?  It&#39;s not 1977, Nordies.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/PC050184.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5350 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/PC050184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI tried going out this weekend, but with no success.  I wandered around a few stores aimlessly, and then spent a great deal of time looking for a snack at AJ\'s.  Unless I enter the shopping trenches with a completely full stomach, I\'m hopeless.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m not sure what I was thinking, because I was also PMSing.  (Sorry, token male readers.)  Women, should we all agree that no woman in her right mind should be trying on clothes when she is bloated, tired, and temperamental?  Clothes shopping at this time is beyond stupid.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nObviously beyond stupidity, I decided to give shopping the old college try the next day at lunch time.  I was on a mission to buy a few new clothes for my upcoming trip to Santa Barbara.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Why is it that women feel as though they always need new clothes for a trip??? )\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere is a strange phenomenon that exists within Noble Publishing Superpower where women vacate the building during lunch and hightail it to the mall a half a block away.  They return with new shoes and new clothes.  I am always in awe that they can make fashion decisions in approximately an hour.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn Day 211, I joined their club.  With a 20% off coupon and a prayer, I headed out to the mall.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe heavens opened and the shopping angels sang.  I returned to the office with 2 cute pairs of shorts (one dressy and one casual), a belt, and the Greatest Strapless Top in the History of the Shopping World.  Put it together with the dressy pair of shorts and my black wedges, this completes the Greatest Date Outfit in the History of the World.  With my newfound luck, I am sure that a Great Date Outfit opportunity is just around the corner.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are wondering what this mythical date outfit looks like, I promise to take a photo when I don it soon.  Since I am PMSing still, I don\'t have the energy to stage a photo for you now.  To assure you that I am not exaggerating, I am even too tired to haul myself to the pantry for a piece of chocolate.  I\'m sure that you can relate.  Woe is us.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBack to Lunchtime Shopping Superpowers...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI think for me, the limit on time is a really, really good thing.  I basically had to zone in on what I liked, try on things quickly, and rush back to work to avoid getting fired.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSince I work with aforementioned fashionistas, I was able to receive a complimentary post-shopping assessment back at the office.  Michelle B and Britt both gave enthusiastic approval.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI could get used to this.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd that could be (cha-ching!) dangerous.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 211:  Lunchtime Shopping ','','inherit','open','open','','5345-revision-9','','','2011-04-26 20:17:22','2011-04-27 03:17:22','',5345,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/26/5345-revision-9/',0,'revision','',0),(5359,1,'2011-04-26 20:19:16','2011-04-27 03:19:16','<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/bfishadow/4228118562/\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-5354\" title=\"4228118562_b3bdf253f3\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/4228118562_b3bdf253f3-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>Unlike most members of my gender, I hate shopping.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBack in November, <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/27/day-59-fashion-makeover-part-2-featuring-enquirer-worthy-photos/\" target=\"_blank\">I had the bright idea of decluttering my closet</a></strong>.  I pared down both summer and winter wardrobes nicely.  (We only have two seasons here.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAhhh... A clutter-free closet = a clutter-free mind.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe only problem is that I am now seriously lacking in the summer clothes department.  Since my last shopping trip (<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/08/day-71-make-me-over-nordstrom/\" target=\"_blank\">on Day 71</a></strong> -- See I told you I hated it!) was a complete bust, I needed to venture out again.  This time around, I would go on my own.  I\'m a grown woman.  I can do this.  I can pull a wardrobe together without the help/hindrance of a personal shopper who envisions me in a night look suitable for the disco.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_5350\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Remember this from Day 71?  It&#39;s not 1977, Nordies.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/PC050184.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5350 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/PC050184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI tried going out this weekend, but with no success.  I wandered around a few stores aimlessly, and then spent a great deal of time looking for a snack at AJ\'s.  Unless I enter the shopping trenches with a completely full stomach, I\'m hopeless.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m not sure what I was thinking, because I was also PMSing.  (Sorry, token male readers.)  Women, should we all agree that no woman in her right mind should be trying on clothes when she is bloated, tired, and temperamental?  Clothes shopping at this time is beyond stupid.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nObviously beyond stupidity, I decided to give shopping the old college try the next day at lunch time.  I was on a mission to buy a few new clothes for my upcoming trip to Santa Barbara.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Why is it that women feel as though they always need new clothes for a trip??? )\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere is a strange phenomenon that exists within Noble Publishing Superpower where women vacate the building during lunch and hightail it to the mall a half a block away.  They return with new shoes and new clothes.  I am always in awe that they can make fashion decisions in approximately an hour.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn Day 211, I joined their club.  With a 20% off coupon and a prayer, I headed out to the mall.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe heavens opened and the shopping angels sang.  I returned to the office with 2 cute pairs of shorts (one dressy and one casual), a belt, and the Greatest Strapless Top in the History of the Shopping World.  Put it together with the dressy pair of shorts and my black wedges, this completes the Greatest Date Outfit in the History of the World.  With my newfound luck, I am sure that a Great Date Outfit opportunity is just around the corner.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are wondering what this mythical date outfit looks like, I promise to take a photo when I don it soon.  Since I am PMSing still, I don\'t have the energy to stage a photo for you now.  To assure you that I am not exaggerating, I am even too tired to haul myself to the pantry for a piece of chocolate.  I\'m sure that you can relate.  Woe is us.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBack to Lunchtime Shopping Superpowers...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI think for me, the limit on time is a really, really good thing.  I basically had to zone in on what I liked, try on things quickly, and rush back to work to avoid getting fired.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSince I work with aforementioned fashionistas, I was able to receive a complimentary post-shopping assessment back at the office.  Michelle B and Britt both gave enthusiastic approval.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI could get used to this.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd that could be (cha-ching!) dangerous.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 211:  Lunchtime Shopping ','','inherit','open','open','','5345-revision-10','','','2011-04-26 20:19:16','2011-04-27 03:19:16','',5345,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/26/5345-revision-10/',0,'revision','',0),(5360,1,'2011-04-26 20:19:50','2011-04-27 03:19:50','<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/bfishadow/4228118562/\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-5354\" title=\"4228118562_b3bdf253f3\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/4228118562_b3bdf253f3-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>Unlike most members of my gender, I hate shopping.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBack in November, <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/27/day-59-fashion-makeover-part-2-featuring-enquirer-worthy-photos/\" target=\"_blank\">I had the bright idea of decluttering my closet</a></strong>.  I pared down both summer and winter wardrobes nicely.  (We only have two seasons here.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAhhh... A clutter-free closet = a clutter-free mind.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe only problem is that I am now seriously lacking in the summer clothes department.  Since my last shopping trip (<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/08/day-71-make-me-over-nordstrom/\" target=\"_blank\">on Day 71</a></strong> -- See I told you I hated it!) was a complete bust, I needed to venture out again.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis time around, I would go on my own.  I\'m a grown woman.  I can do this.  I can pull a wardrobe together without the help/hindrance of a personal shopper who envisions me in a night look suitable for the disco.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_5350\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Remember this from Day 71?  It&#39;s not 1977, Nordies.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/PC050184.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5350 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/PC050184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI tried going out this weekend, but with no success.  I wandered around a few stores aimlessly, and then spent a great deal of time looking for a snack at AJ\'s.  Unless I enter the shopping trenches with a completely full stomach, I\'m hopeless.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m not sure what I was thinking, because I was also PMSing.  (Sorry, token male readers.)  Women, should we all agree that no woman in her right mind should be trying on clothes when she is bloated, tired, and temperamental?  Clothes shopping at this time is beyond stupid.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nObviously beyond stupidity, I decided to give shopping the old college try the next day at lunch time.  I was on a mission to buy a few new clothes for my upcoming trip to Santa Barbara.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Why is it that women feel as though they always need new clothes for a trip??? )\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere is a strange phenomenon that exists within Noble Publishing Superpower where women vacate the building during lunch and hightail it to the mall a half a block away.  They return with new shoes and new clothes.  I am always in awe that they can make fashion decisions in approximately an hour.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn Day 211, I joined their club.  With a 20% off coupon and a prayer, I headed out to the mall.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe heavens opened and the shopping angels sang.  I returned to the office with 2 cute pairs of shorts (one dressy and one casual), a belt, and the Greatest Strapless Top in the History of the Shopping World.  Put it together with the dressy pair of shorts and my black wedges, this completes the Greatest Date Outfit in the History of the World.  With my newfound luck, I am sure that a Great Date Outfit opportunity is just around the corner.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are wondering what this mythical date outfit looks like, I promise to take a photo when I don it soon.  Since I am PMSing still, I don\'t have the energy to stage a photo for you now.  To assure you that I am not exaggerating, I am even too tired to haul myself to the pantry for a piece of chocolate.  I\'m sure that you can relate.  Woe is us.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBack to Lunchtime Shopping Superpowers...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI think for me, the limit on time is a really, really good thing.  I basically had to zone in on what I liked, try on things quickly, and rush back to work to avoid getting fired.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSince I work with aforementioned fashionistas, I was able to receive a complimentary post-shopping assessment back at the office.  Michelle B and Britt both gave enthusiastic approval.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI could get used to this.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd that could be (cha-ching!) dangerous.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 211:  Lunchtime Shopping ','','inherit','open','open','','5345-revision-11','','','2011-04-26 20:19:50','2011-04-27 03:19:50','',5345,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/26/5345-revision-11/',0,'revision','',0),(5361,1,'2011-04-26 20:20:33','2011-04-27 03:20:33','<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/bfishadow/4228118562/\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-5354\" title=\"4228118562_b3bdf253f3\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/4228118562_b3bdf253f3-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>Unlike most members of my gender, I hate shopping.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBack in November, <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/27/day-59-fashion-makeover-part-2-featuring-enquirer-worthy-photos/\" target=\"_blank\">I had the bright idea of decluttering my closet</a></strong>.  I pared down both summer and winter wardrobes nicely.  (We only have two seasons here.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAhhh... A clutter-free closet = a clutter-free mind.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe only problem is that I am now seriously lacking in the summer clothes department.  Since my last shopping trip (<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/08/day-71-make-me-over-nordstrom/\" target=\"_blank\">on Day 71</a></strong> -- See? I told you I hated it!) was a complete bust, I needed to venture out again.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis time around, I would go on my own.  I\'m a grown woman.  I can do this.  I can pull a wardrobe together without the help/hindrance of a personal shopper who envisions me in a night look suitable for the disco.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_5350\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Remember this from Day 71?  It&#39;s not 1977, Nordies.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/PC050184.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5350 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/PC050184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI tried going out this weekend, but with no success.  I wandered around a few stores aimlessly, and then spent a great deal of time looking for a snack at AJ\'s.  Unless I enter the shopping trenches with a completely full stomach, I\'m hopeless.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m not sure what I was thinking, because I was also PMSing.  (Sorry, token male readers.)  Women, should we all agree that no woman in her right mind should be trying on clothes when she is bloated, tired, and temperamental?  Clothes shopping at this time is beyond stupid.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nObviously beyond stupidity, I decided to give shopping the old college try the next day at lunch time.  I was on a mission to buy a few new clothes for my upcoming trip to Santa Barbara.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Why is it that women feel as though they always need new clothes for a trip??? )\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere is a strange phenomenon that exists within Noble Publishing Superpower where women vacate the building during lunch and hightail it to the mall a half a block away.  They return with new shoes and new clothes.  I am always in awe that they can make fashion decisions in approximately an hour.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn Day 211, I joined their club.  With a 20% off coupon and a prayer, I headed out to the mall.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe heavens opened and the shopping angels sang.  I returned to the office with 2 cute pairs of shorts (one dressy and one casual), a belt, and the Greatest Strapless Top in the History of the Shopping World.  Put it together with the dressy pair of shorts and my black wedges, this completes the Greatest Date Outfit in the History of the World.  With my newfound luck, I am sure that a Great Date Outfit opportunity is just around the corner.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are wondering what this mythical date outfit looks like, I promise to take a photo when I don it soon.  Since I am PMSing still, I don\'t have the energy to stage a photo for you now.  To assure you that I am not exaggerating, I am even too tired to haul myself to the pantry for a piece of chocolate.  I\'m sure that you can relate.  Woe is us.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBack to Lunchtime Shopping Superpowers...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI think for me, the limit on time is a really, really good thing.  I basically had to zone in on what I liked, try on things quickly, and rush back to work to avoid getting fired.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSince I work with aforementioned fashionistas, I was able to receive a complimentary post-shopping assessment back at the office.  Michelle B and Britt both gave enthusiastic approval.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI could get used to this.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd that could be (cha-ching!) dangerous.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 211:  Lunchtime Shopping ','','inherit','open','open','','5345-revision-12','','','2011-04-26 20:20:33','2011-04-27 03:20:33','',5345,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/26/5345-revision-12/',0,'revision','',0),(5362,1,'2011-04-26 20:26:29','2011-04-27 03:26:29','<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/bfishadow/4228118562/\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-5354\" title=\"4228118562_b3bdf253f3\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/4228118562_b3bdf253f3-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>Unlike most members of my gender, I hate shopping.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBack in November, <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/27/day-59-fashion-makeover-part-2-featuring-enquirer-worthy-photos/\" target=\"_blank\">I had the bright idea of decluttering my closet</a></strong>.  I pared down both summer and winter wardrobes nicely.  (We only have two seasons here.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAhhh... A clutter-free closet = a clutter-free mind.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe only problem is that I am now seriously lacking in the summer clothes department.  Since my last shopping trip (<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/08/day-71-make-me-over-nordstrom/\" target=\"_blank\">on Day 71</a></strong> -- See? I told you I hated it!) was a complete bust, I needed to venture out again.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThis time around, I would go on my own.  I\'m a grown woman.  I can do this.  I can pull a wardrobe together without the help/hindrance of a personal shopper who envisions me in a night look suitable for the disco.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_5350\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Remember this from Day 71?  It&#39;s not 1977, Nordies.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/PC050184.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5350 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/PC050184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI tried going out this weekend, but with no success.  I wandered around a few stores aimlessly, and then spent a great deal of time looking for a snack at AJ\'s.  