tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1340530743054477982024-03-14T10:16:22.755-04:00Jessica's JournalJessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02265893075132478091noreply@blogger.comBlogger1013125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-134053074305447798.post-31383295696684275672016-05-19T00:54:00.002-04:002016-05-19T00:54:48.841-04:00Wordless Wednesday: Animals and May Flowers<div style="text-align: left;">
I seem to be getting one blog post in a month lately, so each time I feel like I am playing catch-up. Things have just been crazy, but I hope they will wind down sometime soon. I'm hoping for a relaxing summer, but we will see! On a related note, I opted to not update my domain name for the site, since I don't feel I use it often enough. So, I am back to the plain ol' blogspot address. It works for my purposes.</div>
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But enough chatter. On to the photos!</div>
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Josh had school vacation in mid-April, and I took a day off with him to go to Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut. We saw my favorites, the penguins...</div>
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... and some beautiful fish ...</div>
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... and the seals, one of which wanted to eat Josh's stuffed penguin.</div>
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And of course, we got the obligatory beluga whale shot.</div>
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They are known for being quite friendly (and a bunch of hams!)</div>
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One particularly lovely evening, Joshua wanted to play mini-golf, but we had no luck finding a place still open. So we took a stroll down to the beach and watched the (almost) full moon appear over the water. I wish I had brought a better camera than my phone, but I captured it as best as I could.</div>
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On May 1st, we went to see the circus in Providence. I am usually anti-circus because I feel bad for some of the big animals, so I hadn't gone since I was very young, and had never brought Joshua. However, I heard it was the elephants' last few performances before retiring, so I was curious to see the show. We saw them perform their second to last show, and while it was very impressive, I am glad they will be going to a place where they will hopefully have plenty of room to roam.</div>
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Finally, I broke out the good ol' DSLR for a few photos last week. I've really missed photography and think I really need to find time in my schedule every week to take photos. I feel really out of practice with it, and it has always been something very relaxing and rewarding for me.</div>
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Hope you are all enjoying a very lovely Spring!</div>
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<i>I normally link up with <a href="http://abracabadra.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Ruchira</a> for Wordless Wednesday, but there's no link today. So this is my solo Wordless Wednesday offering. I hope you enjoyed it!</i></div>
Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02265893075132478091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-134053074305447798.post-45063313699908747502016-04-06T22:00:00.000-04:002016-04-06T22:00:12.576-04:00Wordless Wednesday: Winter After Spring<div style="text-align: center;">
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The weather was still fairly mild near the end of March. Josh and I went to the zoo one day, and the animals were pretty happy.</div>
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And Easter turned out to be pretty nice.</div>
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But April seems to be having an identity crisis.</div>
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And the little man and I have been sick.<br />
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But at least that didn't happen until after my good friend's birthday celebration weekend.<br />
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Cheers to a good week, everyone!</div>
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<i>Linking up with Ruchira for Wordless Wednesday</i></div>
Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02265893075132478091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-134053074305447798.post-76740157088391206172016-03-16T22:11:00.001-04:002016-03-16T22:11:45.028-04:00Wordless Wednesday: Another Great Season<div style="text-align: left;">
Another fun hockey season for Joshua is in the books!</div>
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<i>Linking up with Ruchira for <a href="http://abracabadra.blogspot.com/2016/03/wordless-wednesday-122.html" target="_blank">Wordless Wednesday</a></i></div>
Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02265893075132478091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-134053074305447798.post-35614700802502284142016-03-09T23:05:00.000-05:002016-03-09T23:05:09.166-05:00Wordless Wednesday: Back in the Ocean State<div style="text-align: left;">
The weather has been unseasonably warm here in New England, and many people have been taking advantage of it, getting outside to enjoy the fresh air and local scenery. I took a hike a couple of weekends ago to a place by the bay called Rome Point. There were no seals (which I only recently learned like to hang out here) but the view did not disappoint.</div>
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In other news, Joshua had a chance last week to meet some of the Providence Bruins (our favorite hockey team) players. He had an absolute blast, and the guys were fantastic with him. Josh even had a cameo on the <a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/goaliej54/2uie87" target="_blank">local news</a>. His autograph item this year was a Bruins Mr. Potato Head that had been sitting on my desk at work for several years. I'm glad it was put to good use!</div>
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<i>Linking up with Ruchira for <a href="http://abracabadra.blogspot.com/2016/03/wordless-wednesday-121.html" target="_blank">Wordless Wednesday</a></i></div>
Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02265893075132478091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-134053074305447798.post-3600167221353616362016-02-25T23:56:00.000-05:002016-02-25T23:56:13.047-05:00Wordless Wednesday: Colorful Colorado<div style="text-align: left;">
Last week, I took an unexpected trip to Colorado. My grandfather had passed away, so I flew out with my dad and stepmom to be with my grandmother and some other family. I've only ever been there in the summer, so it was nice to see the mountains in all of their snowy glory. It's so beautiful out there, and it was go good to visit some of the family that I rarely get to see. Oh, and the green chili was absolutely delightful!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fisher's Peak</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Spanish Peaks</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Broncos everywhere!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Delicious Mexican food!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old train station in Trinidad</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Simpson's Rest (in the background)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Welcoming us back to Colorado after visiting New Mexico</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crossing over Raton Pass</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wind turbine blades... and a Cannabis store. Only in Colorado?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colorful art in downtown Trinidad</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The road back to Denver</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Power</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trains for days</td></tr>
