We Prefer…South Birds!

•May 14, 2013 • Leave a Comment

Florida was calling Jim’s name…

and So We Went!

Since we go to Florida any time of the year…

And only stay for around a week at a time…

We are not Snow Birds.

We are South Birds.

See below and that will make even more sense!

From FL Time April 2013

The Seagull on “our” beach (uh, the beach closest to our house).

From FL Time April 2013

The Seagull Side-Step!

And now…the Predator!

From FL Time April 2013

It was Osprey Nesting Season in Sebastion, FL (20 minutes south of our house).

From FL Time April 2013

One Osprey stays with the nest and one is always not too far away.

From FL Time April 2013

Taking a break…

While Momma Below Keeps Watch!

From FL Time April 2013

Predators keep watch of predators to keep their nest safe!

From FL Time April 2013

Nest on a Boat House!

From FL Time April 2013

And there was this guy…
Blue Heron!

Back to Our House!

From FL Time April 2013

The Ever Present Song Bird in our backyard!

And one day she had some visitors…

From FL Time April 2013

Wild Parrots!

From FL Time April 2013

Landing, hanging out and squawking on the wires in our backyard.

From FL Time April 2013

Who me?

From FL Time April 2013

In one of our Palms!

And the Parrots where not alone!

From FL Time April 2013

This Red Bellied Woodpecker visits regularly.

Not sure why he is called red bellied…

When he is not and in fact, red-headed?!

Maybe that is why is confused about our telephone pole!

From FL Time April 2013

Not sure why he likes the pole, but he does!

And those are not the only cute little birds we visited with on this trip…

From FL Time April 2013

We visited my Mom and Step-Dad!

My Mom and I went through her photo albums and I love this one…

Mom looking like one hot “Bird” in this 1970 photo!

I am new to the Bird Nerd Photography world, so hopefully my bird photos will improve in the future!

But if you are interested in purchasing any of my past or future photos, please visit:  Our Own Big World!

This blog post is in honor of my Mother In-Law, who is a bird lover…

From House Guests Extravaganza!

Actually, she is a lover of all animals!

Next we go even more south!
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MUD SEASON!

•April 2, 2013 • Leave a Comment

We are now in Vermont’s 5th Season!

Mud Season…melting snow, falling rain!

We made it through another beautiful Vermont Winter!

Here is some of the beauty for your to view!

Our front yard (from the steps)!

From Winter to Mud Season!

The Yard from the Arbor.

From Winter to Mud Season!

The yard goes straight down to train tracks and the river at the end.

From Winter to Mud Season!

Cool Bird Nest All Around the Yard!

From Winter to Mud Season!

Tall and short…

From Winter to Mud Season!

Knotty Ones, even!

From Winter to Mud Season!

And dangerous ones!

From Winter to Mud Season!

With bird houses…

There are feeders!

From Winter to Mud Season!

Be Careful Birdie!

From Winter to Mud Season!

We live next to a churchyard…

And I love how the snow seems to be protecting the Statues!

From Winter to Mud Season!

The Virgin Mary has a snow angel!

From Winter to Mud Season!

Frozen in Time!

From Winter to Mud Season!

And with Mud Season…

THERE IS SUGAR SEASON!

From Winter to Mud Season!

Sugar Shacks spot the country side around here!

From Winter to Mud Season!

They are usually small with tons of steam rising from them.

They are basically boiling the water out of sap to make what we all know and love…

Vermont Maple Syrup!

From Winter to Mud Season!

This was a No-Name Sugar Shack…

Just some guys making Sryup…and selling it!

From Winter to Mud Season!

This is how they collect it!

How cute is this?

From Winter to Mud Season!

Out on another cute country drive, we went to North Adams in Western Mass.

Why?

Because there is a giant cool Museum of Contemporary Art there in an old Mill!

Yes!

Basically out in the sticks is Mass MoCA!

And here is the art!

From Winter to Mud Season!

Stick ‘em Up!

From Winter to Mud Season!

Ugly Beautiful.

From Winter to Mud Season!

Oil on Wall and Floor.

From Winter to Mud Season!

Octopus on Brick!

From Winter to Mud Season!

Don’t mush the bee!

From Winter to Mud Season!

Phoenix by Xu Bing!

Phoenix

Well, just a tiny part of the giant recycled/upcycled awesomeness of art!

Sol LeWitt…

From Winter to Mud Season!

Dawn having fun with Sol…

From Winter to Mud Season!

As does Jim…

From Winter to Mud Season!

A new form of AirCon!

From Winter to Mud Season!

The Museum also had an antique store…

And here are their window ads!

From Winter to Mud Season!

If you want any of it…

I will give it to you for free! 

From Winter to Mud Season!

I think that is normally for free too!

From Winter to Mud Season!

MASS is right…not only for the state of Massachusetts…

But for the sheer MASS size of it.

Sol LeWitt alone had a building of 30,000 square feet all to himself!