Unless I enter the shopping trenches with a completely full stomach, I\'m hopeless.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'m not sure what I was thinking, because I was also PMSing.  (Sorry, token male readers.)  Women, should we all agree that no woman in her right mind should be trying on clothes when she is bloated, tired, and temperamental?  Clothes shopping at this time is beyond stupid.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nObviously beyond stupidity, I decided to give shopping the old college try the next day at lunch time.  I was on a mission to buy a few new clothes for my upcoming trip to Santa Barbara.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n(Why is it that women feel as though they always need new clothes for a trip??? )\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>There is a strange phenomenon that exists within the Noble Publishing Superpower that is my employer where women vacate the building during lunch and hightail it to the mall a half a block away.</strong></span> They return with new shoes and new clothes.  I am always in awe that they can make fashion decisions in approximately an hour.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn Day 211, I joined their club.  With a 20% off coupon and a prayer, I headed out to the mall.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe heavens opened and the shopping angels sang.  I returned to the office with 2 cute pairs of shorts (one dressy and one casual), a belt, and the <span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Greatest Strapless Top in the History of the Shopping World</strong></span>.  Put it together with the dressy pair of shorts and my black wedges, this completes the<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong> Greatest Date Outfit in the History of the World</strong></span>.  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/23/day-207-reclaiming-my-luck/\" target=\"_blank\">With my newfound luck</a></strong>, I am sure that a Great Date Outfit opportunity is just around the corner.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIf you are wondering what this mythical date outfit looks like, I promise to take a photo when I don it soon.  Since I am still PMSing, I don\'t have the energy to stage a photo for you now.  To assure you that I am not exaggerating, I am even too tired to haul myself to the pantry for a piece of chocolate.  I\'m sure that you can relate.  Woe is us.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBack to Lunchtime Shopping Superpowers...\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI think for me, the limit on time is a really, really good thing.  I basically had to zone in on what I liked, try on things quickly, and rush back to work to avoid getting fired.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSince I work with aforementioned fashionistas, I was able to receive a complimentary post-shopping assessment back at the office.  Michelle B and Britt both gave enthusiastic approval.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI could get used to this.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd that could be (cha-ching!) dangerous.\n\n&nbsp;','Day 211:  Lunchtime Shopping ','','inherit','open','open','','5345-autosave','','','2011-04-26 20:26:29','2011-04-27 03:26:29','',5345,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/26/5345-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(5363,1,'2011-04-26 20:22:04','2011-04-27 03:22:04','<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/bfishadow/4228118562/\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-5354\" title=\"4228118562_b3bdf253f3\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/4228118562_b3bdf253f3-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>Unlike most members of my gender, I hate shopping.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBack in November, <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/27/day-59-fashion-makeover-part-2-featuring-enquirer-worthy-photos/\" target=\"_blank\">I had the bright idea of decluttering my closet</a></strong>.  I pared down both summer and winter wardrobes nicely.  (We only have two seasons here.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAhhh... A clutter-free closet = a clutter-free mind.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe only problem is that I am now seriously lacking in the summer clothes department.  Since my last shopping trip (<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/08/day-71-make-me-over-nordstrom/\" target=\"_blank\">on Day 71</a></strong> -- See? I told you I hated it!) was a complete bust, I needed to venture out again.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis time around, I would go on my own.  I\'m a grown woman.  I can do this.  I can pull a wardrobe together without the help/hindrance of a personal shopper who envisions me in a night look suitable for the disco.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_5350\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Remember this from Day 71?  It&#39;s not 1977, Nordies.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/PC050184.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5350 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/PC050184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI tried going out this weekend, but with no success.  I wandered around a few stores aimlessly, and then spent a great deal of time looking for a snack at AJ\'s.  Unless I enter the shopping trenches with a completely full stomach, I\'m hopeless.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m not sure what I was thinking, because I was also PMSing.  (Sorry, token male readers.)  Women, should we all agree that no woman in her right mind should be trying on clothes when she is bloated, tired, and temperamental?  Clothes shopping at this time is beyond stupid.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nObviously beyond stupidity, I decided to give shopping the old college try the next day at lunch time.  I was on a mission to buy a few new clothes for my upcoming trip to Santa Barbara.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Why is it that women feel as though they always need new clothes for a trip??? )\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere is a strange phenomenon that exists within the Noble Publishing Superpower that is my employer where women vacate the building during lunch and hightail it to the mall a half a block away.  They return with new shoes and new clothes.  I am always in awe that they can make fashion decisions in approximately an hour.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn Day 211, I joined their club.  With a 20% off coupon and a prayer, I headed out to the mall.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe heavens opened and the shopping angels sang.  I returned to the office with 2 cute pairs of shorts (one dressy and one casual), a belt, and the Greatest Strapless Top in the History of the Shopping World.  Put it together with the dressy pair of shorts and my black wedges, this completes the Greatest Date Outfit in the History of the World.  With my newfound luck, I am sure that a Great Date Outfit opportunity is just around the corner.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are wondering what this mythical date outfit looks like, I promise to take a photo when I don it soon.  Since I am PMSing still, I don\'t have the energy to stage a photo for you now.  To assure you that I am not exaggerating, I am even too tired to haul myself to the pantry for a piece of chocolate.  I\'m sure that you can relate.  Woe is us.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBack to Lunchtime Shopping Superpowers...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI think for me, the limit on time is a really, really good thing.  I basically had to zone in on what I liked, try on things quickly, and rush back to work to avoid getting fired.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSince I work with aforementioned fashionistas, I was able to receive a complimentary post-shopping assessment back at the office.  Michelle B and Britt both gave enthusiastic approval.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI could get used to this.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd that could be (cha-ching!) dangerous.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 211:  Lunchtime Shopping ','','inherit','open','open','','5345-revision-13','','','2011-04-26 20:22:04','2011-04-27 03:22:04','',5345,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/26/5345-revision-13/',0,'revision','',0),(5364,1,'2011-04-26 20:24:56','2011-04-27 03:24:56','<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/bfishadow/4228118562/\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-5354\" title=\"4228118562_b3bdf253f3\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/4228118562_b3bdf253f3-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>Unlike most members of my gender, I hate shopping.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBack in November, <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/27/day-59-fashion-makeover-part-2-featuring-enquirer-worthy-photos/\" target=\"_blank\">I had the bright idea of decluttering my closet</a></strong>.  I pared down both summer and winter wardrobes nicely.  (We only have two seasons here.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAhhh... A clutter-free closet = a clutter-free mind.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe only problem is that I am now seriously lacking in the summer clothes department.  Since my last shopping trip (<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/08/day-71-make-me-over-nordstrom/\" target=\"_blank\">on Day 71</a></strong> -- See? I told you I hated it!) was a complete bust, I needed to venture out again.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis time around, I would go on my own.  I\'m a grown woman.  I can do this.  I can pull a wardrobe together without the help/hindrance of a personal shopper who envisions me in a night look suitable for the disco.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_5350\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Remember this from Day 71?  It&#39;s not 1977, Nordies.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/PC050184.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5350 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/PC050184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI tried going out this weekend, but with no success.  I wandered around a few stores aimlessly, and then spent a great deal of time looking for a snack at AJ\'s.  Unless I enter the shopping trenches with a completely full stomach, I\'m hopeless.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m not sure what I was thinking, because I was also PMSing.  (Sorry, token male readers.)  Women, should we all agree that no woman in her right mind should be trying on clothes when she is bloated, tired, and temperamental?  Clothes shopping at this time is beyond stupid.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nObviously beyond stupidity, I decided to give shopping the old college try the next day at lunch time.  I was on a mission to buy a few new clothes for my upcoming trip to Santa Barbara.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Why is it that women feel as though they always need new clothes for a trip??? )\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere is a strange phenomenon that exists within the Noble Publishing Superpower that is my employer where women vacate the building during lunch and hightail it to the mall a half a block away.  They return with new shoes and new clothes.  I am always in awe that they can make fashion decisions in approximately an hour.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn Day 211, I joined their club.  With a 20% off coupon and a prayer, I headed out to the mall.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe heavens opened and the shopping angels sang.  I returned to the office with 2 cute pairs of shorts (one dressy and one casual), a belt, and the Greatest Strapless Top in the History of the Shopping World.  Put it together with the dressy pair of shorts and my black wedges, this completes the Greatest Date Outfit in the History of the World.  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/23/day-207-reclaiming-my-luck/\" target=\"_blank\">With my newfound luck</a></strong>, I am sure that a Great Date Outfit opportunity is just around the corner.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are wondering what this mythical date outfit looks like, I promise to take a photo when I don it soon.  Since I am still PMSing, I don\'t have the energy to stage a photo for you now.  To assure you that I am not exaggerating, I am even too tired to haul myself to the pantry for a piece of chocolate.  I\'m sure that you can relate.  Woe is us.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBack to Lunchtime Shopping Superpowers...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI think for me, the limit on time is a really, really good thing.  I basically had to zone in on what I liked, try on things quickly, and rush back to work to avoid getting fired.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSince I work with aforementioned fashionistas, I was able to receive a complimentary post-shopping assessment back at the office.  Michelle B and Britt both gave enthusiastic approval.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI could get used to this.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd that could be (cha-ching!) dangerous.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 211:  Lunchtime Shopping ','','inherit','open','open','','5345-revision-14','','','2011-04-26 20:24:56','2011-04-27 03:24:56','',5345,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/26/5345-revision-14/',0,'revision','',0),(5365,1,'2011-04-26 20:26:58','2011-04-27 03:26:58','<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/bfishadow/4228118562/\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-5354\" title=\"4228118562_b3bdf253f3\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/4228118562_b3bdf253f3-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>Unlike most members of my gender, I hate shopping.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBack in November, <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/27/day-59-fashion-makeover-part-2-featuring-enquirer-worthy-photos/\" target=\"_blank\">I had the bright idea of decluttering my closet</a></strong>.  I pared down both summer and winter wardrobes nicely.  (We only have two seasons here.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAhhh... A clutter-free closet = a clutter-free mind.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe only problem is that I am now seriously lacking in the summer clothes department.  Since my last shopping trip (<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/08/day-71-make-me-over-nordstrom/\" target=\"_blank\">on Day 71</a></strong> -- See? I told you I hated it!) was a complete bust, I needed to venture out again.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis time around, I would go on my own.  I\'m a grown woman.  I can do this.  <span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>I can pull a wardrobe together without the help/hindrance of a personal shopper who envisions me in a night look suitable for the disco.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_5350\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Remember this from Day 71?  It&#39;s not 1977, Nordies.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/PC050184.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5350 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/PC050184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI tried going out this weekend, but with no success.  I wandered around a few stores aimlessly, and then spent a great deal of time looking for a snack at AJ\'s.  Unless I enter the shopping trenches with a completely full stomach, I\'m hopeless.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m not sure what I was thinking, because I was also PMSing.  (Sorry, token male readers.)  Women, should we all agree that no woman in her right mind should be trying on clothes when she is bloated, tired, and temperamental?  Clothes shopping at this time is beyond stupid.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nObviously beyond stupidity, I decided to give shopping the old college try the next day at lunch time.  I was on a mission to buy a few new clothes for my upcoming trip to Santa Barbara.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Why is it that women feel as though they always need new clothes for a trip??? )\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>There is a strange phenomenon that exists within the Noble Publishing Superpower that is my employer where women vacate the building during lunch and hightail it to the mall a half a block away.</strong></span> They return with new shoes and new clothes.  I am always in awe that they can make fashion decisions in approximately an hour.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn Day 211, I joined their club.  With a 20% off coupon and a prayer, I headed out to the mall.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe heavens opened and the shopping angels sang.  I returned to the office with 2 cute pairs of shorts (one dressy and one casual), a belt, and the <span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Greatest Strapless Top in the History of the Shopping World</strong></span>.  Put it together with the dressy pair of shorts and my black wedges, this completes the<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong> Greatest Date Outfit in the History of the World</strong></span>.  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/23/day-207-reclaiming-my-luck/\" target=\"_blank\">With my newfound luck</a></strong>, I am sure that a Great Date Outfit opportunity is just around the corner.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are wondering what this mythical date outfit looks like, I promise to take a photo when I don it soon.  Since I am still PMSing, I don\'t have the energy to stage a photo for you now.  To assure you that I am not exaggerating, I am even too tired to haul myself to the pantry for a piece of chocolate.  I\'m sure that you can relate.  Woe is us.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBack to Lunchtime Shopping Superpowers...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI think for me, the limit on time is a really, really good thing.  I basically had to zone in on what I liked, try on things quickly, and rush back to work to avoid getting fired.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSince I work with aforementioned fashionistas, I was able to receive a complimentary post-shopping assessment back at the office.  Michelle B and Britt both gave enthusiastic approval.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI could get used to this.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd that could be (cha-ching!) dangerous.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 211:  Lunchtime Shopping ','','inherit','open','open','','5345-revision-15','','','2011-04-26 20:26:58','2011-04-27 03:26:58','',5345,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/26/5345-revision-15/',0,'revision','',0),(5366,1,'2011-04-26 20:30:11','2011-04-27 03:30:11','<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/bfishadow/4228118562/\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-5354\" title=\"4228118562_b3bdf253f3\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/4228118562_b3bdf253f3-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>Unlike most members of my gender, I hate shopping.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBack in November, <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/27/day-59-fashion-makeover-part-2-featuring-enquirer-worthy-photos/\" target=\"_blank\">I had the bright idea of decluttering my closet</a></strong>.  I pared down both summer and winter wardrobes nicely.  (We only have two seasons here.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAhhh... A clutter-free closet = a clutter-free mind.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe only problem is that I am now seriously lacking in the summer clothes department.  Since my last shopping trip (<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/08/day-71-make-me-over-nordstrom/\" target=\"_blank\">on Day 71</a></strong> -- See? I told you I hated it!) was a complete bust, I needed to venture out again.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis time around, I would go on my own.  I\'m a grown woman.  I can do this.  <span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>I can pull a wardrobe together without the help/hindrance of a personal shopper who envisions me in a night look suitable for the disco.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_5350\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Remember this from Day 71?  