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<i>It's no longer Wednesday, and this is not wordless, but I'm still joining up with Ruchira for her <a href="http://abracabadra.blogspot.com/2016/02/wordless-wednesday-119.html" target="_blank">Wordless Wednesday</a> link-up</i></div>
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Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02265893075132478091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-134053074305447798.post-70728546743489804522016-02-11T00:31:00.002-05:002016-02-11T00:31:59.552-05:00Wordless Wednesday: Welcome to 2016I can't believe it took me until mid-February for a blog post, but here I am! I was hoping things would calm down after the Christmas rush, but they didn't. There is always so much to do and issues to handle, but that is life for you. Better to be busy and enjoying life and learning all the lessons we need to learn, I suppose!<br />
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Here are a few highlights from the end of 2015, and from 2016, so far:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The little man turned 7!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/goaliej54/23774914029/in/album-72157662940123212/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_0856"><img alt="IMG_0856" height="333" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1689/23774914029_1889b21d15.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">We celebrated New Year's Eve at Gillette Stadium for the Winter Classic Alumni hockey game.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">It was Josh's first time at the big stadium, and his first outdoor hockey game.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In January, Josh had the chance to skate in between periods of a Providence Bruins game.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We finally got some snow in February!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I took a bunch of photos while Josh was at his art class this past weekend.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our town beach looks pretty nice in white!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/goaliej54/24889552385/in/album-72157664372357376/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_2012"><img alt="IMG_2012" height="333" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1514/24889552385_8a71f683e1.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Josh's painting was one of eight selected from his school to be featured in a collection of children's art at a local gallery. He's been going through a lot of issues with his self-esteem lately, and I think this really gave him a boost. His picture is the one on the bottom right, "Starry Night." Of course, Woody had to come, too, since <i>Toy Story</i> is his latest obsession. We'll break this one out when he's working for Pixar someday! :)</td></tr>
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<i>Joining up with Ruchira for <a href="http://abracabadra.blogspot.com/2016/02/wordless-wednesday-117.html" target="_blank">Wordless Wednesday</a></i></div>
Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02265893075132478091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-134053074305447798.post-2704043931075154572015-12-24T01:34:00.001-05:002015-12-24T01:34:18.411-05:00Wordless Wednesday: Holiday Fun<div style="text-align: left;">
So, I've been busy. Very busy. I have definitely put the blog on the back burner, which I needed to do for a while, but I am hoping to revisit it in the New Year. I miss writing. I've been a little better at taking time to take photos, but not so good at sharing them. I'm finally getting to do so now. Hooray for holidays and vacation time! Here are some photos from the past month, including lots of holiday festivities.</div>
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<b>Santa's Helper #1: Home Depot Santa (and Mrs. Claus!)</b></div>
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<b>Santa's Helper #2: Zoo Santa</b></div>
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<b>Santa's Helper #3: Town Christmas Tree Lighting Santa</b></div>
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<b>Not Santa (but just as fun): Skating with the Providence Bruins!</b></div>
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<b>Learning about Christmas traditions and life in the "olden days" at <a href="https://www.osv.org/" target="_blank">Old Sturbridge Village</a></b></div>
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<b>Reading his part in the church Christmas play</b></div>
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<b>Community Carol Sing at <a href="http://www.mysticseaport.org/" target="_blank">Mystic Seaport</a></b></div>
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I feel so blessed to live in a beautiful place, with rich history, and I'm glad I was able to incorporate some of that into my Christmas celebrations this year. Growing up in historic <a href="http://wickfordvillage.org/" target="_blank">Wickford</a>, New England history and Christmas have always seemed to go hand in hand for me. Of course, we love our more modern traditions, as well. Wishing you all a very joyous holiday season, whatever you may be celebrating! And wishing for peace and love to reign throughout the coming year.</div>
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<i>Linking up with Ruchira for (not so) <a href="http://abracabadra.blogspot.com/2015/12/wordless-wednesday-112.html" target="_blank">Wordless Wednesday</a></i></div>
Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02265893075132478091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-134053074305447798.post-59346715076809261632015-11-05T01:05:00.002-05:002015-11-05T01:05:46.592-05:00Wordless Wednesday: Costume Changes<div style="text-align: left;">
Halloween was a busy day this year, with it falling on a Saturday. Joshua went through a lot of costume changes that day. From hockey player...</div>
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... to swimmer ...</div>
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... to pumpkin artist ...</div>
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... to Top Gun pilot ...</div>
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... he had a blast being them all. But of course, he was best at just being himself.</div>
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I'm pretty sure that's what got him all the treats!</div>
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<i>Linking up with Ruchira for <a href="http://abracabadra.blogspot.com/2015/11/wordless-wednesday-106.html" target="_blank">Wordless Wednesday</a></i></div>
Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02265893075132478091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-134053074305447798.post-61486187716582463682015-10-29T01:54:00.002-04:002015-10-29T01:54:11.838-04:00Wordless Wednesday: Spooky Zoo<div style="text-align: left;">
