tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44293275173153349582024-03-05T21:09:33.180-06:00Our 7 AcresAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04332360542340619903noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4429327517315334958.post-85162986367190190962013-02-10T16:45:00.000-06:002013-02-10T18:35:29.778-06:00<span style="font-size: x-large;">The Great Backyard Bird Count - </span><span style="font-size: large;">A Citizen Science Project</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc/" target="_blank"><img alt="GBBCblogbutton_1_2013-3.gif" class="image-inline" src="http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc/press/2013-web-buttons/GBBCblogbutton_1_2013-3.gif/image_preview" /></a></div>
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This upcoming weekend - Feb. 15-Feb. 18, 2013 marks the 16th annual Great Backyard Bird Count organized by <a href="http://www.audubon.org/" target="_blank"><img alt="Home" height="64" id="logo-image" src="http://www.audubon.org/sites/all/themes/custom/nas_earth/logo.png" width="200" /></a> and <a href="http://www.birds.cornell.edu/Page.aspx?pid=1478" target="_blank"><img alt="Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Exploring and Conserving Nature" height="59" src="http://www.birds.cornell.edu/bbimages/clo/images/logo_lab.gif" width="320" /></a>
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Scientists can't be everywhere and depend on "citizens" of any bird watching ability to count birds in their area and report the data online to give a clear picture of what is happening nationally and world wide to bird populations. It takes as little as 15 minutes each of the four days, but you are welcome to bird watch longer. Tally the number of individual birds of each species you see during the count period and then enter them on the <a href="http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc/" target="_blank">GBBC website</a>. The trick is to count the largest number of the species you see at any one time. If you see 3 cardinals at your feeder, then 1 cardinal 10 minutes later, you would not tally 4, because you could be counting the same bird again - so your count would be 3 for that 15 minute time period.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Where to participate?</span><br />
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Anywhere! You could go to a National Wildlife Refuge or National or State Park like we did in 2011 - at <a href="http://www.fws.gov/refuge/squaw_creek/" target="_blank">Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge.</a> With over 3,400 acres of wetlands, it is a great spot to count migrating waterfowl. Our checklist tallies have included thousands of snow geese and dozens of bald eagles.<br />
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Or your own backyard - fill your feeders - or make your own! For the 2010 GBBC, we used cookie cutters to cut shapes out of stale bread - covered in peanut butter and bird food and also made fruit and popcorn garland. Then we watched and tallied as the birds ate our creations!<br />
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<img class="lj-G-q" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7CvWy0YHaY3SLJ6xCM7_c_rRZlhYI_GcSdL4K3z0_KQzQks_0z2t1ci-VIw4rUKz0533wIm_O6T9Dy2-UPPL0cYkUCikKvMUNfD41Aw56JHkKpHaQKYhALpkgqP9jaiu-mJhAvf-ctiU/h120/180.JPG" style="height: 120px; left: 0px; top: 0px; transform: rotate(0deg); width: 160px;" width="160" /><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Why Participate?</span><br />
<ul>
<li>Your community will be represented</li>
<li>Scientists can study:</li>
<ul>
<li> year-to-year changes in numbers and distribution</li>
<li>Patterns of migration</li>
<li>Trends reflecting possible effects of urbanization, climate change, and disease</li>
</ul>
<li>It is a FREE, FUN, way to learn and get outside!</li>
</ul>
Past bird counts have shown how West Nile virus affected the American Crow - dropping its numbers from a top 2 most tallied bird, down to a low of 9th most reported. A global climate change could affect the distribution of your states bird. Milder winter climates are moving many species, such as the Purple Finch, Wild Turkey, Ring-Billed Gull, and Red Breasted Merganser are moving an average of 400 miles to the north. The count has also shown how the non-native Eurasian Collard-Dove, which was introduced in the Bahamas in 1980, moved into Florida a few years later and has continued to spread since.<br />
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<img alt="CollaredDoveMap_525px.jpg" class="image-inline" src="http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc/science-stories/2012Summary/summary_images/CollaredDoveMap_525px.jpg/image_large" /><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">How do I Participate?</span><br />
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Check out the Great Backyard Bird Count <a href="http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc/" target="_blank">website</a> to register for free and where you will go to submit your count totals.<br />
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Start <a href="http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc/press/news-stories/2013PPT" target="_blank">Here</a> - <img alt="2013_OpenSlide_250px.jpg" class="image-right" src="http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc/images2/2012_images/2013_OpenSlide_250px.jpg/image_preview" /> Check out the PPT with detailed descriptions of how to register, where to locate your specific communities checklist (why have a list of birds you will never see in your zip code!), and how to enter your data.<br />
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The website also has good references on how to identify birds, check differences between very similar looking birds, bird feeding tips, resources for educators and games and puzzles for kids.<br />
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I had my high school students participate for the past 7 years. It was a great way to get them to take the time to observe nature, understand global bird trends and learn the meaning of citizen science. Check out the PPT that was created to show them how to study beaks, legs and feet to determine order characteristics and a quiz with the picture and song of popular Kansas birds.<br />
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I would love to hear in the comments section if you used the Bird Watching PPT or participated in the GBBC - happy Bird Watching!</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04332360542340619903noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4429327517315334958.post-75503450420980023492013-02-05T15:45:00.001-06:002013-02-05T15:48:39.623-06:00<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">Valentine's Classroom Games - Perfect Match</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Looking for a game to use at a child's valentine's party next week? I created these "perfect match" cards for my son's preschool class. There are only 10 students in his class, so we needed 5 hearts - but there are endless match possibilities! Feel free to print and use the document below in your own party.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizhsqEpkVkQoQWof3X7jjLS_MxAqkbRiUVbHjchs92FiSgHXJwQxu-uBaZ3h-LoTlZKlv3bVOkw4LzEhnudk00FtLoip1AvJhLGcwi67YzcHuOJDyTdV8zVQ5KPk7o-fXwhJsqhpkF1hE/s1600/2013-02-04+19.45.21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizhsqEpkVkQoQWof3X7jjLS_MxAqkbRiUVbHjchs92FiSgHXJwQxu-uBaZ3h-LoTlZKlv3bVOkw4LzEhnudk00FtLoip1AvJhLGcwi67YzcHuOJDyTdV8zVQ5KPk7o-fXwhJsqhpkF1hE/s320/2013-02-04+19.45.21.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Perfect Match Rules:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Give each student half a heart</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Encourage them to mingle around the classroom to find their match - either by using the picture - or matching puzzle pieces.</span></li>