It&#39;s not 1977, Nordies.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/PC050184.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5350 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/PC050184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI tried going out this weekend, but with no success.  I wandered around a few stores aimlessly, and then spent a great deal of time looking for a snack at AJ\'s.  Unless I enter the shopping trenches with a completely full stomach, I\'m hopeless.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m not sure what I was thinking, because I was also PMSing.  (Sorry, token male readers.)  Women, should we all agree that no woman in her right mind should be trying on clothes when she is bloated, tired, and temperamental?  Clothes shopping at this time is beyond stupid.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nObviously beyond stupidity, I decided to give shopping the old college try the next day at lunch time.  I was on a mission to buy a few new clothes for my upcoming trip to Santa Barbara.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Why is it that women feel as though they always need new clothes for a trip??? )\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>There is a strange phenomenon that exists within the Noble Publishing Superpower that is my employer where women vacate the building during lunch and hightail it to the mall a half a block away.</strong></span> They return with new shoes and new clothes.  I am always in awe that they can make fashion decisions in approximately an hour.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn Day 211, I joined their club.  With a 20% off coupon and a prayer, I headed out to the mall.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe heavens opened and the shopping angels sang.  I returned to the office with 2 cute pairs of shorts (one dressy and one casual), a belt, and the <span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Greatest Strapless Top in the History of the Shopping World</strong></span>.  Put it together with the dressy pair of shorts and my black wedges, this completes the<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong> Greatest Date Outfit in the History of the World</strong></span>.  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/23/day-207-reclaiming-my-luck/\" target=\"_blank\">With my newfound luck</a></strong>, I am sure that a Great Date Outfit opportunity is just around the corner.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are wondering what this mythical date outfit looks like, I promise to take a photo when I don it soon.  Since I am still PMSing, I don\'t have the energy to stage a photo for you now.  To assure you that I am not exaggerating, I am even too tired to haul myself to the pantry for a piece of chocolate.  I\'m sure that you can relate.  Woe is us.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBack to Lunchtime Shopping Superpowers...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI think for me, the lunchtime-imposed limit on time is a really, really good thing.  I basically had to zone in on what I liked, try on things quickly, and rush back to work to avoid getting fired.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSince I work with aforementioned fashionistas, I was able to receive a complimentary post-shopping assessment back at the office.  Michelle B and Britt both gave their enthusiastic approval.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI could get used to this.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd that could be (cha-ching!) dangerous.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 211:  Lunchtime Shopping ','','inherit','open','open','','5345-revision-16','','','2011-04-26 20:30:11','2011-04-27 03:30:11','',5345,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/26/5345-revision-16/',0,'revision','',0),(5367,1,'2011-04-26 19:27:31','2011-04-27 02:27:31','','Day 212:  I am a Lunchtime Shopaholic','','inherit','open','open','','5347-revision-2','','','2011-04-26 19:27:31','2011-04-27 02:27:31','',5347,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/26/5347-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(5368,1,'2011-04-28 20:22:16','2011-04-29 03:22:16','Yesterday I worked through my extreme loathing of shopping and surprised myself with an enjoyable and successful lunchtime shopping expedition.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI now ready for my Santa Barbara trip as well as a Hot Date (I\'m working on manifesting this one into my life) for which I will don Greatest Date Outfit in the History of the World.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFor Day 212, I originally scheduled another soul-scintillating activity that I would delve into during my lunch hour.  Little did I know that I would be distracted by a Banana Republic email luring  me a 40% discount on all tops in the store.  For 3 hours only.  At lunchtime, of course.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLet me share that I\'ve been on the Banana Republic email list for years.  YEARS!  I\'m not sure why, because I delete all their emails.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBut now, with my lunchtime shopping radar finely tuned, I not only read the email, but I acted on it.  I dissed my original plans for shopping.   I\'m so ashamed.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI need an intervention.  Now.','Day 212:  I am a Lunchtime Shopaholic','','inherit','open','open','','5347-revision-3','','','2011-04-28 20:22:16','2011-04-29 03:22:16','',5347,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/28/5347-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(5369,1,'2011-04-28 20:28:51','2011-04-29 03:28:51','','276203090_b151d039c6','','inherit','open','open','','276203090_b151d039c6','','','2011-04-28 20:28:51','2011-04-29 03:28:51','',5347,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/276203090_b151d039c6.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5370,1,'2011-04-28 20:23:59','2011-04-29 03:23:59','Yesterday I worked through my extreme loathing of shopping and surprised myself with an enjoyable and successful lunchtime shopping expedition.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI now ready for my Santa Barbara trip as well as a Hot Date (I\'m working on manifesting this one into my life) for which I will don Greatest Date Outfit in the History of the World.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFor Day 212, I originally scheduled another soul-scintillating activity that I would delve into during my lunch hour.  Little did I know that I would be distracted by a Banana Republic email luring me in with a 40% discount on all tops in the store.  For 3 hours only.  At lunchtime, of course.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLet me share that I\'ve been on the Banana Republic email list for years.  YEARS!  I\'m not sure why, because I delete all their emails.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBut now, with my lunchtime shopping radar finely tuned, I not only read the email, but I acted on it.  I dissed my original plans for shopping.   I\'m so ashamed.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI need an intervention.  Now.','Day 212:  I am a Lunchtime Shopaholic','','inherit','open','open','','5347-revision-4','','','2011-04-28 20:23:59','2011-04-29 03:23:59','',5347,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/28/5347-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(5371,1,'2011-04-28 20:30:42','2011-04-29 03:30:42','<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/benny_lin/276203090/\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-5369\" title=\"276203090_b151d039c6\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/276203090_b151d039c6-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>Yesterday I worked through my extreme loathing of shopping and surprised myself with an enjoyable and successful lunchtime shopping expedition.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI now ready for my Santa Barbara trip as well as a Hot Date (I\'m working on manifesting this one into my life) for which I will don Greatest Date Outfit in the History of the World.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFor Day 212, I originally scheduled another soul-scintillating activity that I would delve into during my lunch hour.  Little did I know that I would be distracted by a Banana Republic email luring me in with a 40% discount on all tops in the store.  For 3 hours only.  At lunchtime, of course.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLet me share that I\'ve been on the Banana Republic email list for years.  YEARS!  I\'m not sure why, because I delete all their emails.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBut now, with my lunchtime shopping radar finely tuned, I not only read the email, but I acted on it.  I dissed my original plans for shopping.   I\'m so ashamed.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI need an intervention.  Now.','Day 212:  I am a Lunchtime Shopaholic','','inherit','open','open','','5347-revision-5','','','2011-04-28 20:30:42','2011-04-29 03:30:42','',5347,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/28/5347-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(5372,1,'2011-04-28 21:27:19','2011-04-29 04:27:19','<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/benny_lin/276203090/\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-5369\" title=\"276203090_b151d039c6\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/276203090_b151d039c6-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>Yesterday I worked through my extreme loathing of shopping and surprised myself with an enjoyable and successful lunchtime shopping expedition.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI now ready for my Santa Barbara trip as well as a Hot Date (I\'m working on manifesting this one into my life) for which I will don Greatest Date Outfit in the History of the World.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFor Day 212, I originally scheduled another soul-scintillating activity that I would delve into during my lunch hour.  Little did I know that I would be distracted by a Banana Republic email luring me in with a 40% discount on all tops in the store.  For 3 hours only.  At lunchtime, of course.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLet me share that I\'ve been on the Banana Republic email list for years.  YEARS!  I\'m not sure why, because I delete all their emails.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut now, with my lunchtime shopping radar finely tuned, I not only read the email, but I acted on it.  I dissed my original plans for shopping.   I\'m so ashamed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI need an intervention.  Now.','Day 212:  I am a Lunchtime Shopaholic','','inherit','open','open','','5347-autosave','','','2011-04-28 21:27:19','2011-04-29 04:27:19','',5347,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/28/5347-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(5374,1,'2011-04-28 20:34:13','2011-04-29 03:34:13','','Day 213:  This is it.  I promise.  ','','inherit','open','open','','5373-revision','','','2011-04-28 20:34:13','2011-04-29 03:34:13','',5373,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/28/5373-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(5375,1,'2011-04-28 21:21:41','2011-04-29 04:21:41','Ummmm…I\'m not kidding.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI really do need an intervention.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPlease.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIn the past two days, I\'ve evolved from a woman who hates shopping into a woman who is a lunchtime shopaholic.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYesterday, Shelby (World\'s Most Chipper and Helpful Banana Republic Salespeep) showed me a fab pair of wedges that would go perfectly with my new shorts from Day 211.  I balked at the price (I never pay full price for anything), so Shelby cheerfully helped me out by forking over a 40% off coupon for Wednesday only.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI planned on rushing out to the mall around noon to purchase my new shoes.  I also found myself craving the free tea samples at Teavana.  Their mixed Chai concoction is aMAZing!  Of course, I haven\'t actually <em>purchased </em>the Chai (not sure why since I\'m officially a shopaholic).  I\'m thinking it wouldn\'t be the same if I had the tea at my disposal at all times.  The novelty would wear off within the week.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe fact that I\'m thinking so much about the free samples of Teavana at the mall (I normally avoid malls like the plague) means that I now have lunchtime shopping <em>rituals</em>.  In my opinion, this is unhealthy.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'ve gone from packing my lunch 90% of the time (because it\'s the frugal thing to do) to dropping $$ on clothes and scamming free tea samples (a remnant of my old frugal self).\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI never made it to the mall.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBefore you think that I conquered my lunchtime shopaholic problem, I should probably confess that I ordered the shoes online where they were also offering the 40% sale.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI missed the Teavana samples, but I was slammed with work and had no other choice.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd this concludes my obsession with Lunchtime Shopping.  It was fun while it lasted, but I really must get back to a more well-rounded mix of soul-scintillating blog adventures.\n\n&nbsp;','Day 213:  This is it.  I promise.  ','','inherit','open','open','','5373-revision-2','','','2011-04-28 21:21:41','2011-04-29 04:21:41','',5373,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/28/5373-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(5376,1,'2011-04-28 21:25:24','2011-04-29 04:25:24','','328148669_7afad1cd46','','inherit','open','open','','328148669_7afad1cd46','','','2011-04-28 21:25:24','2011-04-29 04:25:24','',5373,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/328148669_7afad1cd46.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5377,1,'2011-04-28 21:23:32','2011-04-29 04:23:32','Ummmm…I\'m not kidding.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI really do need an intervention.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPlease.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIn the past two days, I\'ve evolved from a woman who hates shopping into a woman who is a lunchtime shopaholic.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYesterday, Shelby (World\'s Most Chipper and Helpful Banana Republic Salespeep) showed me a fab pair of wedges that would go perfectly with my new shorts from Day 211.  I balked at the price (I never pay full price for anything), so Shelby cheerfully helped me out by forking over a 40% off coupon for Wednesday only.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI planned on rushing out to the mall around noon to purchase my new shoes.  I also found myself craving the free tea samples at Teavana.  Their mixed Chai concoction is aMAZing!  Of course, I haven\'t actually <em>purchased </em>the Chai (not sure why since I\'m officially a shopaholic).  I\'m thinking it wouldn\'t be the same if I had the tea at my disposal at all times.  The novelty would wear off within the week.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe fact that I\'m thinking so much about the free samples of Teavana at the mall (I normally avoid malls like the plague) means that I now have lunchtime shopping <em>rituals</em>.  In my opinion, this is unhealthy.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'ve gone from packing my lunch 90% of the time (because it\'s the frugal thing to do) to dropping $$ on clothes and scamming free tea samples (a remnant of my old frugal self).\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI never made it to the mall.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBefore you think that I conquered my lunchtime shopaholic problem, I should probably confess that I ordered the shoes online where they were also offering the 40% sale.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI missed the Teavana samples, but I was slammed with work and had no other choice.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd this concludes my obsession with Lunchtime Shopping.  It was fun while it lasted, but I really must get back to a more well-rounded mix of soul-scintillating blog adventures.\n\n&nbsp;','Day 213:  This is it.  I promise.  ','','inherit','open','open','','5373-revision-3','','','2011-04-28 21:23:32','2011-04-29 04:23:32','',5373,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/28/5373-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(5378,1,'2011-04-28 21:26:00','2011-04-29 04:26:00','<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/pandemia/328148669/sizes/m/\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-5376\" title=\"328148669_7afad1cd46\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/328148669_7afad1cd46-214x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"214\" height=\"300\" /></a>Ummmm…I\'m not kidding.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI really do need an intervention.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlease.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the past two days, I\'ve evolved from a woman who hates shopping into a woman who is a lunchtime shopaholic.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYesterday, Shelby (World\'s Most Chipper and Helpful Banana Republic Salespeep) showed me a fab pair of wedges that would go perfectly with my new shorts from Day 211.  I balked at the price (I never pay full price for anything), so Shelby cheerfully helped me out by forking over a 40% off coupon for Wednesday only.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI planned on rushing out to the mall around noon to purchase my new shoes.  I also found myself craving the free tea samples at Teavana.  Their mixed Chai concoction is aMAZing!  Of course, I haven\'t actually <em>purchased </em>the Chai (not sure why since I\'m officially a shopaholic).  I\'m thinking it wouldn\'t be the same if I had the tea at my disposal at all times.  The novelty would wear off within the week.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe fact that I\'m thinking so much about the free samples of Teavana at the mall (I normally avoid malls like the plague) means that I now have lunchtime shopping <em>rituals</em>.  In my opinion, this is unhealthy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve gone from packing my lunch 90% of the time (because it\'s the frugal thing to do) to dropping $$ on clothes and scamming free tea samples (a remnant of my old frugal self).\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI never made it to the mall.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBefore you think that I conquered my lunchtime shopaholic problem, I should probably confess that I ordered the shoes online where they were also offering the 40% sale.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI missed the Teavana samples, but I was slammed with work and had no other choice.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd this concludes my obsession with Lunchtime Shopping.  It was fun while it lasted, but I really must get back to a more well-rounded mix of soul-scintillating blog adventures.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 213:  This is it.  I promise.  ','','inherit','open','open','','5373-revision-4','','','2011-04-28 21:26:00','2011-04-29 04:26:00','',5373,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/28/5373-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(5457,1,'2011-05-06 01:11:45','2011-05-06 08:11:45','[caption id=\"attachment_5461\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Smart dogs prefer Macs.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/P5050015.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5461 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/P5050015-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nHi, everybody!  It\'s Bella aka World\'s Most Precious Pooch.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI think my human, Michelle, reported not too long ago that I graduated summa cum laude from puppy preschool.  I guess this means that I\'m REALLY smart.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEvery night I watch Michelle type away at her computer on something that she calls a \"blog\".  Last night, I decided to hop on when she was \"indisposed\" to check things out.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m not old enough to be a Late Bloomer, but I was really curious to investigate what all the other kids are drawn to these days:  facebook.