Keeping up with our autumn / Halloween traditions, we visited the zoo this past weekend -- this time during the day -- for the annual "Spooky Zoo." It was nice to check in on all the animals, and Josh loved the characters and Treat Trail. We also saw some of the Jack-O-Lanterns, and some of the animals eating pumpkins. The snow leopards, however, preferred to play soccer with theirs.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These guys did not care about pumpkins, they really wanted the Wildebeests next door.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And wild things.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Ooh, check out that foliage!"</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A bear and his pumpkin</td></tr>
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Also this weekend, at my cousins' house, we indulged in another kind of autumn. A bonfire, with a lovely view of the colored leaves all around us, roasting ghost-shaped Peeps. Delicious!</div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">I just love this time of year.</span></div>
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<i>Linking up with Ruchira for <a href="http://abracabadra.blogspot.com/2015/10/wordless-wednesday-105.html" target="_blank">Wordless Wednesday</a></i></div>
Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02265893075132478091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-134053074305447798.post-80083014772717554252015-10-23T00:26:00.000-04:002015-10-23T00:26:12.761-04:00Wordless Wednesday: Jack-o-Lantern SpectacularI'm late again this week, but with a great reason: last night, we went to the <a href="http://www.rwpzoo.org/jack-o-lantern-spectacular#ad-image-0" target="_blank">Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular</a> at our local zoo. I wish my photos did it justice: hundreds of carved pumpkins on display, some with creepy or cool faces, others displaying gorgeous works of art. Pumpkins hanging from trees, over the water, and in fun displays, all coordinated with music based on the display, or classic Halloween tunes. I have been almost every year since they started and am always in awe. It's just such a fantastic display and always one of my favorite fall activities. Here are some of my photos, but you can <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/goaliej54/albums/72157660219180045" target="_blank">click here</a> to see the whole album.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/goaliej54/22386912982/in/photolist-A7fMhj-pUZDpM-dinEtM-ayvfen" title="IMG_2730"><img alt="IMG_2730" height="500" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5641/22386912982_145076e960.jpg" width="375" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
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<i>Linking up with Ruchira for <a href="http://abracabadra.blogspot.com/2015/10/wordless-wednesday-104.html" target="_blank">Wordless Wednesday</a></i></div>
Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02265893075132478091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-134053074305447798.post-35768271744246159352015-10-15T01:18:00.002-04:002015-10-15T01:18:39.795-04:00Wordless Wednesday: Around Town<div style="text-align: left;">
Monday was a glorious day -- sunny, warm (but not too warm), and dry -- perfect for taking a walk <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/goaliej54/albums/72157659750629682" target="_blank">around town</a>. People were sitting around the docks, just soaking up the sun. I took a nice stroll in and out of some of the shops, and around the homes (possibly daydreaming about living there someday). And of course, I had to capture some photos. I just love long weekends!</div>
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<i>Linking up with Ruchira for <a href="http://abracabadra.blogspot.com/2015/10/wordless-wednesday-103.html" target="_blank">Wordless Wednesday</a></i></div>
Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02265893075132478091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-134053074305447798.post-57092710433575606292015-10-08T23:41:00.000-04:002015-10-09T00:07:33.249-04:00Writer's Workshop: Crazytown<i>This week, I am writing following the prompt: 4. Something funny your child said.</i><br />
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It was a year ago this weekend that Joshua came up with this gem, which I shared on Twitter:<br />
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"I was just a kid in Hollywood living a simple life, until a tornado scooped me up and put me in your belly." My kid is strange.</div>
— Jessica Sweeney (@goaliej54) <a href="https://twitter.com/goaliej54/status/520804383047831552">October 11, 2014</a></blockquote>
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In the past year, this has evolved into something even bigger.<br />
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Joshua later explained to me that the place's true name is Crazytown. In this town, people are different, and the technology is awesome. The people are very sensitive and don't always like the sort of things that people from "here" like. But they aren't afraid to be who they are -- in fact, they're pretty proud to be different. They are very curious and inquisitive people, as well, having invented such things as the "Crazytown car," which can turn into an airplane and a submarine, and comes with every safety feature imaginable, to deal with any unfortunate situation possible. Crazytown people are pretty cautious and always want to be safe. The sensitive thing, I think.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Mayor loves his Beanie Boos; they come<br />
from Crazytown, too.</td></tr>
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There are other people from Crazytown here among us, but not everyone is. Apparently, I and a few other family members are, as well as some of Joshua's friends. He values his Crazytown crew; he was so happy to be reunited with us. He often reminds me of what life was like in Crazytown ("Don't you remember that, Mom?") and is looking forward to going back when we're done here. My mom swears he must have been reincarnated.<br />
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I love that my son has so much confidence and sees so much value in himself, and that, even though he sometimes feels like he's a little different than other kids, he doesn't mind. He's proud to be different, proud to be himself. He's a leader (former Mayor of Crazytown, of course), he knows what he wants, and he works to make things happen. He has made leaps and bounds since he started preschool three years ago, but still has some sensitivities that has prompted us to get him tested for Sensory Processing Disorder (soon, I hope -- on the waiting list). Hopefully, we can get him the help he needs. In addition, he has just been diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis, which brings its own set of possible complications -- we can only pray that his case will be as mild as possible. With both disorders can come learning disabilities, but we have been blessed that Josh is a brilliant boy who is thriving in school. I think his dreams of being a television producer, or scientist, or engineer, or artist, or musician, or librarian, or race car driver, or a hockey player are not too far out of reach. Although, the fact that he wants to be ALL of them may be... but you never know! He's a high achiever with boundless energy. I hope he always stays this way. And I hope thoughts of Crazytown keep him feeling safe and happy for as long as he needs them.<br />
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I'm so grateful for my boy's wonderful imagination, and proud to be a fellow citizen of his delightful Crazytown!<br />