<li>Once each student has found their match - shuffle the cards and play again as time or interest allows.</li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ta9OnjBu1ZDVo4-WkQ2g5LxpY5l4ABe8JptE88fF7BaGnMtFk6ge_Q35FdyLDTwEdgmQIxMXh-NKQthKuVpYL9URagsT7-TTfcgtO1vKiecVzWniU5TIs9C3vtOHH6ynbfZqqUwsq5U/s1600/2013-02-04+19.49.38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ta9OnjBu1ZDVo4-WkQ2g5LxpY5l4ABe8JptE88fF7BaGnMtFk6ge_Q35FdyLDTwEdgmQIxMXh-NKQthKuVpYL9URagsT7-TTfcgtO1vKiecVzWniU5TIs9C3vtOHH6ynbfZqqUwsq5U/s320/2013-02-04+19.49.38.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/124040542/Valentines-Classroom-Games" style="text-decoration: underline;" title="View Valentines Classroom Games on Scribd">Valentines Classroom Games</a> <a href="http://www.blogger.com/undefined" style="text-decoration: underline;" title="View 's profile on Scribd"></a> </div>
<iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="undefined" data-auto-height="false" frameborder="0" height="600" id="doc_85725" scrolling="no" src="http://www.scribd.com/embeds/124040542/content?start_page=1&view_mode=scroll" width="100%"></iframe><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04332360542340619903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4429327517315334958.post-27189732535282305272013-02-03T20:20:00.000-06:002013-02-03T20:22:22.084-06:00<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">My Bee Adventure - Day 1</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<em>“If the bee disappeared off the surface of the globe then man would only have four years of life left. No more bees, no more pollination, no more plants, no more animals, no more man.”</em><br />
- Albert Einstein<br />
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Although it is unclear if Einstein ever said this quote, there could be some truth to the matter. <span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A 2000 Cornell University study concluded that the direct value of honey bee pollination to U.S. agriculture is more than $14.6 billion</span>. </span>I have had an interest in bees for quite some time. Now that we have moved into the country, I can pursue this interest. However, I know very little about what I am doing - so this journey will be a learning adventure to say the least. Luckily for us, our closest neighbor raises bees and is willing to help us out.<br />
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In May, we purchased some supers at an auction, again, remember we have no idea what we are doing. There is very little on the internet about how to prepare used bee equipment - so maybe my journey can assist someone else. A new set-up can range anywhere from $200-$1,000 for one hive.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Le51iW-YNzISXraWAKH0IhTcOhdG3Jg0TasmC4zVzvT4j1-MyEwulQp6SwqvhsuoxUrTpSNk2LZTVMNVXqIAe1WmI4VqL5vXOlJCmrqDlyCO3XDRKoCusDzPZXwuI-opMZZiBCG-ZMw/s1600/2013-01-28+15.36.24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Le51iW-YNzISXraWAKH0IhTcOhdG3Jg0TasmC4zVzvT4j1-MyEwulQp6SwqvhsuoxUrTpSNk2LZTVMNVXqIAe1WmI4VqL5vXOlJCmrqDlyCO3XDRKoCusDzPZXwuI-opMZZiBCG-ZMw/s320/2013-01-28+15.36.24.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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My first task is to clean out the supers. My goal is to get two hives up and running this spring. I plan to use 1 deep chamber and 3 shallow chambers. It is evident that it has been several years since these have been in use.<br />
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I am using a paint scrapper, flat-head screw driver and pocket knife to clean out old wax and propolis. Propolis is a super-sticky, gooey material gathered by the bees from trees and plants. The bees use this brown goop to fill drafty cracks in the hive, strengthen comb, and to sterilize their home. I am also scraping paint chips from the outside as my neighbor recommended repainting all the boxes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSoiPpx5yMvgaThFXneBq1FkdttgD5LY-8MlJKimPIYDGfeN6mU1F6jadRe1WER4B40TXwgN6zjYDSKNBBl8zR43I8ZaBRsLj6qcTWLPugom-_buIRy62K6pA1F3-TIapgQyk4u06CvCs/s1600/2013-01-28+15.36.14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSoiPpx5yMvgaThFXneBq1FkdttgD5LY-8MlJKimPIYDGfeN6mU1F6jadRe1WER4B40TXwgN6zjYDSKNBBl8zR43I8ZaBRsLj6qcTWLPugom-_buIRy62K6pA1F3-TIapgQyk4u06CvCs/s320/2013-01-28+15.36.14.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Because we do not know the history of the hives and if they were subject to disease or pests, it is important to clean out all we can from the boxes. I'll keep an update of my progress and hope to be ready by March so we can get everything in place for our new little pollinators!<br />
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My sister in law gave me Beekeeping for Dummies for Christmas. I am using that as a reference to get started.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04332360542340619903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4429327517315334958.post-86666551869091877322013-02-01T10:42:00.000-06:002013-02-01T10:42:27.375-06:00<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">Creating a toddler/preschooler schedule</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Our youngest, who is 3.5, is exhibiting some challenges we are trying to conquer. He does not like to sit still, can get very frustrated, whines, throws tantrums and is very stubborn. He can also be very sweet, loving and compassionate. We took him to a free screening and they referred us to a pediatrician, who diagnosed him with ADD/ADHD. Many people and websites agree that 3 is too young to label him as ADD, and we do hope we can work through some of these tendencies and help him learn strategies to be successful in school. We do not want to medicate a 3 year old, especially one that is not in school yet. I'll write about some strategies we try, and would love to hear from you as well. Post a comment if you deal with some of the same issues. I am hoping that before he is enrolled in preschool in August that he can sit still and listen to directions and participate with the class.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Our first strategy, was to create a schedule for our day. I had him sit down with me and help develop the schedule. We make time for "school" so he can learn to sit and listen, plenty of time for play, craft projects (he is left handed and is struggling with scissors), reading, weather permitting outdoor play and the all important nap time! We printed it off and he refers to it several times a day to see what is coming next. The pediatrician recommended that if we kept a more structured environment and he was informed what was to happen next we could be on the road to the right track. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Here is the schedule we developed:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPhnydJCw6DYqLgbGue0WIJS24z7xA36_7kdcP8iH4-yUvyoCVJKEggY8ZCYJuSJ1PjHyrx3JDQHIjkGZ0KebZyxShVHNKhaTe85k1jNpfjcfesXq5sddQisTqcyMudB9imxdPmMkb1DQ/s1600/russell's+schedule.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPhnydJCw6DYqLgbGue0WIJS24z7xA36_7kdcP8iH4-yUvyoCVJKEggY8ZCYJuSJ1PjHyrx3JDQHIjkGZ0KebZyxShVHNKhaTe85k1jNpfjcfesXq5sddQisTqcyMudB9imxdPmMkb1DQ/s640/russell's+schedule.png" width="444" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04332360542340619903noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4429327517315334958.post-14799040103552263632013-01-26T00:27:00.000-06:002013-01-26T09:01:03.761-06:00<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Geocaching - A free way to get outside and explore your own backyard or a new location with a technological twist!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Adventure Days” have always been our way to make sure we