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHey,<strong><a href=\"http://blogs.forbes.com/kashmirhill/2011/03/07/mark-zuckerberg-gets-a-dog-gives-it-a-facebook-page/\" target=\"_blank\"> if Zuckerberg\'s dog can have a page</a></strong>, why can\'t I?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd his dog is a purebred.  They can be a bit on the snooty side.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am here to tell you that I am <span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">A</span><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">m</span><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">e</span><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">r</span><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">i</span><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">c</span><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">a</span><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">\'</span><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">s</span> <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">D</span><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">o</span><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">g</span><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">! </span></strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><span style=\"font-size: large;\">RESCUES ROCK!!!</span></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCheck out my new page!  <strong><a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/worlds.most.precious.pooch\" target=\"_blank\">http://www.facebook.com/worlds.most.precious.pooch</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWill you be my friend?','Day 220:  My Dog Hijacked My Computer','','publish','open','open','','day-220-my-dog-hijacked-my-computer','','','2012-04-08 20:47:27','2012-04-09 03:47:27','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=5457',0,'post','',10),(5380,1,'2011-04-28 21:34:53','2011-04-29 04:34:53','<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/pandemia/328148669/sizes/m/\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-5376\" title=\"328148669_7afad1cd46\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/328148669_7afad1cd46-214x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"214\" height=\"300\" /></a>Ummmm…I\'m not kidding.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI really do need an intervention.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPlease.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIn the past two days, I\'ve evolved from a woman who hates shopping into a woman who is a lunchtime shopaholic.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYesterday, Shelby (World\'s Most Chipper and Helpful Banana Republic Salespeep) showed me a fab pair of wedges that would go perfectly with my new shorts from Day 211.  I balked at the price (I never pay full price for anything), so Shelby cheerfully helped me out by forking over a 40% off coupon for Wednesday only.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI planned on rushing out to the mall around noon to purchase my new shoes.  I also found myself craving the free tea samples at Teavana.  Their mixed Chai concoction is aMAZing!  Of course, I haven\'t actually <em>purchased </em>the Chai (not sure why since I\'m officially a shopaholic).  I\'m thinking it wouldn\'t be the same if I had the tea at my disposal at all times.  The novelty would wear off within the week.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe fact that I\'m thinking so much about the free samples of Teavana at the mall (I normally avoid malls like the plague) means that I now have lunchtime shopping <em>rituals</em>.  In my opinion, this is unhealthy.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'ve gone from packing my lunch 90% of the time (because it\'s the frugal thing to do) to dropping $$ on clothes and scamming free tea samples (a remnant of my old frugal self).\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs lunchtime I approached, I changed my plans.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI never made it to the mall.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBefore you think that I conquered my lunchtime shopaholic problem, I should probably confess that I ordered the shoes online where they were also offering the 40% sale.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI missed the Teavana samples, but I was slammed with work and had no other choice.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd this concludes my obsession with Lunchtime Shopping.  It was fun while it lasted, but I really must get back to a more well-rounded mix of soul-scintillating blog adventures.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThank you for your support.\n\n&nbsp;','Day 213:  This is it.  I promise.  ','','inherit','open','open','','5373-autosave','','','2011-04-28 21:34:53','2011-04-29 04:34:53','',5373,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/28/5373-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(5381,1,'2011-04-28 21:27:00','2011-04-29 04:27:00','<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/pandemia/328148669/sizes/m/\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-5376\" title=\"328148669_7afad1cd46\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/328148669_7afad1cd46-214x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"214\" height=\"300\" /></a>Ummmm…I\'m not kidding.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI really do need an intervention.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlease.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the past two days, I\'ve evolved from a woman who hates shopping into a woman who is a lunchtime shopaholic.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYesterday, Shelby (World\'s Most Chipper and Helpful Banana Republic Salespeep) showed me a fab pair of wedges that would go perfectly with my new shorts from Day 211.  I balked at the price (I never pay full price for anything), so Shelby cheerfully helped me out by forking over a 40% off coupon for Wednesday only.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI planned on rushing out to the mall around noon to purchase my new shoes.  I also found myself craving the free tea samples at Teavana.  Their mixed Chai concoction is aMAZing!  Of course, I haven\'t actually <em>purchased </em>the Chai (not sure why since I\'m officially a shopaholic).  I\'m thinking it wouldn\'t be the same if I had the tea at my disposal at all times.  The novelty would wear off within the week.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe fact that I\'m thinking so much about the free samples of Teavana at the mall (I normally avoid malls like the plague) means that I now have lunchtime shopping <em>rituals</em>.  In my opinion, this is unhealthy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve gone from packing my lunch 90% of the time (because it\'s the frugal thing to do) to dropping $$ on clothes and scamming free tea samples (a remnant of my old frugal self).\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI never made it to the mall.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBefore you think that I conquered my lunchtime shopaholic problem, I should probably confess that I ordered the shoes online where they were also offering the 40% sale.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI missed the Teavana samples, but I was slammed with work and had no other choice.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd this concludes my obsession with Lunchtime Shopping.  It was fun while it lasted, but I really must get back to a more well-rounded mix of soul-scintillating blog adventures.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 213:  This is it.  I promise.  ','','inherit','open','open','','5373-revision-5','','','2011-04-28 21:27:00','2011-04-29 04:27:00','',5373,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/28/5373-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(5382,1,'2011-04-28 21:33:48','2011-04-29 04:33:48','<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/pandemia/328148669/sizes/m/\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-5376\" title=\"328148669_7afad1cd46\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/328148669_7afad1cd46-214x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"214\" height=\"300\" /></a>Ummmm…I\'m not kidding.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI really do need an intervention.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlease.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the past two days, I\'ve evolved from a woman who hates shopping into a woman who is a lunchtime shopaholic.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYesterday, Shelby (World\'s Most Chipper and Helpful Banana Republic Salespeep) showed me a fab pair of wedges that would go perfectly with my new shorts from Day 211.  I balked at the price (I never pay full price for anything), so Shelby cheerfully helped me out by forking over a 40% off coupon for Wednesday only.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI planned on rushing out to the mall around noon to purchase my new shoes.  I also found myself craving the free tea samples at Teavana.  Their mixed Chai concoction is aMAZing!  Of course, I haven\'t actually <em>purchased </em>the Chai (not sure why since I\'m officially a shopaholic).  I\'m thinking it wouldn\'t be the same if I had the tea at my disposal at all times.  The novelty would wear off within the week.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe fact that I\'m thinking so much about the free samples of Teavana at the mall (I normally avoid malls like the plague) means that I now have lunchtime shopping <em>rituals</em>.  In my opinion, this is unhealthy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve gone from packing my lunch 90% of the time (because it\'s the frugal thing to do) to dropping $$ on clothes and scamming free tea samples (a remnant of my old frugal self).\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs lunchtime I approached, I changed my plans.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI never made it to the mall.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBefore you think that I conquered my lunchtime shopaholic problem, I should probably confess that I ordered the shoes online where they were also offering the 40% sale.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI missed the Teavana samples, but I was slammed with work and had no other choice.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd this concludes my obsession with Lunchtime Shopping.  It was fun while it lasted, but I really must get back to a more well-rounded mix of soul-scintillating blog adventures.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThank you for your support.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 213:  This is it.  I promise.  ','','inherit','open','open','','5373-revision-6','','','2011-04-28 21:33:48','2011-04-29 04:33:48','',5373,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/28/5373-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(5383,1,'2011-05-01 15:48:21','2011-05-01 22:48:21','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/P4280041.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-5388\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/P4280041-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>Jim aka Jimmykins won a President\'s Award trip with his company.  Lucky for me, he doesn\'t have a girlfriend at the moment, so I scored the role of his trophy date.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh.  And the trip is an all expenses-paid 5 day retreat to a <a href=\"http://www.bacararesort.com/\" target=\"_blank\">shi shi hotel</a> in Santa Barbara.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow <em>this </em>is what I call living.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDay One of My Departure to Paradise warrants my 4th Slideshow Ever.  (Laney, you know what that means.  Step away from the Crackberry and mosey on over to your computer, girlfriend.  :-D )\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<iframe width=\"425\" height=\"349\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/usujb_7z8YM\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen></iframe>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 214:  Santa Barbara, I Think I Love You.  ','','publish','open','open','','day-214-santa-barbara-i-think-i-love-you','','','2011-05-01 15:50:02','2011-05-01 22:50:02','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=5383',0,'post','',8),(5384,1,'2011-04-28 21:48:30','2011-04-29 04:48:30','','Auto Draft','','inherit','open','open','','5383-revision','','','2011-04-28 21:48:30','2011-04-29 04:48:30','',5383,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/28/5383-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(5385,1,'2011-04-28 21:49:34','2011-04-29 04:49:34','','Day 214:  Santa Barbara, Here I Come! ','','inherit','open','open','','5383-revision-2','','','2011-04-28 21:49:34','2011-04-29 04:49:34','',5383,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/28/5383-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(5386,1,'2011-04-28 20:32:05','2011-04-29 03:32:05','<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/benny_lin/276203090/\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-5369\" title=\"276203090_b151d039c6\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/276203090_b151d039c6-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>Yesterday I worked through my extreme loathing of shopping and surprised myself with an enjoyable and successful lunchtime shopping expedition.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI now ready for my Santa Barbara trip as well as a Hot Date (I\'m working on manifesting this one into my life) for which I will don Greatest Date Outfit in the History of the World.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFor Day 212, I originally scheduled another soul-scintillating activity that I would delve into during my lunch hour.  Little did I know that I would be distracted by a Banana Republic email luring me in with a 40% discount on all tops in the store.  For 3 hours only.  At lunchtime, of course.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLet me share that I\'ve been on the Banana Republic email list for years.  YEARS!  I\'m not sure why, because I delete all their emails.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut now, with my lunchtime shopping radar finely tuned, I not only read the email, but I acted on it.  I dissed my original plans for shopping.   I\'m so ashamed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI need an intervention.  Now.','Day 212:  I am a Lunchtime Shopaholic','','inherit','open','open','','5347-revision-6','','','2011-04-28 20:32:05','2011-04-29 03:32:05','',5347,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/28/5347-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(5387,1,'2011-05-01 15:19:58','2011-05-01 22:19:58','Jim aka Jimmykins won a President\'s Award trip with his company.  Lucky for me, he doesn\'t have a girlfriend at the moment, so I scored the role of his trophy date.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOh.  And the trip is an all expenses-paid 5 day retreat to a shi shi hotel in Santa Barbara.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNow <em>this </em>is what I call living.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDay One of My Departure to Paradise warrants my 4th Slideshow Ever.  (Laney, you know what that means.  Step away\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 214:  Santa Barbara, I Think I Love You.  ','','inherit','open','open','','5383-revision-3','','','2011-05-01 15:19:58','2011-05-01 22:19:58','',5383,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/01/5383-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(5388,1,'2011-05-01 15:39:56','2011-05-01 22:39:56','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-341','','','2011-05-01 15:39:56','2011-05-01 22:39:56','',5383,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/P4280041.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5389,1,'2011-05-01 15:41:03','2011-05-01 22:41:03','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/P4280041.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-5388\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/P4280041-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>Jim aka Jimmykins won a President\'s Award trip with his company.  Lucky for me, he doesn\'t have a girlfriend at the moment, so I scored the role of his trophy date.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOh.  And the trip is an all expenses-paid 5 day retreat to a shi shi hotel in Santa Barbara.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNow <em>this </em>is what I call living.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDay One of My Departure to Paradise warrants my 4th Slideshow Ever.  (Laney, you know what that means.  Step away from the Crackberry and mosey on over to your computer, girlfriend.  :-D )\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 214:  Santa Barbara, I Think I Love You.  ','','inherit','open','open','','5383-revision-4','','','2011-05-01 15:41:03','2011-05-01 22:41:03','',5383,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/01/5383-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(5392,1,'2011-05-01 15:48:00','2011-05-01 22:48:00','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/P4280041.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-5388\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/P4280041-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>Jim aka Jimmykins won a President\'s Award trip with his company.  Lucky for me, he doesn\'t have a girlfriend at the moment, so I scored the role of his trophy date.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOh.  And the trip is an all expenses-paid 5 day retreat to a <a href=\"http://www.bacararesort.com/\" target=\"_blank\">shi shi hotel</a> in Santa Barbara.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNow <em>this </em>is what I call living.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDay One of My Departure to Paradise warrants my 4th Slideshow Ever.  (Laney, you know what that means.  Step away from the Crackberry and mosey on over to your computer, girlfriend.  :-D )\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 214:  Santa Barbara, I Think I Love You.  ','','inherit','open','open','','5383-revision-7','','','2011-05-01 15:48:00','2011-05-01 22:48:00','',5383,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/01/5383-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(5390,1,'2011-05-01 15:43:33','2011-05-01 22:43:33','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/P4280041.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-5388\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/P4280041-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>Jim aka Jimmykins won a President\'s Award trip with his company.  Lucky for me, he doesn\'t have a girlfriend at the moment, so I scored the role of his trophy date.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh.  And the trip is an all expenses-paid 5 day retreat to a shi shi hotel in Santa Barbara.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow <em>this </em>is what I call living.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDay One of My Departure to Paradise warrants my 4th Slideshow Ever.  (Laney, you know what that means.  Step away from the Crackberry and mosey on over to your computer, girlfriend.  :-D )\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<iframe width=\"425\" height=\"349\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/usujb_7z8YM\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen></iframe>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 214:  Santa Barbara, I Think I Love You.  ','','inherit','open','open','','5383-revision-5','','','2011-05-01 15:43:33','2011-05-01 22:43:33','',5383,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/01/5383-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(5391,1,'2011-05-01 15:44:17','2011-05-01 22:44:17','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/P4280041.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-5388\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/P4280041-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>Jim aka Jimmykins won a President\'s Award trip with his company.  Lucky for me, he doesn\'t have a girlfriend at the moment, so I scored the role of his trophy date.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh.  And the trip is an all expenses-paid 5 day retreat to a shi shi hotel in Santa Barbara.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow <em>this </em>is what I call living.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDay One of My Departure to Paradise warrants my 4th Slideshow Ever.  (Laney, you know what that means.  Step away from the Crackberry and mosey on over to your computer, girlfriend.  :-D )\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<iframe width=\"425\" height=\"349\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/usujb_7z8YM\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen></iframe>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 214:  Santa Barbara, I Think I Love You.  ','','inherit','open','open','','5383-revision-6','','','2011-05-01 15:44:17','2011-05-01 22:44:17','',5383,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/01/5383-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(5393,1,'2011-05-01 15:48:01','2011-05-01 22:48:01','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/P4280041.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-5388\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/P4280041-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>Jim aka Jimmykins won a President\'s Award trip with his company.  Lucky for me, he doesn\'t have a girlfriend at the moment, so I scored the role of his trophy date.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh.  And the trip is an all expenses-paid 5 day retreat to a <a href=\"http://www.bacararesort.com/\" target=\"_blank\">shi shi hotel</a> in Santa Barbara.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow <em>this </em>is what I call living.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDay One of My Departure to Paradise warrants my 4th Slideshow Ever.  (Laney, you know what that means.  Step away from the Crackberry and mosey on over to your computer, girlfriend.  :-D )\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<iframe width=\"425\" height=\"349\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/usujb_7z8YM\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen></iframe>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 214:  Santa Barbara, I Think I Love You.  ','','inherit','open','open','','5383-revision-8','','','2011-05-01 15:48:01','2011-05-01 22:48:01','',5383,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/01/5383-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(5394,1,'2011-05-01 15:48:20','2011-05-01 22:48:20','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/P4280041.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-5388\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/P4280041-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>Jim aka Jimmykins won a President\'s Award trip with his company.  Lucky for me, he doesn\'t have a girlfriend at the moment, so I scored the role of his trophy date.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh.  And the trip is an all expenses-paid 5 day retreat to a <a href=\"http://www.bacararesort.com/\" target=\"_blank\">shi shi hotel</a> in Santa Barbara.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow <em>this </em>is what I call living.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDay One of My Departure to Paradise warrants my 4th Slideshow Ever.  (Laney, you know what that means.  Step away from the Crackberry and mosey on over to your computer, girlfriend.  :-D )\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<iframe width=\"425\" height=\"349\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/usujb_7z8YM\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen></iframe>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 214:  Santa Barbara, I Think I Love You.  ','','inherit','open','open','','5383-revision-9','','','2011-05-01 15:48:20','2011-05-01 22:48:20','',5383,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/01/5383-revision-9/',0,'revision','',0),(5395,1,'2011-05-03 01:11:18','2011-05-03 08:11:18','[caption id=\"attachment_5398\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Is that you, Nessie?\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/P42900681.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5398\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/P42900681-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nYou may recall that not too long ago <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/02/08/day-132-reconnecting-the-old-fashioned-way-over-the-phone-not-on-facebook/\" target=\"_blank\">I dreamed of traveling to Santa Barbara in March for a whale watching tour</a></strong>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI then cancelled my plans due to upcoming trips to <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/15/day-78-are-you-an-artist-of-non-conformity/\" target=\"_blank\">Portland</a></strong> and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/02/21/day-144-i-planned-the-adventure-of-a-lifetime/\" target=\"_blank\">Italy</a>.</strong> Until my money tree brings in the bigger bucks, I need to show some semblance of restraint.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span>And then...wouldn\'t you know it?  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/01/day-214-santa-barbara-i-think-i-love-you/\" target=\"_blank\">Jimmykins needed a trophy date for Santa Barbara.</a></strong> Twist of fate and twist my arm!</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span>On this ultra-indulgent President\'s Club trip, we were asked to pick daily activities to embark on.  I begged <span>Jimmykins</span> to reserve us a spot on the Whale Watching Tour.</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou know what often happens on Whale Watching Tours, right?  <span style=\"color: #808000;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">When it\'s this late in the whale watching season, you may not see any whales.  But you will always see people blowing chunks.</span></strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI boarded the boat feeling quite <del>cocky</del> confident.  I\'ve been on boats since I was in the womb.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you want to go back farther than that, my ancestry on my Mother\'s side is Portuguese.  Think back to history class.  Remember that Magellan dude?  Just one of a slew of Portuguese explorers.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn addition, my father was a Merchant Marine.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #808000;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">In other words, I don\'t do seasickness.  It\'s not in my genetics.</span></strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span>I assured the Nervous Nelly behind me that it was windy, but look -- no swells!  Only white caps!  You didn\'t take your Dramamine?  No problem.</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nJust as I anticipated, we surfed through those white caps without issue.   A bumpy ride hurts your bum bum, not your tummy. (Or, if we want to be technical, a bumpy ride hurts your bum bum, not your inner ear.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span>Ten minutes into our trip, the captain spotted a gray whale and calf!  Hurrah!  No, that wasn\'t the Loch <span>Ness</span> Monster in the photo above.  Look closer!</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/P42900682.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5399\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/P42900682-300x224.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"224\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter stalking the mother and her calf for about 20 minutes and a thousand photos, the captain announced that we would head further out in search of humpback whales.  In a perfect foreshadow, he nonchalantly mentioned that Santa Barbara rarely experiences winds such as these (15 - 40 miles an hour).  However, the captain assured us that he could navigate through wind and water just fine.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt was then that I entered the cabin for the first time at the captain\'s advice.  There was a tremendous amount of water hitting the deck, and even though I dream of guest starring on <strong><a href=\"http://animal.discovery.com/tv/whale-wars/\" target=\"_blank\">Whale Wars</a></strong> where the crew gets soaked and chilled to the bone, this captain ordered everyone inside pronto.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe cabin air was stuffy, and the only remaining seat faced the back.  I started small talk with the couple sitting across from us.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI first knew something was about to go terribly wrong when the female member of the couple started to turn<span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #808000;\"> <strong>this color </strong></span></span>after we hit a swell that made my tea shoot like Old Faithful from the spout in my to-go cup.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">\r\n</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #808000;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"color: #808000; font-size: xx-large;\"><strong>Holy Ocean Swells, Batman!</strong></span>\r\n</span></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCrap, Crap, Crap.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe captain then informed us that the sudden smell of oil was not a leak from the boat, but naturally occurring oil from the depths of the Pacific.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBetween the gas station smell, the stuffiness, and <span style=\"color: #808000;\"><strong>the green woman</strong></span>, I started to feel a wee bit nauseated.  When <span style=\"color: #808000;\"><strong>the green woman</strong></span><span> and hubby left our table (I\'m assuming to power puke), I quickly hauled my <span>hiney</span> around the table to face forward.  <span>Jimmykins</span> reminded me to keep my eyes on the horizon which I managed to do only when the swells weren\'t crashing against the window.</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span><span>Our tour guide, Cubby</span>*, made his rounds while assessing the seasick percentage of passengers.  When he got to me, I blurted out, \"Do you have any more of that ginger candy?!?!\".  (I unfortunately declined the ginger candy 60 minutes prior when I was still in cocky mode.)</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span><span>Cubby</span> scrounged around for the last two pieces of ginger candy which tasted absolutely disgusting, but I sucked on anyway for dear life.</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span>And then...music to <span>everyone\'s</span> ears and stomachs:  Humpback whale to the starboard side of the boat!  The captain would mercifully stop the boat for prime whale viewing. </span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI ran to the deck while gasping for cool air which (thankfully) was now fresh and salty rather than oily.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThar she blows!  Look what I caught on video, peeps!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<iframe width=\"425\" height=\"349\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/GPZd1zI1hGI\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen></iframe>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter stalking the humpback for another 30 minutes and two thousand photos, the concerned captain mentioned that \"a few\" passengers were sick.  He would therefore turn this ship around and head <em>slowly</em> back to shore.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHallelujah.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #808000;\"><strong>I stayed on deck and gulped as much cool air as I could.  Luckily, I never passed \"3\" on my own seasick scale of 1-10 with 0 being \"I feel fabulous!\" and 10 being \"hurling breakfast over the back of the boat\".</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy \"3\" nausea passed fairly quickly after Ms. Humpback.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOther passengers were not so lucky.  Apparently, there were <em>many</em> (not \"a few\", captain, sir) not-so-perfect 10s on that boat, because for the rest of the Santa Barbara trip, The Whale Watching Tour reached infamy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<em>Everywhere</em> we went for the rest of the weekend, we overheard people talking about <span style=\"color: #808000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>The Whale Watching Tour.</strong></span> Or more specifically, <span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #808000;\"><strong>The Number of Sick Peeps on </strong><strong>The Whale Watching Tour. </strong></span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">We overheard them a</span>t the pool.  At the spa.  In the restaurants.  In the bathrooms.  <em>Everywhere.</em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span>Even THE PRESIDENT OF THE GIANT CORPORATION who hosted this soiree brought it up at the Awards Banquet as a joke.  Hardy <span>har</span> <span>har</span>.  (Mr. <span>Prez</span> was not on the boat.)</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWas it worth it?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAbsolutely!  I saw whales in the wild for the first time in my life!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span>Next time, I\'ll venture out into calmer waters with Dramamine.</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy sincere apologies, Nelly.  I now see that you had every right to feel nervous.  I truly hope that you didn\'t wind up blowing chunks.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n***************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span>*Yes, <span>Cubby</span> is his real name.  I forgot to ask if he was formerly a mouseketeer.</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span>There was also a tour guide named Scooter.  No, he was not a Muppet.</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 215:  You Know What Happens on Whale Watching Tours, Right?','','publish','open','open','','day-215-you-know-what-happens-on-whale-watching-tours-right','','http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/02/08/day-132-reconnecting-the-old-fashioned-way-over-the-phone-not-on-facebook/\nhttp://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/15/day-78-are-you-an-artist-of-non-conformity/\nhttp://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/02/21/day-144-i-planned-the-adventure-of-a-lifetime/','2012-03-06 21:33:46','2012-03-07 04:33:46','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=5395',0,'post','',6),(5396,1,'2011-05-01 16:08:03','2011-05-01 23:08:03','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-342','','','2011-05-01 16:08:03','2011-05-01 23:08:03','',5395,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/P4290068.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5397,1,'2011-05-01 16:16:22','2011-05-01 23:16:22','You may recall that not too long ago I had dreamed of coming to Santa Barbara for a whale watching tour.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI then cancelled my plans due to upcoming trips to Portland and Italy.  Until my money tree brings in the bigger bucks, I need to show some semblance of restraint.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd then...wouldn\'t you know it?  Jimmykins needed a trophy date for Santa Barbara.  Twist of fate and twist my arm!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn this ultra-indulgent President\'s Club trip, we were asked to pick\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 215:  You Know What Happens on Whale Watching Tours, Right?  ','','inherit','open','open','','5395-revision','','','2011-05-01 16:16:22','2011-05-01 23:16:22','',5395,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/01/5395-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(5398,1,'2011-05-01 16:28:40','2011-05-01 23:28:40','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','Is that you, Nessie?','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-343','','','2011-05-01 16:28:40','2011-05-01 23:28:40','',5395,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/P42900681.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5399,1,'2011-05-01 16:31:02','2011-05-01 23:31:02','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-344','','','2011-05-01 16:31:02','2011-05-01 23:31:02','',5395,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/P42900682.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5400,1,'2011-05-01 16:29:58','2011-05-01 23:29:58','[caption id=\"attachment_5398\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Is that you, Nessie?\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/P42900681.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5398\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/P42900681-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\nYou may recall that not too long ago I had dreamed of traveling to Santa Barbara in March for a whale watching tour.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI then cancelled my plans due to upcoming trips to Portland and Italy.  Until my money tree brings in the bigger bucks, I need to show some semblance of restraint.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd then...wouldn\'t you know it?  Jimmykins needed a trophy date for Santa Barbara.  Twist of fate and twist my arm!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn this ultra-indulgent President\'s Club trip, we were asked to pick daily activities to embark on.  I begged Jimmykins to reserve us a spot on the Whale Watching Tour.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYou know what often happens on Whale Watching Tours, right?  When it\'s this late in the whale watching season, you may not see any whales.  And there will always be people blowing chunks.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI boarded the catamaran feeling quite cocky confident.  I\'ve been on boats since I was in the womb.  I don\'t get seasick.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI even assured the nervous Nelly behind me that it was windy, but look -- no swells!  Only white caps!  You didn\'t take your dramamine?  No problem.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nJust as I anticipated, we surfed through those white caps without issue.   A bumpy ride hurts your bum bum not your tummy (or, if we want to be technical, your inner ear).\n\n&nbsp;\n\n5 minutes in the captain spotted a gray whale and calf!  Hurrah!  No, that wasn\'t the Loch Ness Monster in the photo below.  Look closer!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 215:  You Know What Happens on Whale Watching Tours, Right?  ','','inherit','open','open','','5395-revision-2','','','2011-05-01 16:29:58','2011-05-01 23:29:58','',5395,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/01/5395-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(5401,1,'2011-05-01 16:53:22','2011-05-01 23:53:22','[caption id=\"attachment_5398\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Is that you, Nessie?\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/P42900681.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5398\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/P42900681-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\nYou may recall that not too long ago I had dreamed of traveling to Santa Barbara in March for a whale watching tour.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI then cancelled my plans due to upcoming trips to Portland and Italy.  Until my money tree brings in the bigger bucks, I need to show some semblance of restraint.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd then...wouldn\'t you know it?  Jimmykins needed a trophy date for Santa Barbara.  Twist of fate and twist my arm!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn this ultra-indulgent President\'s Club trip, we were asked to pick daily activities to embark on.  I begged Jimmykins to reserve us a spot on the Whale Watching Tour.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYou know what often happens on Whale Watching Tours, right?  When it\'s this late in the whale watching season, you may not see any whales.  And there will always be people blowing chunks.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI boarded the catamaran feeling quite cocky confident.  I\'ve been on boats since I was in the womb.  My ancestry on my Mother\'s side is Portuguese.  Think back to history class.  Remember that Magellan dude?  Just one of a slew of Portuguese explorers.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIn addition, my father was a Merchant Marine.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIn other words, I don\'t do seasickness.  It\'s not in my blood.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI assured the nervous Nelly behind me that it was windy, but look -- no swells!  Only white caps!  You didn\'t take your dramamine?  No problem.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nJust as I anticipated, we surfed through those white caps without issue.   A bumpy ride hurts your bum bum not your tummy (or, if we want to be technical, your inner ear).\n\n&nbsp;\n\n5 minutes in the captain spotted a gray whale and calf!  Hurrah!  No, that wasn\'t the Loch Ness Monster in the photo below.  Look closer!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/P42900682.