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Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02265893075132478091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-134053074305447798.post-75567789107242784332015-10-08T22:02:00.000-04:002015-10-08T22:02:41.893-04:00Wordless Wednesday: Perfect Weather<div style="text-align: left;">
After last week's rain, it was great to welcome some gorgeous weather this week. It's been sunny and cooler -- 60-70F, dropping into the 40s at night -- perfect, in my opinion. Joshua and I (and his kitties) got some playtime in at the playground on Sunday. I was also able to get in a beach walk yesterday evening, after a delicious dinner by the ocean with my work team. There were some pretty decent waves, so all the surfers were out. It's been a great week to be outside.<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
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<i>Linking up with Ruchira for <a href="http://abracabadra.blogspot.com/2015/10/wordless-wednesday-102.html" target="_blank">Wordless Wednesday</a></i></div>
Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02265893075132478091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-134053074305447798.post-31583989953897531212015-10-01T00:56:00.001-04:002015-10-01T00:56:38.620-04:00Wordless Wednesday: September<div style="text-align: center;">
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September was incredibly busy, and I spent a good part of it sick. I am just now getting around to posting some of my photos. Here are some of the photos I took during the month, with the last twelve from a recent <a href="http://waterfire.org/" target="_blank">Waterfire</a> in Providence. Unfortunately, I did not get any of the "Blood Moon" this past week -- well, none worth posting, at least. I tried my best to hold my camera still, but was unable to get anything clear. I'm putting "tripod" on my wishlist! It was amazing to see, at least.</div>
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<i>Linking up with Ruchira for <a href="http://abracabadra.blogspot.com/2015/09/wordless-wednesday-101.html" target="_blank">Wordless Wednesday</a></i></div>
Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02265893075132478091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-134053074305447798.post-41386560040004655652015-09-17T23:05:00.000-04:002015-09-17T23:05:17.054-04:00Wordless Wednesday: Mom's Night OutI may as well call it Wordless Thursday (or Friday). Wednesdays are apparently hard for me, but I do love to link up with Ruchira's blog for WW. It's neither wordless nor Wednesday, but I'll share a couple of my photos from this week.<br />
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Last Thursday, my friend and I went to a free concert over at Mohegan Sun casino in Connecticut. The performer was Tony Lucca, who we estimated we've been watching for about 24 years. He was on the <i>Mickey Mouse Club</i> when he (and I) was in high school, and more recently competed on <i>The Voice</i>. I've been following his musical career all along, and I really enjoy his music. I think he is so talented and so passionate about music, so creative and a brilliant and articulate man. Pretty fun, too. He's also one of the nicest people I have ever met, famous or not. His band was also extremely talented, and highly entertaining. It was an evening of great music and lots of laughs, and definitely helped break up a stressful week.<br />
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(The man behind me in line to meet Tony after the show told him that my friend and I kept promoting him. Apparently, I am good at this!)<br />
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<i>Linking up with Ruchira for <a href="http://abracabadra.blogspot.com/2015/09/wordless-wednesday-99.html" target="_blank">Wordless Wednesday</a></i></div>
Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02265893075132478091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-134053074305447798.post-10044852920823530302015-09-10T00:01:00.000-04:002015-09-10T00:02:18.568-04:00Wordless Wednesday: Back to SchoolIt's that time of the year again: back to school! My little guy complained about going back up to the day before, but then it was like a switch when the first day arrived. He was very excited to see his friends again, and once he was at the bus stop, he was happy. He has come home the last two days talking about how "awesometacular" school is, and I couldn't be happier. I love that he is so social, he loves to learn, and his school is so great at making the kids feel at home.<br />
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And, because summer has not quite left us yet, here is Josh at the beach this weekend, along with some other beach photos I had wanted to share last week. (I completely forgot on Wednesday. Oops!) Josh is pretty grateful that his school has air conditioning, with the humidity and temps getting up to around 90F this week. We'll enjoy the salt water for now, but we can't wait for Autumn!<br />
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<i>Linking up with Ruchira for <a href="http://abracabadra.blogspot.com/2015/09/wordless-wednesday-98.html" target="_blank">Wordless Wednesday</a></i></div>
Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02265893075132478091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-134053074305447798.post-74795750560006455402015-08-29T02:18:00.002-04:002015-08-29T02:18:31.774-04:00Writer's Workshop: Dishes<i>This week, I chose the prompt: 1. Write a blog post in exactly 12 lines.</i><br />
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One chore I never minded was washing the dishes.<br />
In fact, even today, I find it somewhat relaxing.<br />
It used to be a nice break from my homework, or something to do when I was bored.<br />
Quiet and alone in the kitchen while others watched TV shows that I didn't care for.<br />
There's something therapeutic to me about water.<br />
And I may be somewhat of a clean freak.<br />
I also have fond memories of helping my Nana wash dishes.<br />
She would wash and I'd dry and put them away.<br />
When I got older, we'd sometimes reverse roles.<br />
On Sundays and holidays, the women would cram into her small pantry, cleaning after dinner.<br />
Calming, therapeutic water -- full of many happy memories.<br />
But don't get me wrong: I'm thankful for my dishwasher!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mamakatslosinit.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Mama’s Losin’ It" src="http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac331/mamakatslosinit/workshop-button-1.png" /></a></div>
Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02265893075132478091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-134053074305447798.post-7161019240524477972015-08-21T01:07:00.001-04:002015-08-21T01:07:47.370-04:00Wordless Wednesday: Vacation Week<div style="text-align: center;">
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Last week, I took a much-needed vacation from work. Joshua, my mother, and I headed up north for a few days of fun in New Hampshire.</div>
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First stop was in the Loon Mountain area, where we visited the infamous <a href="http://www.clarkstradingpost.com/" target="_blank">Clark's Trading Post</a>. We had to take the train ride, of course!</div>
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Then, we headed across the <a href="http://www.kancamagushighway.com/" target="_blank">Kancamagus Highway</a> to North Conway and our hotel.</div>