devote at least one full day to our boys each week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes we travel and check out new spots,
sometimes we stay close to home and make our own fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of our favorite adventures is to go Geocaching.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://www.geocaching.com/" target="_blank">geocaching.com</a> is the best site to visit to get started and
learn more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is free to join (there is
a fee subscription available and some caches are only available to “premium”
members – but we have never felt like we missed out with the free option.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They define geocaching as: “a free real-word
outdoor treasure hunt.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Players try to
locate hidden containers, called geocaches, using a smartphone or GPS and can
then share their experiences online.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For us, this has been one of the best ways to explore places
we didn’t even know existed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have
discovered cool parks, wildlife refuges, nature trails, wooded areas,
historical points of interest and so much more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There are over 1,981,183 active geocaches and over 5 million geocachers
worldwide.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When visiting a new city we
will look for geocaches to take us to places we wouldn’t be able to find on our
own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our kids love it, because they are
hunting for real treasure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Geocaches can
range from something as small as a key holder or film canister with just a log
book to sign, to as big as a 5 gallon bucket filled with prizes!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The rule is that if you take something you
must leave something, so the fun continues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The variety of treasure is just as neat as the place we might visit.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9esq-Y1-kn9KCDane4AiTYOChohT8vzX_kmJ9QLrZ4Sic7sGDT6REA_SQYYYIrT6S1_nF8C3geIFkqTdqcsEOoVufSmuigbxAsLhaoh3cbTxNpQnaDWp2xBNEV7unJNcu9hFpb-1aiok/s1600/2013-01-21+15.11.26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9esq-Y1-kn9KCDane4AiTYOChohT8vzX_kmJ9QLrZ4Sic7sGDT6REA_SQYYYIrT6S1_nF8C3geIFkqTdqcsEOoVufSmuigbxAsLhaoh3cbTxNpQnaDWp2xBNEV7unJNcu9hFpb-1aiok/s320/2013-01-21+15.11.26.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Geo (meaning earth) and Cache (meaning storage) became a
sport in 2000 when the government removed selective availability from the 24
satellites orbiting the earth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you
want all of the techy lingo on how GPS works, this is a PowerPoint created for
my students as they utilized GPS technology (and some geocaching) in the
classroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of the pictures are from
Dr. Steve Brown, an extension expert, and GPS guru who has had some pretty
amazing experiences, including tracking glacier movement and space shuttle
explosion debris using GPS technology.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe frameborder="0" height="400" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/embed_code/16186417" width="476"></iframe><br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Geocaching does not require much in the way of specialized
equipment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course there are receivers
used for surveying and less recreational purposes that cost thousands of
dollars, but we started with a very easy to use Garmin eTrex Legend system that you
can get at retailers like Walmart for approximately $100.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As technology is ever-changing, we find
ourselves using the eTrex less and turning to our smartphones more.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> <img alt="Garmin eTrex Legend - 2.4 in. Handheld GPS Receiver" height="250" src="http://ts3.mm.bing.net/th?id=CNNMc8%2fmt79scyg&pid=Commerce" style="margin-top: 5px;" title="Garmin eTrex Legend - 2.4 in. Handheld GPS Receiver" width="250" /></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Using a free smartphone app, c:geo, we can connect directly
to geocaching.com with our wireless data plan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This has been one of the neatest applications, as we can pull it up
anywhere on the planet and instantly see nearby caches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With our smartphones we can access maps, see
where we are, see icons of the cache on a map and go directly to that spot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we need to stretch our legs on a drive, we
can see what is available on our route, what type of cache it is, and the
display converts to a rotating compass that the boys can follow to find their
hidden treasure.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJBGgC0ucKgMlylsl6TUJqKl8oMFIxfYvcs_gB2kRb0gSpLmlPdbLmw8UDuGOsfVTA7JFAqfTxxgKW0Cin2eOfRYWhZOyFbJFU6acbPkNBdcPw-Z4_LLN54i9HCxqRnuyhYiUVRKNgvlc/s1600/2013-01-21+14.38.07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJBGgC0ucKgMlylsl6TUJqKl8oMFIxfYvcs_gB2kRb0gSpLmlPdbLmw8UDuGOsfVTA7JFAqfTxxgKW0Cin2eOfRYWhZOyFbJFU6acbPkNBdcPw-Z4_LLN54i9HCxqRnuyhYiUVRKNgvlc/s320/2013-01-21+14.38.07.jpg" unselectable="on" width="320" /></a> <a href="http://www.cgeo.org/" target="_self"><img alt="c:geo" border="0" src="http://www.cgeo.org/content/images/logo.png" title="c:geo" /></a><a href="http://www.cgeo.org/content/images/screenshots/s1.png" rel="screen" title="Compass"><img alt="Compass" border="0" src="http://www.cgeo.org/content/images/screenshots/s1.tn.png" /></a> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Recently, we used c:geo in our hometown and learned a bit of
history we would not have learned anywhere else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The page for the cache, “Emporia Santa Fe
Railroad Roundhouse,” did not just explain where the cache was and how to find
it, but included a detailed history of the demolished rail house that once
stood on this location, along with the history of the railroad as it once
existed there.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia5qjMD8i9eCo_1xYVNIitqFxTAPRiqMUDZb8b9GNQpN5YSgWsQujsezFLKUWtPsMHkQs0-owuwOVphn2A4XhTDXKN7rOBRarO1ZOTlFzsrO5i3ceEYM9qSq3rLsTdHSY4R_ACVfaExcg/s1600/2013-01-21+14.50.03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia5qjMD8i9eCo_1xYVNIitqFxTAPRiqMUDZb8b9GNQpN5YSgWsQujsezFLKUWtPsMHkQs0-owuwOVphn2A4XhTDXKN7rOBRarO1ZOTlFzsrO5i3ceEYM9qSq3rLsTdHSY4R_ACVfaExcg/s320/2013-01-21+14.50.03.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We have even hidden our own cache on “<a href="http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?guid=9df8d359-9e45-42ba-8199-cc1232f7c759" target="_blank">Our 7 Acres</a>,” (must be logged in as a free geocaching.com user to see the link) in an interesting container we found while "picking" at my husbands parents house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It went live on January 1, 2013, and 25 days