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5399\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/P42900682-300x224.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"224\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter stalking the mother and her calf for about 20 minutes and a hundred photos, the captain announced that we would head further out in search of humpback whales.  In a perfect foreshadow, he nonchalantly mentioned that Santa Barbara rarely experiences winds such as these (15 - 40 miles an hour), but he thought that he could navigate through the elements just fine.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #808000;\"><strong>Holy Ocean Swells, Batman!</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI entered the cabin for the first time at the captain\'s advice.  There was a tremendous amount of water hitting the deck, and even though I dream of being on Whale Wars where the crew gets soaked and chilled to the bone, this captain ordered everyone inside pronto.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe cabin air was stuffy, and the only spot left to sit faced the back.  I started small talk with the couple sitting across from us.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI first knew something was about to go terribly wrong when the female member of this couple started to turn <span style=\"color: #808000;\"><strong>this color </strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">after we hit a swell that made my tea shoot from the spout in my to-go cup like Old Faithful. </span></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nCrap, Crap, Crap.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 215:  You Know What Happens on Whale Watching Tours, Right?  ','','inherit','open','open','','5395-revision-3','','','2011-05-01 16:53:22','2011-05-01 23:53:22','',5395,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/01/5395-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(5402,1,'2011-05-02 16:52:05','2011-05-02 23:52:05','[caption id=\"attachment_5398\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Is that you, Nessie?\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/P42900681.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5398\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/P42900681-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\nYou may recall that not too long ago I had dreamed of traveling to Santa Barbara in March for a whale watching tour.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI then cancelled my plans due to upcoming trips to Portland and Italy.  Until my money tree brings in the bigger bucks, I need to show some semblance of restraint.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd then...wouldn\'t you know it?  Jimmykins needed a trophy date for Santa Barbara.  Twist of fate and twist my arm!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn this ultra-indulgent President\'s Club trip, we were asked to pick daily activities to embark on.  I begged Jimmykins to reserve us a spot on the Whale Watching Tour.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYou know what often happens on Whale Watching Tours, right?  When it\'s this late in the whale watching season, you may not see any whales.  And there will always be people blowing chunks.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI boarded the catamaran feeling quite cocky confident.  I\'ve been on boats since I was in the womb.  My ancestry on my Mother\'s side is Portuguese.  Think back to history class.  Remember that Magellan dude?  Just one of a slew of Portuguese explorers.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIn addition, my father was a Merchant Marine.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIn other words, I don\'t do seasickness.  It\'s not in my blood.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI assured the nervous Nelly behind me that it was windy, but look -- no swells!  Only white caps!  You didn\'t take your dramamine?  No problem.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nJust as I anticipated, we surfed through those white caps without issue.   A bumpy ride hurts your bum bum not your tummy (or, if we want to be technical, your inner ear).\n\n&nbsp;\n\n5 minutes in the captain spotted a gray whale and calf!  Hurrah!  No, that wasn\'t the Loch Ness Monster in the photo below.  Look closer!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/P42900682.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5399\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/P42900682-300x224.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"224\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter stalking the mother and her calf for about 20 minutes and a hundred photos, the captain announced that we would head further out in search of humpback whales.  In a perfect foreshadow, he nonchalantly mentioned that Santa Barbara rarely experiences winds such as these (15 - 40 miles an hour), but he thought that he could navigate through the elements just fine.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI entered the cabin for the first time at the captain\'s advice.  There was a tremendous amount of water hitting the deck, and even though I dream of being on Whale Wars where the crew gets soaked and chilled to the bone, this captain ordered everyone inside pronto.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe cabin air was stuffy, and the only spot left to sit faced the back.  I started small talk with the couple sitting across from us.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI first knew something was about to go terribly wrong when the female member of the couple started to turn <span style=\"color: #808000;\"><strong>this color </strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">after we hit a swell that made my tea shoot like Old Faithful from the spout in my to-go cup.</span></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #808000;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: large; color: #808000;\"><strong>Holy Ocean Swells, Batman!</strong></span>\n</span></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nCrap, Crap, Crap.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe captain then informed us that the sudden smell of oil was not a leak from the boat, but naturally occurring oil from the depths of the Pacific.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBetween the smell, the stuffiness, and <span style=\"color: #808000;\"><strong>the green woman</strong></span>, I started to feel a wee bit nauseated.  When <span style=\"color: #808000;\"><strong>the green woman</strong></span> and hubby left our table (I\'m assuming to power puke), I quickly hauled my hiney around the table to face forward.  Jimmykins reminded me to keep my eyes on the horizon which I could do when the swells weren\'t crashing against the window.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nCubby* made his rounds while assessing the seasick percentage of passengers.  When he got to me, I blurted out, \"Do you have any more of that ginger candy?!?!\".  (I had declined the ginger candy 60 minutes prior when I was still cocky.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nCubby scrounged around for the last two pieces of ginger candy which tasted absolutely disgusting, but I somehow managed to suck on for dear life.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd then...music to everyone\'s ears and stomachs:  \"Humpback whale to the star bird side of the boat!  I will stop the boat and see if he comes closer.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI ran to the deck while gasping for cool air which (thankfully) was now fresh and salty rather than oily.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 215:  You Know What Happens on Whale Watching Tours, Right?  ','','inherit','open','open','','5395-revision-4','','','2011-05-02 16:52:05','2011-05-02 23:52:05','',5395,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/02/5395-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(5403,1,'2011-05-02 19:51:26','2011-05-03 02:51:26','[caption id=\"attachment_5398\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Is that you, Nessie?\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/P42900681.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5398\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/P42900681-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\nYou may recall that not too long ago I had dreamed of traveling to Santa Barbara in March for a whale watching tour.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI then cancelled my plans due to upcoming trips to Portland and Italy.  Until my money tree brings in the bigger bucks, I need to show some semblance of restraint.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd then...wouldn\'t you know it?  Jimmykins needed a trophy date for Santa Barbara.  Twist of fate and twist my arm!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn this ultra-indulgent President\'s Club trip, we were asked to pick daily activities to embark on.  I begged Jimmykins to reserve us a spot on the Whale Watching Tour.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYou know what often happens on Whale Watching Tours, right?  When it\'s this late in the whale watching season, you may not see any whales.  But you will always see people blowing chunks.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI boarded the boat feeling quite cocky confident.  I\'ve been on boats since I was in the womb.  If you want to go back farther than that, my ancestry on my Mother\'s side is Portuguese.  Think back to history class.  Remember that Magellan dude?  Just one of a slew of Portuguese explorers.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIn addition, my father was a Merchant Marine.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIn other words, I don\'t do seasickness.  It\'s not in my blood.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI assured the nervous Nelly behind me that it was windy, but look -- no swells!  Only white caps!  You didn\'t take your dramamine?  No problem.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nJust as I anticipated, we surfed through those white caps without issue.   A bumpy ride hurts your bum bum, not your tummy. (Or, if we want to be technical, your inner ear.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n5 minutes in the captain spotted a gray whale and calf!  Hurrah!  No, that wasn\'t the Loch Ness Monster in the photo above.  Look closer!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/P42900682.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5399\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/P42900682-300x224.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"224\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter stalking the mother and her calf for about 20 minutes and a thousand photos, the captain announced that we would head further out in search of humpback whales.  In a perfect foreshadow, he nonchalantly mentioned that Santa Barbara rarely experiences winds such as these (15 - 40 miles an hour), but he thought that he could navigate through the elements just fine.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIt was then that I entered the cabin for the first time at the captain\'s advice.  There was a tremendous amount of water hitting the deck, and even though I dream of being on Whale Wars where the crew gets soaked and chilled to the bone, this captain ordered everyone inside pronto.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe cabin air was stuffy, and the only remaining seat faced the back.  I started small talk with the couple sitting across from us.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI first knew something was about to go terribly wrong when the female member of the couple started to turn <span style=\"color: #808000;\"><strong>this color </strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">after we hit a swell that made my tea shoot like Old Faithful from the spout in my to-go cup.</span></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #808000;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: large; color: #808000;\"><strong>Holy Ocean Swells, Batman!</strong></span>\n</span></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nCrap, Crap, Crap.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe captain then informed us that the sudden smell of oil was not a leak from the boat, but naturally occurring oil from the depths of the Pacific.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBetween the smell, the stuffiness, and <span style=\"color: #808000;\"><strong>the green woman</strong></span>, I started to feel a wee bit nauseated.  When <span style=\"color: #808000;\"><strong>the green woman</strong></span> and hubby left our table (I\'m assuming to power puke), I quickly hauled my hiney around the table to face forward.  Jimmykins reminded me to keep my eyes on the horizon which I managed to do only when the swells weren\'t crashing against the window.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nCubby* made his rounds while assessing the seasick percentage of passengers.  When he got to me, I blurted out, \"Do you have any more of that ginger candy?!?!\".  (I had declined the ginger candy 60 minutes prior when I was still in cocky mode.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nCubby scrounged around for the last two pieces of ginger candy which tasted absolutely disgusting, but I sucked on anyway for dear life.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd then...music to everyone\'s ears and stomachs:  \"Humpback whale to the star bird side of the boat!  I will stop the boat and see if it comes closer.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI ran to the deck while gasping for cool air which (thankfully) was now fresh and salty rather than oily.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThar she blows!  Look what I caught on film, peeps!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter following the humpback for another 20 minutes, the concerned captain mentioned that \"a few\" passengers were sick, so we would turn this ship around and head <em>slowly</em> back to shore.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHallelujah.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI stayed on deck and gulped as much cool air as I could.  Luckily, I never passed \"3\" on my own scale of 1-10 with 0 being \"I feel fabulous!\" , and 10 being \"hurling breakfast over the back of the boat\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy \"3\" nausea passed fairly quickly after Ms. Humpback.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOther passengers were not so lucky.  Apparently, there were <em>many</em> (not \"a few\", captain, sir) not-so-perfect 10s on that boat, because for the rest of the Santa Barbara trip, The Whale Watching Tour reached infamy.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nEverywhere we went for the rest of the weekend, we overheard people talking about The Whale Watching Tour.  At the pool.  At the spa.  In the restaurants.  In the bathrooms.  <em>Everywhere. </em>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nEven THE PRESIDENT OF THE GIANT CORPORATION who hosted this soiree brought it up at the Awards Banquet as a joke.  Hardy har har.  (Mr. Prez was not on the boat.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWas it worth it?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAbsolutely!  I saw whales in the wild for the first time in my life!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNext time, I\'ll venture out into calmer waters with dramamine.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy sincere apologies, Nelly.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n***************\n\n&nbsp;\n\n*Yes, Cubby is his real name.  I forgot to ask if he was formerly a mousketeer.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThere was also a tour guide named Scooter.  No, he was not a muppet.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 215:  You Know What Happens on Whale Watching Tours, Right?  ','','inherit','open','open','','5395-revision-5','','','2011-05-02 19:51:26','2011-05-03 02:51:26','',5395,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/02/5395-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(5404,1,'2011-05-02 19:52:03','2011-05-03 02:52:03','[caption id=\"attachment_5398\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Is that you, Nessie?\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/P42900681.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5398\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/P42900681-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nYou may recall that not too long ago I had dreamed of traveling to Santa Barbara in March for a whale watching tour.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI then cancelled my plans due to upcoming trips to Portland and Italy.  Until my money tree brings in the bigger bucks, I need to show some semblance of restraint.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...wouldn\'t you know it?  Jimmykins needed a trophy date for Santa Barbara.  Twist of fate and twist my arm!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn this ultra-indulgent President\'s Club trip, we were asked to pick daily activities to embark on.  I begged Jimmykins to reserve us a spot on the Whale Watching Tour.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou know what often happens on Whale Watching Tours, right?  When it\'s this late in the whale watching season, you may not see any whales.  But you will always see people blowing chunks.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI boarded the boat feeling quite cocky confident.  I\'ve been on boats since I was in the womb.  If you want to go back farther than that, my ancestry on my Mother\'s side is Portuguese.  Think back to history class.  Remember that Magellan dude?  Just one of a slew of Portuguese explorers.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn addition, my father was a Merchant Marine.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn other words, I don\'t do seasickness.  It\'s not in my blood.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI assured the nervous Nelly behind me that it was windy, but look -- no swells!  Only white caps!  You didn\'t take your dramamine?  No problem.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nJust as I anticipated, we surfed through those white caps without issue.   A bumpy ride hurts your bum bum, not your tummy. (Or, if we want to be technical, your inner ear.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n5 minutes in the captain spotted a gray whale and calf!  Hurrah!  No, that wasn\'t the Loch Ness Monster in the photo above.  Look closer!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/P42900682.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5399\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/P42900682-300x224.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"224\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter stalking the mother and her calf for about 20 minutes and a thousand photos, the captain announced that we would head further out in search of humpback whales.  In a perfect foreshadow, he nonchalantly mentioned that Santa Barbara rarely experiences winds such as these (15 - 40 miles an hour), but he thought that he could navigate through the elements just fine.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt was then that I entered the cabin for the first time at the captain\'s advice.  There was a tremendous amount of water hitting the deck, and even though I dream of being on Whale Wars where the crew gets soaked and chilled to the bone, this captain ordered everyone inside pronto.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe cabin air was stuffy, and the only remaining seat faced the back.  I started small talk with the couple sitting across from us.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI first knew something was about to go terribly wrong when the female member of the couple started to turn <span style=\"color: #808000;\"><strong>this color </strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">after we hit a swell that made my tea shoot like Old Faithful from the spout in my to-go cup.</span></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #808000;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: large; color: #808000;\"><strong>Holy Ocean Swells, Batman!</strong></span>\r\n</span></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCrap, Crap, Crap.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe captain then informed us that the sudden smell of oil was not a leak from the boat, but naturally occurring oil from the depths of the Pacific.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBetween the smell, the stuffiness, and <span style=\"color: #808000;\"><strong>the green woman</strong></span>, I started to feel a wee bit nauseated.  