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On Monday, we went to <a href="https://www.storylandnh.com/" target="_blank">Story Land</a>, where we pretended to be pirates and played in a huge pumpkin. There were also several rides involved. Josh loved the roller coasters and the "Bamboo Chutes" water ride. It got hot in the afternoon, so we left and headed back to the hotel pool for a while. Josh was loving the entertainment guy, who had the kids diving for winning coins and playing other games for prizes. Josh was in the cannonball, flip flop, limbo, and "create something out of a piece of foil" contests. He didn't want to leave (especially since the guy was also playing good music), but enjoyed his dinner at the <a href="http://muddymoose.com/" target="_blank">Muddy Moose</a> later.</div>
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Tuesday was rainy. We ate at the <a href="http://glenjunction.com/" target="_blank">Glen Junction</a> restaurant for breakfast, and did a little bit of shopping at a cool <a href="http://toychestnh.com/" target="_blank">toy store</a> in town. Then it was back to our hotel, which just happened to be attached to a giant indoor <a href="http://www.kahunalaguna.com/" target="_blank">water park</a>. We had a blast in the water as it poured outside. Dinner that night was at my personal favorite, the <a href="http://moatmountain.com/" target="_blank">Moat Mountain Brewery</a>. Great food and beer!</div>
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We headed home on Wednesday, but planned to stop at <a href="http://www.santasvillage.com/" target="_blank">Santa's Village</a> for a few hours first.</div>
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A few hours turned into all day because we were having such a great time there. Fun rides, great activities, Christmas music (!), and a sweet water park. Josh was begging me to go back again soon.</div>
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That smile! :) I think he had a good time. We actually never got to see Santa (the line was long) but Josh didn't mind, since he knew we would see him at the zoo in December. The reindeer and elves (and gingerbread) were a special treat, though!</div>
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We had a scenic ride home, which included mountains for miles and even a family of raccoons crossing the street. I just love New Hampshire; it's absolutely gorgeous.</div>
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We had a few more things planned for the rest of the week, including members' night at the <a href="http://www.rwpzoo.org/" target="_blank">Roger Williams Zoo</a>. We finally got to see the new cheetahs, along with all of our other favorites.</div>
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A gorgeous sunset capped off the evening beautifully.</div>
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Friday was the <a href="http://www.washingtoncountyfair-ri.com/" target="_blank">Washington County Fair</a>, where we rode the roller coaster about 147852 times (only slightly exaggerated) and then had to sit down for a while because little man was starting to feel sick. Normally, we walk around to see the animals and contest entries, maybe a tractor pull or two. Instead, we rested and watched <a href="http://www.chriscagle.com/" target="_blank">Chris Caigle</a> for a while (who put on an awesome show). I got my strawberry shortcake, so I was happy!</div>
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Josh was sick all day Saturday, but was (thankfully) feeling better by that evening. I think the excitement of the week was getting to him! I'm glad to report he was back swimming in Grandma's pool by Sunday. Such a great week, and just what the doctor ordered!</div>
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<i>Linking up with Ruchira's <a href="http://abracabadra.blogspot.com/2015/08/wordless-wednesday-95.html" target="_blank">Wordless Wednesday</a> -- quite late and hardly wordless!</i></div>
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Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02265893075132478091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-134053074305447798.post-1810303402582358412015-07-29T00:58:00.000-04:002015-07-29T00:58:13.381-04:00Wordless Wednesday: Baby, You're a FireworkI've been feeling a little down lately. While my Facebook and Instagram feeds are flooded with photos of people having fun in the Summer sun, I have been cooped up at work. But even when I am not at work, I often just want to stay in the house because it's just too darn hot out (and my child hates the heat even more than I do). My energy is drained, my asthma symptoms flare up, bugs bite me, there's no hockey to watch, friends are too busy with other activities ... I am definitely not Summer's biggest fan. I actually think I may have SAD (seasonal affective disorder), the Summer version, because for as long as I can remember I tend to be a bit depressed this time of year. And yes, I am absolutely allowed to complain now because I was in all my glory while we had several feet of snow this past Winter! :)<br />
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I am looking forward to my favorite season, Autumn, in a couple of months, followed by my second favorite, Winter. Harvest time activities, Halloween, Christmas, the perfect weather (even snow!) -- that is when I am happiest. However, I am trying to make an effort to be more in the present, as well as more grateful. So I've come up with a list of things that I enjoy about the Summer:<br />
<ol>
<li>Fireworks on the Fourth of July, even if I do have to wear headphones to tone down the sound.</li>
<li>Swimming, in pools or at the beach.</li>
<li>Being by the ocean, whether to just eat or spend the day at the beach or just sit and watch the boats go by.</li>
<li>School vacation. Mom needs a break, too!</li>
<li>Traveling. We don't get to go away every year, but we have something planned this year, and I'm really looking forward to it.</li>
<li>Flip flops. Only thing better is bare feet!</li>
<li>The State Fair. Always a good time.</li>
<li>My birthday. One of these years, I am going to celebrate it right.</li>
<li>Summer hockey league. So thankful for year-round ice rinks!</li>
<li>Fresh fruits and vegetables. It's so easy to eat healthy during this time of year. Currently enjoying: watermelon, cantaloupe, cherries, strawberries, tomatoes, and cucumbers. Josh and I are pretty obsessed with the cukes!</li>
<li>Bonus: thunderstorms. They've been a little scary lately, but they can also be exciting sometimes. And I've gotten some wicked cloud photos. As long as they don't damage me, my people, or any of my stuff, they are cool.</li>
</ol>
Here are some photos of one of my favorite summer activities, the Fourth of July fireworks.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/goaliej54/20066593312/in/photolist-wzdx5L-kgCXK8-fafsNv-dkVJZg" title="IMG_8301"><img alt="IMG_8301" height="334" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3709/20066593312_05f4cf4e50.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
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What do you love about summer?<br />
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<i>Linking up with Ruchira on this (not very wordless) <a href="http://abracabadra.blogspot.com/2015/07/wordless-wednesday-92.html" target="_blank">Wordless Wednesday</a></i></div>
Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02265893075132478091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-134053074305447798.post-2840230083583161932015-07-26T01:16:00.001-04:002015-07-26T01:16:50.781-04:00Writer's Workshop: Photo Bomb<i>This week, I'm following the prompt, "5. Photographs can turn a house into a home. Share a photograph that is not on your wall, but should be…if you weren’t so lazy about actually putting it there."</i><br />