later, 4 people have found it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are
pleased with this, because we are off the beaten path a bit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
students hid one within the city limits of our former town, and it has been
found 156 times since 2009, from people as far away as Sweden!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiV5ZL8im3vDXjSbfaFIw_h8BaAgAJaDK_xti8q3DXhTYdRw93KmcDm3jtdNn5v1ouUGio1uUcIg83Y2l6oBBwAdgCzXsD_HkDnKTEpnXqDcT44Jd7BGfYPcYZGpkiU8V1PZvLoaS6-wA/s1600/2012-11-12+16.26.17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiV5ZL8im3vDXjSbfaFIw_h8BaAgAJaDK_xti8q3DXhTYdRw93KmcDm3jtdNn5v1ouUGio1uUcIg83Y2l6oBBwAdgCzXsD_HkDnKTEpnXqDcT44Jd7BGfYPcYZGpkiU8V1PZvLoaS6-wA/s320/2012-11-12+16.26.17.jpg" width="180" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqtji2rDgIBb5_yUAqshRGCy2MUJO6tYqdOjdS2zjMYaOW_CAV8AZogYjhyphenhyphenE8F2Qbe5HXaYMRMWQ4NXRCQSEW-C3Wsdjd-0Ol7yilNZlDF5nh0BLR1qOEdfDdwny5r5TORR_M0KGf7qtQ/s1600/2013-01-26+08.39.27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqtji2rDgIBb5_yUAqshRGCy2MUJO6tYqdOjdS2zjMYaOW_CAV8AZogYjhyphenhyphenE8F2Qbe5HXaYMRMWQ4NXRCQSEW-C3Wsdjd-0Ol7yilNZlDF5nh0BLR1qOEdfDdwny5r5TORR_M0KGf7qtQ/s320/2013-01-26+08.39.27.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibc2BNPviiRY9N_F3cP7CLcMCflRynVYbgJ18l2uwo7PL3b58olb3whowcvXMPkqTHAWPgbhl3KSy0kR47CaeJYH0r27QT3sA8ftknN9i4ygDEM40EYr4DUC8H-GEj-1stfhv4ecc7pQo/s1600/2013-01-26+08.37.44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibc2BNPviiRY9N_F3cP7CLcMCflRynVYbgJ18l2uwo7PL3b58olb3whowcvXMPkqTHAWPgbhl3KSy0kR47CaeJYH0r27QT3sA8ftknN9i4ygDEM40EYr4DUC8H-GEj-1stfhv4ecc7pQo/s320/2013-01-26+08.37.44.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Another fun component involves “travel bugs”
where a trackable device has a goal to travel to certain places or collect
certain items.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is fun to check its
tracking number on the geocaching website and see where it has been and all it
has seen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We helped move one along in
its trek to visit all Big 12 football stadiums, after we took a pic at our alma
mater!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a class="imageLink" data-title="<span class="LogImgTitle">Go Wildcats </span><span class="LogImgLink"> <a href="http://img.geocaching.com/user/large/1ca2b55f-b1ae-43cb-b218-df9033bd15ed.jpg">Print Picture</a></span>" href="http://img.geocaching.com/track/log/large/1ca2b55f-b1ae-43cb-b218-df9033bd15ed.jpg" jquery1710434533891782478="10" rel="gallery"></a> <img alt="" height="450" id="fancybox-img" src="http://img.geocaching.com/track/log/large/1ca2b55f-b1ae-43cb-b218-df9033bd15ed.jpg" width="600" /><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Try it out for your own adventure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you have any questions on how to get
started post a comment – we love this sport and hope you will too!</span><br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJBGgC0ucKgMlylsl6TUJqKl8oMFIxfYvcs_gB2kRb0gSpLmlPdbLmw8UDuGOsfVTA7JFAqfTxxgKW0Cin2eOfRYWhZOyFbJFU6acbPkNBdcPw-Z4_LLN54i9HCxqRnuyhYiUVRKNgvlc/s1600/2013-01-21+14.38.07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04332360542340619903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4429327517315334958.post-161446723407509402013-01-20T14:31:00.000-06:002013-01-21T22:12:09.199-06:00<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">What Does it Take to Sell a House?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We have dreamed for a house in the country, where the boys
would have plenty of room to roam without having to worry about traffic, and we
could raise animals, garden and do all sorts of other hobbies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> When we moved due to a job change, w</span>e found the house we were looking for and
took possession in March 2012.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So we
owned two houses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Flash forward one year
– we still own two houses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We have lowered our asking price three times, held two open
houses, and advertised on the web and locally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Very few people have stepped into our house to take a look.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We would very much like to sell this
house!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few months back, I was very
frustrated by the lack of traffic we have received and turned to the internet
to find ways to attract more interest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Here are the top incentives for sellers to offer buyers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let me know in the comments section what you
think of these ideas or what ideas you may have!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
</span><ol><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
<li><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reduce the asking
price – if a buyer is stuck between two options of equal houses, surely they
will go for the cheaper option.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have
lowered our asking price about $20,000 with still no bites.</div>
</div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Pay closing costs – we decided to offer this as an
incentive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>According to Freddie Mac,
closing costs can range from 2-7% of the asking price.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plus tack on taxes, insurance and the title
fee, a first time home buyer may be unaware of the additional “fees” associated
with buying a new home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have offered
to pay up to $1,000 of the buyers closing costs, still no luck.<o:p></o:p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
</div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Buy a home warranty – we have decided to also include this
as an incentive if the buyer so chooses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For as little as $450, we can give a buyer piece of mind in their
purchase.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If something major occurs in
the first year, air conditioner, plumbing or water heater fail, the warranty
can cover these costs and convince the buyer they are not walking into a money
pit. </div>
</div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Agent Bonus – our agent persuaded us to offer this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was wary at first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shouldn’t our agent be doing everything in
their power to attract buyers and get offers anyway?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Offering the bonus, may provide an incentive
to the other realtors in town who are not associated with our agency.<o:p></o:p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
</div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Pay Points or Buy Down Rate – Sellers can offer to pay
mortgage points for the buyer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One point
is 1% of the loan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So the buyer does not
have to worry about when to “lock in” their loan, the seller can offer to pay
points so that their interest rates are reduced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The buyer saves money over the life of the
loan and the seller can possibly deduct the amount paid for points in their