When <span style=\"color: #808000;\"><strong>the green woman</strong></span> and hubby left our table (I\'m assuming to power puke), I quickly hauled my hiney around the table to face forward.  Jimmykins reminded me to keep my eyes on the horizon which I managed to do only when the swells weren\'t crashing against the window.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCubby* made his rounds while assessing the seasick percentage of passengers.  When he got to me, I blurted out, \"Do you have any more of that ginger candy?!?!\".  (I had declined the ginger candy 60 minutes prior when I was still in cocky mode.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCubby scrounged around for the last two pieces of ginger candy which tasted absolutely disgusting, but I sucked on anyway for dear life.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...music to everyone\'s ears and stomachs:  \"Humpback whale to the star bird side of the boat!  I will stop the boat and see if it comes closer.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI ran to the deck while gasping for cool air which (thankfully) was now fresh and salty rather than oily.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThar she blows!  Look what I caught on film, peeps!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter following the humpback for another 20 minutes, the concerned captain mentioned that \"a few\" passengers were sick, so we would turn this ship around and head <em>slowly</em> back to shore.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHallelujah.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI stayed on deck and gulped as much cool air as I could.  Luckily, I never passed \"3\" on my own scale of 1-10 with 0 being \"I feel fabulous!\" , and 10 being \"hurling breakfast over the back of the boat\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy \"3\" nausea passed fairly quickly after Ms. Humpback.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOther passengers were not so lucky.  Apparently, there were <em>many</em> (not \"a few\", captain, sir) not-so-perfect 10s on that boat, because for the rest of the Santa Barbara trip, The Whale Watching Tour reached infamy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEverywhere we went for the rest of the weekend, we overheard people talking about The Whale Watching Tour.  At the pool.  At the spa.  In the restaurants.  In the bathrooms.  <em>Everywhere. </em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEven THE PRESIDENT OF THE GIANT CORPORATION who hosted this soiree brought it up at the Awards Banquet as a joke.  Hardy har har.  (Mr. Prez was not on the boat.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWas it worth it?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAbsolutely!  I saw whales in the wild for the first time in my life!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNext time, I\'ll venture out into calmer waters with dramamine.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy sincere apologies, Nelly.  I now see that you had every right to feel nervous.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n***************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n*Yes, Cubby is his real name.  I forgot to ask if he was formerly a mousketeer.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere was also a tour guide named Scooter.  No, he was not a muppet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 215:  You Know What Happens on Whale Watching Tours, Right?  ','','inherit','open','open','','5395-revision-6','','','2011-05-02 19:52:03','2011-05-03 02:52:03','',5395,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/02/5395-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(5405,1,'2011-05-02 19:59:57','2011-05-03 02:59:57','[caption id=\"attachment_5398\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Is that you, Nessie?\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/P42900681.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5398\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/P42900681-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\nYou may recall that not too long ago I had dreamed of traveling to Santa Barbara in March for a whale watching tour.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI then cancelled my plans due to upcoming trips to Portland and Italy.  Until my money tree brings in the bigger bucks, I need to show some semblance of restraint.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span>And then...wouldn\'t you know it?  <span>Jimmykins</span> needed a trophy date for Santa Barbara.  Twist of fate and twist my arm!</span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span>On this ultra-indulgent President\'s Club trip, we were asked to pick daily activities to embark on.  I begged <span>Jimmykins</span> to reserve us a spot on the Whale Watching Tour.</span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYou know what often happens on Whale Watching Tours, right?  When it\'s this late in the whale watching season, you may not see any whales.  But you will always see people blowing chunks.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI boarded the boat feeling quite<del> cocky </del>confident.  I\'ve been on boats since I was in the womb.  If you want to go back farther than that, my ancestry on my Mother\'s side is Portuguese.  Think back to history class.  Remember that Magellan dude?  Just one of a slew of Portuguese explorers.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIn addition, my father was a Merchant Marine.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIn other words, I don\'t do seasickness.  It\'s not in my blood.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span>I assured the nervous Nelly behind me that it was windy, but look -- no swells!  Only white caps!  You didn\'t take your Dramamine?  No problem.</span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nJust as I anticipated, we surfed through those white caps without issue.   A bumpy ride hurts your bum bum, not your tummy. (Or, if we want to be technical, a bumpy ride hurts your bum bum, not your inner ear.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span>5 minutes in the captain spotted a gray whale and calf!  Hurrah!  No, that wasn\'t the Loch <span>Ness</span> Monster in the photo above.  Look closer!</span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/P42900682.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5399\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/P42900682-300x224.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"224\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter stalking the mother and her calf for about 20 minutes and a thousand photos, the captain announced that we would head further out in search of humpback whales.  In a perfect foreshadow, he nonchalantly mentioned that Santa Barbara rarely experiences winds such as these (15 - 40 miles an hour), but he thought that he could navigate through the elements just fine.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIt was then that I entered the cabin for the first time at the captain\'s advice.  There was a tremendous amount of water hitting the deck, and even though I dream of being on Whale Wars where the crew gets soaked and chilled to the bone, this captain ordered everyone inside pronto.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe cabin air was stuffy, and the only remaining seat faced the back.  I started small talk with the couple sitting across from us.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI first knew something was about to go terribly wrong when the female member of the couple started to turn <span style=\"color: #808000;\"><strong>this color </strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">after we hit a swell that made my tea shoot like Old Faithful from the spout in my to-go cup.</span></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #808000;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: large; color: #808000;\"><strong>Holy Ocean Swells, Batman!</strong></span>\n</span></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nCrap, Crap, Crap.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe captain then informed us that the sudden smell of oil was not a leak from the boat, but naturally occurring oil from the depths of the Pacific.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBetween the smell, the stuffiness, and <span style=\"color: #808000;\"><strong>the green woman</strong></span>, I started to feel a wee bit nauseated.  When <span style=\"color: #808000;\"><strong>the green woman</strong></span><span> and hubby left our table (I\'m assuming to power puke), I quickly hauled my <span>hiney</span> around the table to face forward.  <span>Jimmykins</span> reminded me to keep my eyes on the horizon which I managed to do only when the swells weren\'t crashing against the window.</span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span><span>Cubby</span>* made his rounds while assessing the seasick percentage of passengers.  When he got to me, I blurted out, \"Do you have any more of that ginger candy?!?!\".  (I had declined the ginger candy 60 minutes prior when I was still in cocky mode.)</span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span><span>Cubby</span> scrounged around for the last two pieces of ginger candy which tasted absolutely disgusting, but I sucked on anyway for dear life.</span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span>And then...music to <span>everyone\'s</span> ears and stomachs:  \"Humpback whale to the star bird side of the boat!  I will stop the boat and see if it comes closer.\"</span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI ran to the deck while gasping for cool air which (thankfully) was now fresh and salty rather than oily.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThar she blows!  Look what I caught on film, peeps!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter following the humpback for another 20 minutes, the concerned captain mentioned that \"a few\" passengers were sick, so we would turn this ship around and head <em>slowly</em> back to shore.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHallelujah.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI stayed on deck and gulped as much cool air as I could.  Luckily, I never passed \"3\" on my own scale of 1-10 with 0 being \"I feel fabulous!\" , and 10 being \"hurling breakfast over the back of the boat\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy \"3\" nausea passed fairly quickly after Ms. Humpback.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOther passengers were not so lucky.  Apparently, there were <em>many</em> (not \"a few\", captain, sir) not-so-perfect 10s on that boat, because for the rest of the Santa Barbara trip, The Whale Watching Tour reached infamy.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nEverywhere we went for the rest of the weekend, we overheard people talking about The Whale Watching Tour.  At the pool.  At the spa.  In the restaurants.  In the bathrooms.  <em>Everywhere. </em>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span>Even THE PRESIDENT OF THE GIANT CORPORATION who hosted this soiree brought it up at the Awards Banquet as a joke.  Hardy <span>har</span> <span>har</span>.  (Mr. <span>Prez</span> was not on the boat.)</span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWas it worth it?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAbsolutely!  I saw whales in the wild for the first time in my life!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span>Next time, I\'ll venture out into calmer waters with Dramamine.</span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy sincere apologies, Nelly.  I now see that you had every right to feel nervous.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n***************\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span>*Yes, <span>Cubby</span> is his real name.  I forgot to ask if he was formerly a mouseketeer.</span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span>There was also a tour guide named Scooter.  No, he was not a Muppet.</span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 215:  You Know What Happens on Whale Watching Tours, Right?  ','','inherit','open','open','','5395-revision-7','','','2011-05-02 19:59:57','2011-05-03 02:59:57','',5395,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/02/5395-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(5406,1,'2011-05-02 20:24:15','2011-05-03 03:24:15','[caption id=\"attachment_5398\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Is that you, Nessie?\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/P42900681.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5398\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/P42900681-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\nYou may recall that not too long ago <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/02/08/day-132-reconnecting-the-old-fashioned-way-over-the-phone-not-on-facebook/\" target=\"_blank\">I dreamed of traveling to Santa Barbara in March for a whale watching tour</a></strong>.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI then cancelled my plans due to upcoming trips to <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/15/day-78-are-you-an-artist-of-non-conformity/\" target=\"_blank\">Portland</a></strong> and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/02/21/day-144-i-planned-the-adventure-of-a-lifetime/\" target=\"_blank\">Italy</a>.</strong> Until my money tree brings in the bigger bucks, I need to show some semblance of restraint.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span>And then...wouldn\'t you know it?  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/01/day-214-santa-barbara-i-think-i-love-you/\" target=\"_blank\">Jimmykins needed a trophy date for Santa Barbara.</a></strong> Twist of fate and twist my arm!</span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span>On this ultra-indulgent President\'s Club trip, we were asked to pick daily activities to embark on.  I begged <span>Jimmykins</span> to reserve us a spot on the Whale Watching Tour.</span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYou know what often happens on Whale Watching Tours, right?  When it\'s this late in the whale watching season, you may not see any whales.  But you will always see people blowing chunks.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI boarded the boat feeling quite<del> cocky </del>confident.  I\'ve been on boats since I was in the womb.  If you want to go back farther than that, my ancestry on my Mother\'s side is Portuguese.  Think back to history class.  Remember that Magellan dude?  Just one of a slew of Portuguese explorers.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIn addition, my father was a Merchant Marine.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIn other words, I don\'t do seasickness.  It\'s not in my genetics.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span>I assured the Nervous Nelly behind me that it was windy, but look -- no swells!  Only white caps!  You didn\'t take your Dramamine?  No problem.</span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nJust as I anticipated, we surfed through those white caps without issue.   A bumpy ride hurts your bum bum, not your tummy. (Or, if we want to be technical, a bumpy ride hurts your bum bum, not your inner ear.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span>Ten minutes into our trip, the captain spotted a gray whale and calf!  Hurrah!  No, that wasn\'t the Loch <span>Ness</span> Monster in the photo above.  Look closer!</span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/P42900682.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5399\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/P42900682-300x224.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"224\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter stalking the mother and her calf for about 20 minutes and a thousand photos, the captain announced that we would head further out in search of humpback whales.  In a perfect foreshadow, he nonchalantly mentioned that Santa Barbara rarely experiences winds such as these (15 - 40 miles an hour).  However, the captain assured us that he could navigate through wind and water just fine.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIt was then that I entered the cabin for the first time at the captain\'s advice.  There was a tremendous amount of water hitting the deck, and even though I dream of being on <strong><a href=\"http://animal.discovery.com/tv/whale-wars/\" target=\"_blank\">Whale Wars</a></strong> where the crew gets soaked and chilled to the bone, this captain ordered everyone inside pronto.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe cabin air was stuffy, and the only remaining seat faced the back.  I started small talk with the couple sitting across from us.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI first knew something was about to go terribly wrong when the female member of the couple started to turn<span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #808000;\"> <strong>this color </strong></span></span>after we hit a swell that made my tea shoot like Old Faithful from the spout in my to-go cup.</span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #808000;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"color: #808000; font-size: xx-large;\"><strong>Holy Ocean Swells, Batman!</strong></span>\n</span></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nCrap, Crap, Crap.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe captain then informed us that the sudden smell of oil was not a leak from the boat, but naturally occurring oil from the depths of the Pacific.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBetween the gas station smell, the stuffiness, and <span style=\"color: #808000;\"><strong>the green woman</strong></span>, I started to feel a wee bit nauseated.  When <span style=\"color: #808000;\"><strong>the green woman</strong></span><span> and hubby left our table (I\'m assuming to power puke), I quickly hauled my <span>hiney</span> around the table to face forward.  <span>Jimmykins</span> reminded me to keep my eyes on the horizon which I managed to do only when the swells weren\'t crashing against the window.</span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span><span>Our tour guide, Cubby</span>*, made his rounds while assessing the seasick percentage of passengers.  When he got to me, I blurted out, \"Do you have any more of that ginger candy?!?!\".  (I unfortunately declined the ginger candy 60 minutes prior when I was still in cocky mode.)</span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span><span>Cubby</span> scrounged around for the last two pieces of ginger candy which tasted absolutely disgusting, but I sucked on anyway for dear life.</span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span>And then...music to <span>everyone\'s</span> ears and stomachs:  Humpback whale to the starboard side of the boat!  The captain would mercifully stop the boat for prime whale viewing. </span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI ran to the deck while gasping for cool air which (thankfully) was now fresh and salty rather than oily.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThar she blows!  Look what I caught on video, peeps!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter stalking the humpback for another 30 minutes and two thousand photos, the concerned captain mentioned that \"a few\" passengers were sick.  He would therefore turn this ship around and head <em>slowly</em> back to shore.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHallelujah.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI stayed on deck and gulped as much cool air as I could.  Luckily, I never passed \"3\" on my own scale of 1-10 with 0 being \"I feel fabulous!\" , and 10 being \"hurling breakfast over the back of the boat\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy \"3\" nausea passed fairly quickly after Ms. Humpback.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOther passengers were not so lucky.  Apparently, there were <em>many</em> (not \"a few\", captain, sir) not-so-perfect 10s on that boat, because for the rest of the Santa Barbara trip, The Whale Watching Tour reached infamy.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<em>Everywhere</em> we went for the rest of the weekend, we overheard people talking about <span style=\"color: #808000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>The Whale Watching Tour.</strong></span> Or more specifically, <span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #808000;\"><strong>the number of sick peeps on </strong><strong>The Whale Watching Tour. </strong></span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">I overheard them a</span>t the pool.  At the spa.  In the restaurants.  In the bathrooms.  <em>Everywhere. </em>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span>Even THE PRESIDENT OF THE GIANT CORPORATION who hosted this soiree brought it up at the Awards Banquet as a joke.  Hardy <span>har</span> <span>har</span>.  (Mr. <span>Prez</span> was not on the boat.)</span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWas it worth it?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAbsolutely!  I saw whales in the wild for the first time in my life!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span>Next time, I\'ll venture out into calmer waters with Dramamine.</span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy sincere apologies, Nelly.  I now see that you had every right to feel nervous.  I hope that you didn\'t wind up blowing chunks.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n***************\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span>*Yes, <span>Cubby</span> is his real name.  I forgot to ask if he was formerly a mouseketeer.</span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span>There was also a tour guide named Scooter.  No, he was not a Muppet.</span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 215:  You Know What Happens on Whale Watching Tours, Right?  ','','inherit','open','open','','5395-revision-8','','','2011-05-02 20:24:15','2011-05-03 03:24:15','',5395,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/02/5395-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(5407,1,'2011-05-02 20:26:07','2011-05-03 03:26:07','[caption id=\"attachment_5398\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Is that you, Nessie?\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/P42900681.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5398\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/P42900681-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\nYou may recall that not too long ago <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/02/08/day-132-reconnecting-the-old-fashioned-way-over-the-phone-not-on-facebook/\" target=\"_blank\">I dreamed of traveling to Santa Barbara in March for a whale watching tour</a></strong>.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI then cancelled my plans due to upcoming trips to <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/15/day-78-are-you-an-artist-of-non-conformity/\" target=\"_blank\">Portland</a></strong> and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/02/21/day-144-i-planned-the-adventure-of-a-lifetime/\" target=\"_blank\">Italy</a>.</strong> Until my money tree brings in the bigger bucks, I need to show some semblance of restraint.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span>And then...wouldn\'t you know it?  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/01/day-214-santa-barbara-i-think-i-love-you/\" target=\"_blank\">Jimmykins needed a trophy date for Santa Barbara.</a></strong> Twist of fate and twist my arm!</span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span>On this ultra-indulgent President\'s Club trip, we were asked to pick daily activities to embark on.  I begged <span>Jimmykins</span> to reserve us a spot on the Whale Watching Tour.</span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYou know what often happens on Whale Watching Tours, right?  When it\'s this late in the whale watching season, you may not see any whales.  But you will always see people blowing chunks.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI boarded the boat feeling quite<del> cocky </del>confident.  I\'ve been on boats since I was in the womb.  If you want to go back farther than that, my ancestry on my Mother\'s side is Portuguese.  Think back to history class.  Remember that Magellan dude?  Just one of a slew of Portuguese explorers.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIn addition, my father was a Merchant Marine.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIn other words, I don\'t do seasickness.  It\'s not in my genetics.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span>I assured the Nervous Nelly behind me that it was windy, but look -- no swells!  Only white caps!  You didn\'t take your Dramamine?  No problem.</span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nJust as I anticipated, we surfed through those white caps without issue.   A bumpy ride hurts your bum bum, not your tummy. (Or, if we want to be technical, a bumpy ride hurts your bum bum, not your inner ear.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span>Ten minutes into our trip, the captain spotted a gray whale and calf!  Hurrah!  No, that wasn\'t the Loch <span>Ness</span> Monster in the photo above.  Look closer!</span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/P42900682.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5399\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/P42900682-300x224.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"224\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter stalking the mother and her calf for about 20 minutes and a thousand photos, the captain announced that we would head further out in search of humpback whales.  In a perfect foreshadow, he nonchalantly mentioned that Santa Barbara rarely experiences winds such as these (15 - 40 miles an hour).  However, the captain assured us that he could navigate through wind and water just fine.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIt was then that I entered the cabin for the first time at the captain\'s advice.  There was a tremendous amount of water hitting the deck, and even though I dream of being on <strong><a href=\"http://animal.discovery.com/tv/whale-wars/\" target=\"_blank\">Whale Wars</a></strong> where the crew gets soaked and chilled to the bone, this captain ordered everyone inside pronto.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe cabin air was stuffy, and the only remaining seat faced the back.  I started small talk with the couple sitting across from us.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI first knew something was about to go terribly wrong when the female member of the couple started to turn<span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #808000;\"> <strong>this color </strong></span></span>after we hit a swell that made my tea shoot like Old Faithful from the spout in my to-go cup.</span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #808000;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"color: #808000; font-size: xx-large;\"><strong>Holy Ocean Swells, Batman!</strong></span>\n</span></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nCrap, Crap, Crap.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe captain then informed us that the sudden smell of oil was not a leak from the boat, but naturally occurring oil from the depths of the Pacific.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBetween the gas station smell, the stuffiness, and <span style=\"color: #808000;\"><strong>the green woman</strong></span>, I started to feel a wee bit nauseated.  When <span style=\"color: #808000;\"><strong>the green woman</strong></span><span> and hubby left our table (I\'m assuming to power puke), I quickly hauled my <span>hiney</span> around the table to face forward.  <span>Jimmykins</span> reminded me to keep my eyes on the horizon which I managed to do only when the swells weren\'t crashing against the window.</span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span><span>Our tour guide, Cubby</span>*, made his rounds while assessing the seasick percentage of passengers.  When he got to me, I blurted out, \"Do you have any more of that ginger candy?!?!\".  (I unfortunately declined the ginger candy 60 minutes prior when I was still in cocky mode.)</span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span><span>Cubby</span> scrounged around for the last two pieces of ginger candy which tasted absolutely disgusting, but I sucked on anyway for dear life.</span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span>And then...music to <span>everyone\'s</span> ears and stomachs:  Humpback whale to the starboard side of the boat!  The captain would mercifully stop the boat for prime whale viewing. </span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI ran to the deck while gasping for cool air which (thankfully) was now fresh and salty rather than oily.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThar she blows!  Look what I caught on video, peeps!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter stalking the humpback for another 30 minutes and two thousand photos, the concerned captain mentioned that \"a few\" passengers were sick.  He would therefore turn this ship around and head <em>slowly</em> back to shore.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHallelujah.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI stayed on deck and gulped as much cool air as I could.  Luckily, I never passed \"3\" on my own scale of 1-10 with 0 being \"I feel fabulous!\" , and 10 being \"hurling breakfast over the back of the boat\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy \"3\" nausea passed fairly quickly after Ms. Humpback.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOther passengers were not so lucky.  Apparently, there were <em>many</em> (not \"a few\", captain, sir) not-so-perfect 10s on that boat, because for the rest of the Santa Barbara trip, The Whale Watching Tour reached infamy.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<em>Everywhere</em> we went for the rest of the weekend, we overheard people talking about <span style=\"color: #808000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>The Whale Watching Tour.</strong></span> Or more specifically, <span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #808000;\"><strong>the number of sick peeps on </strong><strong>The Whale Watching Tour. </strong></span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">We overheard them a</span>t the pool.  At the spa.  In the restaurants.  In the bathrooms.  <em>Everywhere. </em>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span>Even THE PRESIDENT OF THE GIANT CORPORATION who hosted this soiree brought it up at the Awards Banquet as a joke.  Hardy <span>har</span> <span>har</span>.  (Mr. <span>Prez</span> was not on the boat.)</span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWas it worth it?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAbsolutely!  I saw whales in the wild for the first time in my life!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span>Next time, I\'ll venture out into calmer waters with Dramamine.</span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy sincere apologies, Nelly.  I now see that you had every right to feel nervous.  I truly hope that you didn\'t wind up blowing chunks.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n***************\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span>*Yes, <span>Cubby</span> is his real name.  I forgot to ask if he was formerly a mouseketeer.</span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span>There was also a tour guide named Scooter.  No, he was not a Muppet.</span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 215:  You Know What Happens on Whale Watching Tours, Right?  ','','inherit','open','open','','5395-revision-9','','','2011-05-02 20:26:07','2011-05-03 03:26:07','',5395,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/02/5395-revision-9/',0,'revision','',0),(5408,1,'2011-05-02 20:26:45','2011-05-03 03:26:45','[caption id=\"attachment_5398\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Is that you, Nessie?\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/P42900681.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5398\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/P42900681-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nYou may recall that not too long ago <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/02/08/day-132-reconnecting-the-old-fashioned-way-over-the-phone-not-on-facebook/\" target=\"_blank\">I dreamed of traveling to Santa Barbara in March for a whale watching tour</a></strong>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI then cancelled my plans due to upcoming trips to <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/15/day-78-are-you-an-artist-of-non-conformity/\" target=\"_blank\">Portland</a></strong> and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/02/21/day-144-i-planned-the-adventure-of-a-lifetime/\" target=\"_blank\">Italy</a>.</strong> Until my money tree brings in the bigger bucks, I need to show some semblance of restraint.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span>And then...wouldn\'t you know it?  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/01/day-214-santa-barbara-i-think-i-love-you/\" target=\"_blank\">Jimmykins needed a trophy date for Santa Barbara.</a></strong> Twist of fate and twist my arm!</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span>On this ultra-indulgent President\'s Club trip, we were asked to pick daily activities to embark on.  I begged <span>Jimmykins</span> to reserve us a spot on the Whale Watching Tour.</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou know what often happens on Whale Watching Tours, right?  When it\'s this late in the whale watching season, you may not see any whales.  But you will always see people blowing chunks.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI boarded the boat feeling quite<del> cocky </del>confident.  I\'ve been on boats since I was in the womb.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you want to go back farther than that, my ancestry on my Mother\'s side is Portuguese.  Think back to history class.  Remember that Magellan dude?  Just one of a slew of Portuguese explorers.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn addition, my father was a Merchant Marine.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn other words, I don\'t do seasickness.  It\'s not in my genetics.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span>I assured the Nervous Nelly behind me that it was windy, but look -- no swells!  Only white caps!  You didn\'t take your Dramamine?  No problem.</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nJust as I anticipated, we surfed through those white caps without issue.   A bumpy ride hurts your bum bum, not your tummy. (Or, if we want to be technical, a bumpy ride hurts your bum bum, not your inner ear.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span>Ten minutes into our trip, the captain spotted a gray whale and calf!  Hurrah!  No, that wasn\'t the Loch <span>Ness</span> Monster in the photo above.  Look closer!</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/P42900682.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5399\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/P42900682-300x224.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"224\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter stalking the mother and her calf for about 20 minutes and a thousand photos, the captain announced that we would head further out in search of humpback whales.  In a perfect foreshadow, he nonchalantly mentioned that Santa Barbara rarely experiences winds such as these (15 - 40 miles an hour).  However, the captain assured us that he could navigate through wind and water just fine.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt was then that I entered the cabin for the first time at the captain\'s advice.  There was a tremendous amount of water hitting the deck, and even though I dream of being on <strong><a href=\"http://animal.discovery.com/tv/whale-wars/\" target=\"_blank\">Whale Wars</a></strong> where the crew gets soaked and chilled to the bone, this captain ordered everyone inside pronto.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe cabin air was stuffy, and the only remaining seat faced the back.  I started small talk with the couple sitting across from us.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI first knew something was about to go terribly wrong when the female member of the couple started to turn<span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #808000;\"> <strong>this color </strong></span></span>after we hit a swell that made my tea shoot like Old Faithful from the spout in my to-go cup.</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #808000;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"color: #808000; font-size: xx-large;\"><strong>Holy Ocean Swells, Batman!</strong></span>\r\n</span></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCrap, Crap, Crap.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe captain then informed us that the sudden smell of oil was not a leak from the boat, but naturally occurring oil from the depths of the Pacific.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBetween the gas station smell, the stuffiness, and <span style=\"color: #808000;\"><strong>the green woman</strong></span>, I started to feel a wee bit nauseated.  When <span style=\"color: #808000;\"><strong>the green woman</strong></span><span> and hubby left our table (I\'m assuming to power puke), I quickly hauled my <span>hiney</span> around the table to face forward.  <span>Jimmykins</span> reminded me to keep my eyes on the horizon which I managed to do only when the swells weren\'t crashing against the window.</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span><span>Our tour guide, Cubby</span>*, made his rounds while assessing the seasick percentage of passengers.  When he got to me, I blurted out, \"Do you have any more of that ginger candy?!?!\".  (I unfortunately declined the ginger candy 60 minutes prior when I was still in cocky mode.)</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span><span>Cubby</span> scrounged around for the last two pieces of ginger candy which tasted absolutely disgusting, but I sucked on anyway for dear life.</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span>And then...music to <span>everyone\'s</span> ears and stomachs:  Humpback whale to the starboard side of the boat!  The captain would mercifully stop the boat for prime whale viewing. </span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI ran to the deck while gasping for cool air which (thankfully) was now fresh and salty rather than oily.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThar she blows!  Look what I caught on video, peeps!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter stalking the humpback for another 30 minutes and two thousand photos, the concerned captain mentioned that \"a few\" passengers were sick.  He would therefore turn this ship around and head <em>slowly</em> back to shore.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHallelujah.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI stayed on deck and gulped as much cool air as I could.  Luckily, I never passed \"3\" on my own scale of 1-10 with 0 being \"I feel fabulous!\" , and 10 being \"hurling breakfast over the back of the boat\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy \"3\" nausea passed fairly quickly after Ms. Humpback.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOther passengers were not so lucky.  Apparently, there were <em>many</em> (not \"a few\", captain, sir) not-so-perfect 10s on that boat, because for the rest of the Santa Barbara trip, The Whale Watching Tour reached infamy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<em>Everywhere</em> we went for the rest of the weekend, we overheard people talking about <span style=\"color: #808000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>The Whale Watching Tour.</strong></span> Or more specifically, <span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #808000;\"><strong>the number of sick peeps on </strong><strong>The Whale Watching Tour. </strong></span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">We overheard them a</span>t the pool.  At the spa.  In the restaurants.  In the bathrooms.  <em>Everywhere. </em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span>Even THE PRESIDENT OF THE GIANT CORPORATION who hosted this soiree brought it up at the Awards Banquet as a joke.  Hardy <span>har</span> <span>har</span>.  (Mr. <span>Prez</span> was not on the boat.)</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWas it worth it?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAbsolutely!  I saw whales in the wild for the first time in my life!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span>Next time, I\'ll venture out into calmer waters with Dramamine.</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy sincere apologies, Nelly.  I now see that you had every right to feel nervous.  I truly hope that you didn\'t wind up blowing chunks.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n***************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span>*Yes, <span>Cubby</span> is his real name.  I forgot to ask if he was formerly a mouseketeer.</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span>There was also a tour guide named Scooter.  No, he was not a Muppet.</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 215:  You Know What Happens on Whale Watching Tours, Right?  ','','inherit','open','open','','5395-revision-10','','','2011-05-02 20:26:45','2011-05-03 03:26:45','',5395,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/02/5395-revision-10/',0,'revision','',0);