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When I read this prompt, I thought, <i>now there's the story of my life</i>! I take photographs all the time but rarely do anything with them, except maybe post them to Flickr or Instagram and possibly send them to others. If the photos are lucky, they may even make it to this blog and be seen by one or two readers. I keep telling Joshua that I am going to make some photo books, but that hasn't happened yet. I absolutely love taking photos, but the problem with taking as many as I do is that it's so time consuming to go through them all and do anything with them. Maybe it was easier back in the film days when we couldn't take 200 photos in a three hour span.<br />
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All those photos, and my poor walls are totally empty.<br />
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There are other things that I need to hang, as well: a growth chart for Joshua that I probably should put up before he stops growing, a few pieces of art that he made in school this year which I absolutely adore, two photos that I won recently, my state-fair-prize-winning photos that are sitting in boxes with ribbons attached. In fact, I have a whole closet full of potential wall decorations, but haven't had the time or energy to really do anything with them.<br />
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I need more hours in the day, and probably more sleep.<br />
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It also doesn't help that our current home is temporary -- an apartment to stay in until I can save up some money to buy a house. But that doesn't mean I can't make it more homey while we are here. So, I'm feeling a little motivated now (thanks, Mama Kat!). I think wall decorating needs to be my next big project.<br />
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For the sake of the prompt, I went through some photos online and chose a few I thought would look good on my walls.<br />
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Perhaps a cute collage with these two (Beluga whales are such hams!):<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/goaliej54/6087197083/in/album-72157632430659080/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_1840"><img alt="IMG_1840" height="500" src="https://farm7.staticflickr.com/6196/6087197083_f00f787c9d.jpg" width="374" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2011</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/goaliej54/14499220981/in/album-72157632430659080/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_0550"><img alt="IMG_0550" height="376" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3922/14499220981_051c15405a.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2014</td></tr>
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Maybe a more creative photo of Joshua:<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/goaliej54/6604708877/in/album-72157632430659080/" title="[364/365] Happy Holidays"><img alt="[364/365] Happy Holidays" height="333" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7172/6604708877_61a57b56d6.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/goaliej54/11264355483/in/album-72157632430659080/" title="[251/365] My Sunshine"><img alt="[251/365] My Sunshine" height="500" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3808/11264355483_0b4054ecc0.jpg" width="333" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
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Or some owls in our newly-decorated, owl-themed bathroom (the boy loves his owls):<br />
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And some other of our favorite animals, for good measure:<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/goaliej54/9514655184/in/album-72157632430659080/" title="[136/365] Hummingbird Central"><img alt="[136/365] Hummingbird Central" height="333" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5503/9514655184_c233876159.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/goaliej54/16514071998/in/album-72157651073546906/" title="IMG_4909"><img alt="IMG_4909" height="333" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8608/16514071998_622c517ba0.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
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It will take a little time and effort, but I am sure we'll be able to find the right photos to make our house feel like a home. Now, to buy some frames...</div>
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<center>
<a href="http://www.mamakatslosinit.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Mama’s Losin’ It" src="http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac331/mamakatslosinit/workshop-button-1.png" /></a></center>
Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02265893075132478091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-134053074305447798.post-36572086460267957152015-07-23T01:50:00.001-04:002015-07-23T01:50:33.371-04:00Wordless Wednesday: July<div style="text-align: left;">
My blogging and photography have continued to take the back burner lately, but I am hoping to be able to re-prioritize that soon. I wish I had more hours in the day! Here's a catch-up featuring some of my favorite photos (so far) of July. All from my smartphone, but I'm hoping to get out with the D-SLR again very soon!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The mad scientist, telling me all about the meters. He's obsessed with the <i>Magic School Bus</i> books and shows right now (he loves science), and he's having a blast at his summer hockey camp.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All aboard! I brought the little man to see the ship his great-grandfather was stationed on during WWII, the USS Massachusetts. He had a blast (no pun intended!) exploring the ship and it was even more exciting for him knowing that Papa had been on it. Papa brought me and all the kids in our family here when we were young, so it was really special to be able to share this with my little guy. I'm so glad it's here so we can share our history.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bunks! He didn't think they felt too bad.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shamrocks on the USS Joseph P Kennedy, which is also stationed at <a href="http://www.battleshipcove.org/" target="_blank">Battleship Cove</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Slightly alarming cloud above Walmart</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raindrops</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cool little guy I rescued from the pool</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chilling out on a hot day (my birthday!) at our friend's pool</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Storm clouds and young cornstalks</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fore!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flying his plane at the beach</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lobster boy!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/goaliej54/19906925206/in/photostream/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="20150721_193607"><img alt="20150721_193607" height="333" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/548/19906925206_45a8a8cbdc.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watching planes and helicopters ride off into the sunset</td></tr>