taxes.<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
</li>
</span></ol>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Of course there are probably
hundreds of other incentives you can offer – leaving appliances, big screen TV’s,
washer and dryer and the list goes on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Share your ideas in the comment section.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Check out pictures of our listing <a href="http://www.trulia.com/property/4257729-501-Kickapoo-St-Hiawatha-KS-66434" target="_blank">here</a>!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a great house – with a lot of new
features.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since purchasing seven years
ago, we have replaced all of the windows, built a deck and a shed, installed a
new furnace and water heater, turned a shower into a shower/tub, replaced
carpet in the kitchen to a wood laminate and painted most of the interior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take a look, make an offer!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It would make a great rental property!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Being super-desperate, I tried one
other method.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I often have the NBC Today
Show on in the morning as I get myself and the children up and ready.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They often have Real Estate Expert Barbara
Corcoran on to tackle questions or showcase houses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With nothing to lose, I emailed my question
to the show – and was shocked when I got a call from a producer at the Today
Show to skype my question on air.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was
a neat experience – I talked with a producer five times on the phone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My Saturday morning started out at 5:30am
with a skype check and then I had to be ready to go at 6:20am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are in central time, an hour behind New
York City, so it was an early morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As
I waited for my cue, I could see the broadcast on my computer screen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Suddenly it was my turn, I asked my question
(it was weird being able to see myself as I talked), I worried about the
background sounds I was hearing, and then listened as she talked and showed
pictures of my house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did not realize
they would cut back to me, so I looked as if I was not paying attention.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joseph thought I should be nodding and
smiling, but I looked more aloof! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It has only been a day since the
segment aired, but I am still holding out hope that this could lead to
something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pictures of the house were
shown on national television!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not
sure the advice Ms. Corcoran provided will do much in our circumstance, and I
felt it was pretty generic, I am still glad I asked and again – pictures of the
house were on national television.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That
can’t hurt, right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She wanted us to
invest $5,000 into cleaning, painting and staging the house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While it is a vacant, empty house, I feel
that it is clean, the interior was painted within our time, and the exterior
siding is in great condition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know
that when we purchased our current house, we took down wallpaper, wood paneling
and painted walls, things I feel that the buyer would want to make final
decisions over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The carpet could
probably stand to be replaced – but again something I think the buyer would
want a say over.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: black;">Anyway, you can see my Today Show
debut here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span><br />
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Visit NBCNews.com for <a href="http://www.nbcnews.com/" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(153, 153, 153) !important; border-bottom-style: dotted !important; border-bottom-width: 1px !important; color: rgb(87, 153, 219) !important; font-weight: normal !important; height: 13px; text-decoration: none !important;">breaking news</a>, <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032507" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(153, 153, 153) !important; border-bottom-style: dotted !important; border-bottom-width: 1px !important; color: rgb(87, 153, 219) !important; font-weight: normal !important; height: 13px; text-decoration: none !important;">world news</a>, and <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032072" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(153, 153, 153) !important; border-bottom-style: dotted !important; border-bottom-width: 1px !important; color: rgb(87, 153, 219) !important; font-weight: normal !important; height: 13px; text-decoration: none !important;">news about the economy</a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: black;">Take a look – add a comment
on what you think we should do to increase traffic to the house and get
offers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After the segment aired, a
friend suggested contacting a furniture store to see if they could stage it for
us, providing publicity for them – and a not so vacant house for us.</span><o:p></o:p></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04332360542340619903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4429327517315334958.post-32404813918711376272013-01-10T23:22:00.001-06:002015-11-29T17:41:47.626-06:00The Beard Hat - Crochet Tutorial<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoOmRpqa3utEUmoBx-qKu0KG2INLAZSeIZ6AhzCa8Tg7majt0xFr0pSjmzfRM8k9iGhceJ7Rv6s7bcYhrjsjBnQt-8OG-zfIdK5TZKICKeks4tZcQFQufXtoga0_78w4eJRCpEJ827MiQ/s1600/2012-12-23+13.18.31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoOmRpqa3utEUmoBx-qKu0KG2INLAZSeIZ6AhzCa8Tg7majt0xFr0pSjmzfRM8k9iGhceJ7Rv6s7bcYhrjsjBnQt-8OG-zfIdK5TZKICKeks4tZcQFQufXtoga0_78w4eJRCpEJ827MiQ/s320/2012-12-23+13.18.31.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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Have you seen those crazy crocheted beard hats that are becoming popular on the internets? My brother-in-law asked if I could make him one this Christmas. I am sure that it would keep anyone quite warm, not just on the head and ears, but the all important chin and cheeks! (Plus he is going through some "Duck Dynasty" phase.) I searched and searched the web for a free pattern, and while I found a few, none were really what I was looking for. I wanted the beard itself to have some texture, so I went with a puff stitch. Failing to find any results that fit my exact needs, I worked out my own pattern. While I have been crocheting for about 20 years, and have adapted many patterns to fit my needs, this is my first attempt at writing down what I did so others could replicate. If you find any mistakes, feel free to leave a comment! I wish you luck in your own beard hat creation. However, if you would like to purchase a beard hat (both pieces included), message me <a href="mailto:kernmffa@gmail.com">here</a> and we’ll make arrangements to ship you one, customized with desired colors for $30 paypal (including shipping).
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Basic Beanie with Brim Pattern</span>
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Using size I hook
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Ch. 2
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Round 1: 9 sc in 2nd ch from hook, sl st in 1st sc to join (9 sc) <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ378OJuEfpZNSxyPrr1Vl_7C3MbSlvamrjthejFZnK6xbVZVOzbPQKt5YoKQyE2tC9-D3dZJdDgHzQ8-2nGpdDQpi568b9XSFc5ofGTVQ6jY_K5AaHdCeiONMqgz3iRo6MIkDhydZxGE/s1600/1.6.12+018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ378OJuEfpZNSxyPrr1Vl_7C3MbSlvamrjthejFZnK6xbVZVOzbPQKt5YoKQyE2tC9-D3dZJdDgHzQ8-2nGpdDQpi568b9XSFc5ofGTVQ6jY_K5AaHdCeiONMqgz3iRo6MIkDhydZxGE/s200/1.6.12+018.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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Round 2: ch 2, 2 dc in 1st sc and in each st around, sl st in 1st dc to join (18 dc)
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Round 3: ch 2, 2 dc in 1st dc, dc in next dc, *2 dc in next dc, dc in next dc, rep from * around, sl st in 1st dc to join (27 dc)
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Round 4: ch 2, 2 dc in 1st dc, dc in next 2 dc, * 2 dc in next dc, dc in next 2 dc, rep from * around, sl st in first dc to join (36 dc)
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijYTnxOZ_7q04PsSmEkX7RLxu3GGlwB9Bn-qPh2bj4flKvZog0YTcMc7QSp5sPJ4kfPslEIKWOViqO1TuHme1P5Qa1kTfvc6aIR8fkzt6r8frYEodHX7MjqogRxxh_n2-Sgit_CW0VMZw/s1600/1.6.12+020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijYTnxOZ_7q04PsSmEkX7RLxu3GGlwB9Bn-qPh2bj4flKvZog0YTcMc7QSp5sPJ4kfPslEIKWOViqO1TuHme1P5Qa1kTfvc6aIR8fkzt6r8frYEodHX7MjqogRxxh_n2-Sgit_CW0VMZw/s200/1.6.12+020.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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Round 5: ch 2, 2 dc in 1st dc, dc in next 3 dc, * 2 dc in next dc, dc in next 3 dc, rep from * around, sl st in first dc to join, changing color with sl st (45 dc)
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVNCYKKQ7yts_cNTcxUdW47kVrLi2k7QCR06ta4KzG-UtZ10QC7hIQJwuB18hkjNVWogQoBvPKAUwMd_Hbwo9IYiJW1OQBkS46-mxesrYL3Fu5eovMoCAa5AG_2NGz26Y4z8TE5uh6RmA/s1600/1.6.12+021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVNCYKKQ7yts_cNTcxUdW47kVrLi2k7QCR06ta4KzG-UtZ10QC7hIQJwuB18hkjNVWogQoBvPKAUwMd_Hbwo9IYiJW1OQBkS46-mxesrYL3Fu5eovMoCAa5AG_2NGz26Y4z8TE5uh6RmA/s200/1.6.12+021.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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Round 6: with 2nd color ch 2, 2 dc in 1st dc, dc in next 4 dc, *2 dc in next dc, dc in next 4 dc, rep from * around, sl st in first dc to join, changing back to original color with sl st (54 dc)
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Round 7: with original color ch 2, 2 dc in 1st dc, dc in next 5 dc, * 2 dc in next dc, dc in next 5 dc, rep from * around, sl st in first dc to join, changing back to second color with sl st (63 dc)
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Round 8: with 2nd color ch 2, 2 dc in 1st dc, dc in next 30 dc, 2 dc in next dc, dc in next 31 dc, sl st in next dc to join, changing back to original color with sl st (65 dc)
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**Note – for a larger hat, add an increasing row by doing 6 dc in between 2 dc instead of round 8 as written.**
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGN-gLB3bmxcFpNF6JR2_SmL-DuIuvw6jVEPhZIfYOU6EHsEf9O6ahXog_IGKkn-qRmO2UbwWjpC24tpbYX7A4GhYkd7yOuPTQlASb5zOHGe2UYckHuIJ3twiRsPNozSsSAE8FzEdC5uM/s1600/1.6.12+022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGN-gLB3bmxcFpNF6JR2_SmL-DuIuvw6jVEPhZIfYOU6EHsEf9O6ahXog_IGKkn-qRmO2UbwWjpC24tpbYX7A4GhYkd7yOuPTQlASb5zOHGe2UYckHuIJ3twiRsPNozSsSAE8FzEdC5uM/s200/1.6.12+022.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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Round 9: with original color ch 2, dc in each dc around, sl st in 1st dc to join (65 dc)
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Round 10-16: rep round 9
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<strong><u>Brim</u></strong>
Round 17: ch 1, TURN, sc in the BACK LOOPS ONLY in each dc around, sl st in first dc to join
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMdYHL6R8sxfRKhG2TJZnhQX7qdaFkQCczRQjkkFcA73vIezvlZmhjpuPvL3uZZKJ6jYgFXcNeXkZLWcZ5rAIKi7pyqswuU9KGtvaxYeLhjJjtXrFScFaT-TrO9ceJKIi9p3KfXuURsAs/s1600/1.10.13+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMdYHL6R8sxfRKhG2TJZnhQX7qdaFkQCczRQjkkFcA73vIezvlZmhjpuPvL3uZZKJ6jYgFXcNeXkZLWcZ5rAIKi7pyqswuU9KGtvaxYeLhjJjtXrFScFaT-TrO9ceJKIi9p3KfXuURsAs/s200/1.10.13+001.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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Round 18: ch 1, sc in each sc around, sl st in first sc to join
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Round 19-21: rep Rnd 18. (Round 19 should be in 2nd color) Cut yarn, hide any ends.