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<i>Linking up with Ruchira for <a href="http://abracabadra.blogspot.com/2015/07/wordless-wednesday-91.html" target="_blank">Wordless Wednesday</a></i></div>
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Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02265893075132478091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-134053074305447798.post-57149719310356289762015-06-24T00:53:00.001-04:002015-06-24T00:53:45.137-04:00Wordless Wednesday: Summer Fun<div style="text-align: left;">
Summer only officially started this past Sunday, but we have already been enjoying some outdoor fun and summer sports. I was excited to attend my first polo match a couple of weeks ago.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/goaliej54/18663108528" title="IMG_8025 by Jessica, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8025" height="334" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5511/18663108528_978ce887de.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/goaliej54/18663082018" title="IMG_8036 by Jessica, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8036" height="334" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5494/18663082018_764e6ab1af.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/goaliej54/18230178463" title="IMG_8043 by Jessica, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8043" height="334" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5566/18230178463_8980ccfa1e.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/goaliej54/18664611579" title="IMG_8056 by Jessica, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8056" height="333" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5484/18664611579_092e6ecd1d.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/goaliej54/18824546926" title="IMG_8048 by Jessica, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8048" height="333" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5511/18824546926_24d5cb50c8.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/goaliej54/18664587479" title="IMG_8070 by Jessica, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8070" height="333" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5499/18664587479_fd20030d07.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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My friends and I hadn't been to Fenway Park in a while, so we got tickets to a Red Sox game a couple of weeks ago. It was a perfect day for a game, weather-wise, but Sox lost pretty badly to the Blue Jays. Still lots of fun, though. We had great seats, but my brother's were better: front row, right on the third base line. Lucky duck!</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/goaliej54/18979892626" title="IMG_2059 by Jessica, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2059" height="375" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/440/18979892626_15ec4518b6.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/goaliej54/18818443128" title="IMG_2072 by Jessica, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2072" height="500" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/396/18818443128_73e4e017bf.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/goaliej54/19009163021" title="IMG_2075 by Jessica, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2075" height="375" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/433/19009163021_f1356d84e6.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/goaliej54/18979846196" title="IMG_2086 by Jessica, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2086" height="375" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/345/18979846196_7d66df2851.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/goaliej54/18383467884" title="IMG_2123 by Jessica, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2123" height="375" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/508/18383467884_3e7912f1d5.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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This little dude is now a Kindergarten graduate. Can you believe it? Time is flying. He's still enjoying the golf, although he's not a big fan of the warmer weather (like mother, like son). He'll be playing some hockey this summer, so he can keep cool in the ice rink. I'll be doing the same!</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/goaliej54/18917552668" title="20150530_131301 by Jessica, on Flickr"><img alt="20150530_131301" height="281" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/266/18917552668_f67e25c157.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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The first day of Summer started out cloudy, foggy and cool around here, but ended pretty decently. I went to visit my dad, since it was Father's Day, and we took a quick trip down to the beach. Pretty soon, we'll be heading down there to swim!</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/goaliej54/18917531140" title="20150621_180625 by Jessica, on Flickr"><img alt="20150621_180625" height="500" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/341/18917531140_2f60379ae8.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/goaliej54/18917617188" title="20150621_184143 by Jessica, on Flickr"><img alt="20150621_184143" height="333" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/278/18917617188_46d20b631d.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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That night, there was a gorgeous sunset. There's a lot to love about summer in southern New England!</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/goaliej54/18917631588" title="20150621_201501 by Jessica, on Flickr"><img alt="20150621_201501" height="333" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/278/18917631588_e84941dcbb.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<i>Linking up with Ruchira for <a href="http://abracabadra.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Wordless Wednesday</a></i></div>
Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02265893075132478091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-134053074305447798.post-90458647544628480432015-06-11T00:50:00.000-04:002015-06-11T00:50:21.272-04:00Wordless Wednesday: Hydrangea<div style="text-align: left;">
This plant was a gift from my mother for Mother's Day (yes, I got her something nice, as well). Despite the fact that we haven't gotten much rain lately, I have been keeping it watered, along with my hanging plant, and they actually seem to be doing pretty well. Green thumbs up to someone who hasn't always had the best track record with plants!</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/goaliej54/18689800572" title="IMG_7953.CR2 by Jessica, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7953.CR2" height="333" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/460/18689800572_1eb60a5b87.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/goaliej54/18668260816" title="IMG_7955.CR2 by Jessica, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7955.CR2" height="333" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/360/18668260816_da7ca84ee0.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/goaliej54/18508372029" title="IMG_7957.CR2 by Jessica, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7957.CR2" height="333" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/431/18508372029_e8c1e3fd2d.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<i>Wordless Wednesday with <a href="http://abracabadra.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Ruchira</a> is currently on hiatus, but I wanted to post, anyway.</i></div>
Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02265893075132478091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-134053074305447798.post-32014141137395192422015-06-03T00:54:00.000-04:002015-06-03T00:54:52.861-04:00Wordless Wednesday: Looking Skyward<div style="text-align: left;">
This past weekend was our local air show. I live really close to the base, so I was able to catch a lot of it from my house. I caught some of the US Navy's Blue Angels performance from outside:</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/goaliej54/18221683379" title="IMG_7908 by Jessica, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7908" height="333" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8889/18221683379_2bbaccdd89.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/goaliej54/18220015028" title="IMG_7912 by Jessica, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7912" height="333" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8791/18220015028_27bf718cf8.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/goaliej54/18381448046" title="IMG_7913 by Jessica, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7913" height="333" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/294/18381448046_3a49a6607f.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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And some from my bedroom window:</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/goaliej54/17787177953" title="IMG_7918 by Jessica, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7918" height="333" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/408/17787177953_4bba749f51.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/goaliej54/18403688002" title="IMG_7919 by Jessica, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7919" height="333" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8897/18403688002_c758225c05.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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The Canadian Forces' Snowbirds were there, as well. I caught most of their performance from the car on Saturday, while stuck in traffic trying to bring Joshua up to his golf lessons. And I caught some from the backyard on Sunday:</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/goaliej54/18221654769" title="IMG_7932 by Jessica, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7932" height="500" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/334/18221654769_480b8aff1a.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/goaliej54/18407812965" title="IMG_7933 by Jessica, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7933" height="333" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7758/18407812965_33626a6ce3.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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The real birds were entertaining, too. I missed several hummingbird photo ops, but caught these black birds. Crows? I'm not sure, but I do know that you can see the damage done to our poor tree by an inchworm infestation. They were really bad everywhere in our town this Spring.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/goaliej54/18381434786" title="IMG_7931 by Jessica, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7931" height="333" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8829/18381434786_ffcb374bdd.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/goaliej54/17785174924" title="IMG_7950 by Jessica, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7950" height="333" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/474/17785174924_407540fa09.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Most of the other birds were freaking out, but this one wanted in on the action with the Blue Angels:<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/goaliej54/18403705992" title="IMG_7910 by Jessica, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7910" height="334" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/485/18403705992_440e9af4b5.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/goaliej54/18381455306" title="IMG_7911 by Jessica, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7911" height="333" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7782/18381455306_0bc327f253.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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It was fun looking up to the sky this week. It was a bit of a challenge to get some good photos, but it definitely helped me learn more about my camera to take shots from a new perspective.</div>
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<i>Linking up with Ruchira for <a href="http://abracabadra.blogspot.com/2015/06/wordless-wednesday-87.html" target="_blank">Wordless Wednesday</a></i></div>
Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02265893075132478091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-134053074305447798.post-81836246568607407972015-05-27T00:56:00.001-04:002015-05-27T01:05:03.285-04:00Wordless Wednesday: Memorial DayLately, it seems like every time I get caught up, ready to get back into the groove of things, there's a setback of some sort. For the past couple of weeks, it has been shingles. I am so thankful that it was only a little uncomfortable and not super painful, as it can be for some people. The worst part for me has been the fatigue. I'm feeling pretty good this week, though, and going to try playing hockey again tomorrow night. Hopefully this will be it for a while and I'll enjoy a healthy summer! I think a lesson of learning to rest, relax, and take care of myself has been on the agenda so far this year.<br />
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Memorial Day was a much-needed three-day weekend, involving a salon day, <a href="http://waterfire.org/" target="_blank">Waterfire</a> in Providence, a trip to the zoo, and good food at my brother's restaurant. We also visited loved ones who have passed on, and remembered those who have made great sacrifices for our freedom. Here are a few photos from the weekend, along with some flower photos I had wanted to share last week.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/goaliej54/18143973052" title="20150526_173834 by Jessica, on Flickr"><img alt="20150526_173834" height="500" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8759/18143973052_e636ce3d88.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/goaliej54/17959790730" title="20150526_173326 by Jessica, on Flickr"><img alt="20150526_173326" height="333" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8788/17959790730_9fef04893a.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/goaliej54/18121003606" title="20150525_152459 by Jessica, on Flickr"><img alt="20150525_152459" height="333" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8791/18121003606_5cd14731fa.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/goaliej54/17961261129" title="20150523_204339 by Jessica, on Flickr"><img alt="20150523_204339" height="500" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7764/17961261129_c86b5f5067.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/goaliej54/18143976762" title="20150523_204319 by Jessica, on Flickr"><img alt="20150523_204319" height="500" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7757/18143976762_e7b53416f8.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />
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<i>Linking up with Ruchira for <a href="http://abracabadra.blogspot.com/2015/05/wordless-wednesday-86.html" target="_blank">Wordless Wednesday</a></i></div>
Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02265893075132478091noreply@blogger.com0