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbveHwHxozObeCrTakrobhjQeg5tLGbGrp1wxNnXmUYQkBh9CeTWsBTmRgXvNuoaYMAB76fgU4S4U7BZLD86yroqfHEGZXGP4KaD84NU4VIfWmjbN73RsbfrfNT3Qaae8NFLEjcnTrJ5Y/s1600/1.10.13+010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbveHwHxozObeCrTakrobhjQeg5tLGbGrp1wxNnXmUYQkBh9CeTWsBTmRgXvNuoaYMAB76fgU4S4U7BZLD86yroqfHEGZXGP4KaD84NU4VIfWmjbN73RsbfrfNT3Qaae8NFLEjcnTrJ5Y/s200/1.10.13+010.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Stitch Guide</span>
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<u>Foundation Chain Stitch</u>
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Ch 2, insert hook in 2nd ch from hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull the yarn through the 1st loop on the hook (base chain made), yarn over and pull through both loops on the hook (first Fsc made). Insert the hook back into the last Fsc base chain, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull yarn through first loop on the hook (second base chain made), yarn over and pull the yarn through both loops on the hook (second Fsc made), repeat steps for desired Fsc.
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<u>Puff Stitch</u>
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Yarn over hook, insert hook into next stitch. Yarn over once, pull through a loop (3 loops on hook), yarn over, insert hook into same stitch, pull through a loop (5 loops on the hook), yarn over hook, pull yarn through just the first loop on hook, yarn over, insert into original stitch, pull through a loop (7 loops on the hook), yarn over once, pull through all 7 loops on the hook. Puff stitch made (1 loop on hook). To finish off puff, yarn over and pull through that 1 loop to secure the stitch.
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Beard Pattern</span>
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Foundation Chain stitch 41 <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsLDXWdFA_LRPnLnh4f9yJ-pNLGVcX1syUpj_ty8OVhTA4uESWtzjfPcpjIU7__MYhJfXGXw-IbhOy69yKupMU0ymP4ssj91XQzOyeP875YYXt6yky5j4Ex9P54S7C5jm6Pq-Wk1ihDAo/s1600/1.10.13+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsLDXWdFA_LRPnLnh4f9yJ-pNLGVcX1syUpj_ty8OVhTA4uESWtzjfPcpjIU7__MYhJfXGXw-IbhOy69yKupMU0ymP4ssj91XQzOyeP875YYXt6yky5j4Ex9P54S7C5jm6Pq-Wk1ihDAo/s200/1.10.13+002.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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Round 1: ch 1, sc in 1st st, puff st, repeat to end (20 puff, 21 sc)
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Round 2: ch 1, turn, sc in sc, sc in puff st (skip finishing ch of puff st), repeat to end
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg_js05IM-1fRGPPYh7mTpGUilYekAULx4jOwxHNbhM3yXaHkNduOg09qEHaVO7015UNvVKB5wlcb_NDNeaSN1bYjiS7M_IUoflmXfgMfV387SC_6BKMRW7nzsAyvMwWt8Lp_jNSQmOYA/s1600/1.10.13+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg_js05IM-1fRGPPYh7mTpGUilYekAULx4jOwxHNbhM3yXaHkNduOg09qEHaVO7015UNvVKB5wlcb_NDNeaSN1bYjiS7M_IUoflmXfgMfV387SC_6BKMRW7nzsAyvMwWt8Lp_jNSQmOYA/s200/1.10.13+005.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
Round 3-10 : repeat Rd 1-2
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Round 11: ch 1, turn, *sc in 1st sc, puff st in next sc, repeat from * 5 more times, sc in next sc, sl st in next 15 sc, sc in next sc, # puff st in next sc, sc in next sc, repeat from # 5 more times.
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Round 12: ch 1, turn, sc in sc, sc in puff st, sl st in sl st
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Round 13: ch 1, turn, *sc in 1st sc, puff st in next sc, repeat from * 5 more times, sc in next sc, 10 Fsc, sc in next sc, # puff st in next sc, sc in next sc, repeat from # 5 more times.
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Round 14: ch 1, turn, sc in sc, sc in puff st, sc in Fsc across. Cut yarn, hide ends.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgly6Rk50lNKfoihHDFgQSenuslmYiqV0acN5mF-UsxhR9lfkbx5APURmSn4RwLi8vS9e68GpZOH2Npf2gq1Z1ngsrf0Gb7C0ggTkmjcxrAMtkUfDV2k8FAI3TM625oYBbPq0mVoWEP77c/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgly6Rk50lNKfoihHDFgQSenuslmYiqV0acN5mF-UsxhR9lfkbx5APURmSn4RwLi8vS9e68GpZOH2Npf2gq1Z1ngsrf0Gb7C0ggTkmjcxrAMtkUfDV2k8FAI3TM625oYBbPq0mVoWEP77c/s200/001.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Mustache Pattern</span>
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(Adapted from <a href="http://witchywiche.blogspot.com/2012/01/mustache-necklace-disguise.html" target="_blank">Witchy Wiche</a> blog, but with longer ends)
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With G Hook
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Ch 12
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Round 1: sc, dc, 2 trc, hdc, slst, hdc, 2 trc, dc, sc
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Round 2: ch 5, turn, sl st in 5th ch from hook, sc in next 4 st, sl st in next 3, sc in next 4 st, ch 5, sl st in 5th ch from hook, fasten off
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Attach mustache to center of Fsc row on beard.
I added 4 self adhesive Velcro circles (the hook side) to each corner of the front of the beard. That way, the beard can easily be removed and adjusted time and time again for a snug fit. (My first attempt I sewed the beard in, but with each removal of the hat, the beard got looser and looser.)
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The Beard Hat can be made with any colors, have fun and keep your loved ones (or yourself) warm this winter!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04332360542340619903noreply@blogger.com51tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4429327517315334958.post-66150731041089852912013-01-05T22:55:00.001-06:002013-01-05T23:04:39.135-06:00<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Using Movie Maker to Preserve Memories</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As high school teachers, my husband and I knew the first day
of school can get really boring for a student listening to the same rules and
reading the same syllabus for each of their eight classes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We tried to make our first day stand out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would infuse the rules with leadership
initiatives and life and career skills, keeping the students on their feet and
moving the entire 85 minute block.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Teaching an elective class to 8-12 graders, I would have many students
stay in my courses for five years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
can build some pretty intense relationships with a person in half a decade, so
I knew it was important that I got to know them and they got to know me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That first day of class each August, we would
also show a video highlighting what we did over our summer vacation and an
introduction to our adorable family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
kids came to many school activities and also became close with several
students.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Students would talk about the videos and feel as if they
knew my kids when they saw them at football games or FFA activities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Check out our Summer 2011 video </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-h56EL9Sy4"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">here</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">, Jonas dubbed it “Our
Big Bucation”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was a huge
undertaking for us, and my husband and I took off with a 3 year old and 2 year
old traveling 5,344 miles in 17 days, through 11 states, hitting 9 National
Parks (that is 115 hours in the car!)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>While I will never forget that trip, hopefully this video will help
spark the memory of Jonas and Russell as they grow older.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As we both no longer teach high school, I was sad that we
did not make our annual summer video for 2012.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>With baby #3 on the way I got to thinking about the need to purchase a
baby book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However if it is anything like
baby book 1 and 2 it will go unfilled, uncharted and picture-less.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So instead, why not continue the tradition
and make the videos anyway?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This time it’s
not for students to get to know us, but as a way to document precious memories and
childhoods.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, if anybody reads
this blog, perhaps I will get some new followers to build relationships
with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As 2012 has just come to an end,
it was the perfect opportunity to create a video.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Check out “Our 2012” highlighting a move, new
house, country living adventures and a few fun trips!</span></div>
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<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/hCiHG19WKU4?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Want to make your own video?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We use Movie Maker – a free windows </span><a href="http://windows-live-movie-maker.todownload.com/get/file/id/743910?lp=adwords&gclid=CIKxpLLg0rQCFQhyQgod2hgAHg&s=QOh39-C0o-LZFEFBBpgebg&t=1374721701&ext=.exe"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">download</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Need a tutorial?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A good one can be found </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RqUmv24o3uY"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">here</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04332360542340619903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4429327517315334958.post-86009546026657395802013-01-01T22:56:00.000-06:002013-01-04T23:01:49.011-06:00<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Apple Fritters - A New Year's Day Tradition!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">New Year's Cookies, or Portselkje, are a German Mennonite tradition to help ring in the New Year. The traditional version includes raisins and are either rolled in sugar or glazed. Never a fan of raisins, my recipe is without.</span><br />
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In <u>Mennonite Foods and Folkways from South Russia</u> by Norma Jost Voth, tradition states Mennonites gave their Russian neighbors Portselkie when they came and sang for them on New Year's Day. Not really cookies, the dough puffs up when dropped in hot oil and tumbles over, which is where they get their High German name. <br />
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Ingredients:<br />
1/2 cup lukewarm Water<br />
2 Tablespoons Yeast<br />
2 Tablespoons Sugar<br />
1 Tablespoon melted Shortening<br />
1 Beaten Egg<br />
1/2 teaspoon Salt<br />
1 1/2 Cup Flour<br />
1 Cup Chopped Apples<br />
<br />
Soften yeast in water. Add sugar, salt, shortening, and egg.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjW2ha3j7ssxgHgVXD6RXp8nXxzZwR1JmaGWjAGg3ZXtmvJ054tEy2q3c8zHO4AaMLKVwtHFdGKQB2tPAjDPt5relnNE7H3mJ3exQROq5nKlaCPMoWDGupAHbZ1G67akaNgQ3GQGO25Z4/s1600/000_0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjW2ha3j7ssxgHgVXD6RXp8nXxzZwR1JmaGWjAGg3ZXtmvJ054tEy2q3c8zHO4AaMLKVwtHFdGKQB2tPAjDPt5relnNE7H3mJ3exQROq5nKlaCPMoWDGupAHbZ1G67akaNgQ3GQGO25Z4/s320/000_0001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Add flour.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIo7TKwe5fh9SP_aPcbikApkoKIwNmkpWgXaPH2mp6Rfto3WOSKlxX8EfmlI4b-_F8m0mjA-cKR9DWkY50R8Djt7Fa5sbBBOHF3BmAHcjcQPSQ081S_Vr1vFW8I6tIZlBJbEyqs-RMMPk/s1600/000_0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIo7TKwe5fh9SP_aPcbikApkoKIwNmkpWgXaPH2mp6Rfto3WOSKlxX8EfmlI4b-_F8m0mjA-cKR9DWkY50R8Djt7Fa5sbBBOHF3BmAHcjcQPSQ081S_Vr1vFW8I6tIZlBJbEyqs-RMMPk/s320/000_0003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Let rise 40 min.<br />
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Add coarsely cut apples, stir in.<br />
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Drop by rounding into teaspoon and then into hot oil at 370-375 degrees. Fry to golden brown.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz5wI12eY7pZiv7pOmmVWC2YofBXVn6YTLHNMJUXW90lkn_VNnNsMvc9E-EDsoSBevtXzcUOiCrkcbSZlPqebgrqxl6ptbO8F8uWoCwzD6Ti85yQkx97e5cJeZs4tB0bp639zlJtv2JJM/s1600/000_0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz5wI12eY7pZiv7pOmmVWC2YofBXVn6YTLHNMJUXW90lkn_VNnNsMvc9E-EDsoSBevtXzcUOiCrkcbSZlPqebgrqxl6ptbO8F8uWoCwzD6Ti85yQkx97e5cJeZs4tB0bp639zlJtv2JJM/s320/000_0005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Sprinkle with sugar.<br />
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Makes about a dozen!<br />
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So here's to a new year, the "cookies" are a symbol of affluence and luxury and carry with them a wish for an abundant year.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNeXPOGV_W2_UUa63KtwfHPYDqyttNR0P03GrlY7tosguD_HoqJQhrdeFfMut2C363ewWX432dW4bJ6pSTKowkF7KQEnNUg5s5XhuQca7b1Fy0ffGEWi5JsWlXU9gvyYKoCJIArSt61Dk/s1600/100_6005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNeXPOGV_W2_UUa63KtwfHPYDqyttNR0P03GrlY7tosguD_HoqJQhrdeFfMut2C363ewWX432dW4bJ6pSTKowkF7KQEnNUg5s5XhuQca7b1Fy0ffGEWi5JsWlXU9gvyYKoCJIArSt61Dk/s320/100_6005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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My favorite food critics approve!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04332360542340619903noreply@blogger.com0