Back to the country…

From Winter to Mud Season!

And the Country Flora…

From Winter to Mud Season!

And Melting Ice!

From Winter to Mud Season!

Good-bye Ice…

Hello…Cute Country Blooms!

From Recently Updated

HAPPY SPRING TO ALL!

For Spring Shopping, please visit my new online shop!

https://www.etsy.com/shop/OurOwnBigWorld

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BACK TO VERMONT!

•February 26, 2013 • 3 Comments

To those who do not know…

In January, 2013 we moved back to Brattleboro, Vermont!

First, Chloe had to get used to the cold again!

From Snow 2013

So…I bought her a shirt!

From First 2 months of 2013

But the little “angel” did not go for the shirt…

And got used to sitting in the sun to warm her fur!

From First 2 months of 2013

Although we did have to get used to the cold weather too…

From Snow 2013

The beauty of it all was very welcomed!

From Snow 2013

We love the snow!

From Snow 2013

And the frost on the windows!

From Snow 2013
From Snow 2013

And as soon as we could we went back to something we started here,

From First 2 months of 2013

AUCTIONING!

From First 2 months of 2013

But before we got too cold…

From First 2 months of 2013

We went back to Florida for a week!

From First 2 months of 2013

Where we thrifted instead of auctioned!

From First 2 months of 2013

Jim’s new old safety glasses!

From First 2 months of 2013

A bright and cheery throw!

And those of you who know us,
May also know about…

From First 2 months of 2013

VALENTINEKA!

Officially called, “The 9 Days of Valentineka”!

A holiday I made up for Jim for the days between my birthday and Valentine’s Day.

He gets surprises every day…the above was hearts for every day I have loved him so far!

From First 2 months of 2013

Celebrating my 49th holiday…

With my awesome new friend, neighbor and crafting extraordinaire…

and our husbands!

For my birthday, Jim gave me a new small camera!

From First 2 months of 2013

But I have to pay some kudos to the old one!

You were born in New Braunfels, TX at some store around Labor Day 2008 and served us so well with thousands of great photos!

Even though, we had a “better” camera, you were our closest ally all around Central America on boats, on zip lines, hiking, kayaking, countless bus trips, exploring cities/town/villages/jungles, museums, walking, running, waiting for cows on the road, and so on!

May you rest well in camera heaven and until we are ready to let you go…you will be put in a place on honor in our newest adventure!

By the way, I highly recommend this camera if you can not tell. I miss it already, as my new small Nikon can take photos underwater it is not as good as “Old Brown” for all other photos!

Now Back to…

From First 2 months of 2013

Our morning spot across from the cafe in Indialantic, Florida!

From First 2 months of 2013

And one of our newest favorite places not far from Indialantic, Capt’n Hiram’s!

Some guy has been there for over 20 years making palm hats and such!

From First 2 months of 2013

With areas for beach exploration, concerts, outdoor fire pits, BBQs…

Love it!

From First 2 months of 2013

And as our trip was ending…

From First 2 months of 2013

We got stuck at the Baltimore airport due to the Nor’Easter on Feb. 8th!

Even without our luggage we were able to acquire some needed supplies from the hotel clerk!
Everyone the next day, thanks you!

After 45 minutes on the tarmac, an hour at the airport wondering what we were to do, another hour at the rental car counters in shock from the prices of rentals, a night in a hotel, back to the car rental counters, renting a car and then a 9 hour drive, we made it back to Vermont for the rest of Valentineka and Valentine’s Day!

From First 2 months of 2013

And back to auctioning and thrifting!

From First 2 months of 2013

Mind you people, we did need to furnish our apartment!

Small vintage handmade tool box and large 1840′s blanket box were Valentineka gifts to Jim.

From First 2 months of 2013

The rest is for sale.

Wait okay, maybe not the barn print that Jim bought for himself!

From First 2 months of 2013

If you can guess what this is without looking it up…

I will sell it to you for cheap!

From First 2 months of 2013

Made In France!

From First 2 months of 2013

Pretty!

Pretty is good, but let’s go to exciting!

For 91 years ski jumpers have been coming to Brattleboro trying to escape…

the “Agony of Defeat” on the Harris Hill Ski Jump!

From 2013 Harris Ski Jump!

One of the Crazy Jumpers!

From 2013 Harris Ski Jump!

One can not be at a ski jump event without a…

From 2013 Harris Ski Jump!

Cowbell!

Good Times!

And Beautiful things…

From First 2 months of 2013

Everywhere in Vermont…

Even on the oil spilled streets!

From First 2 months of 2013

This is what I like to call “The Cheif”!

And if you were wondering…

From First 2 months of 2013

Chloe has settled in well to our new apartment…

And her new window bed!

REMEMBER EVERYONE….

ENJOY IT ALL!

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Rogue Holidays 2012

•January 5, 2013 • Leave a Comment

Spent our Thanksgiving with the Rogans at their place in Jersey City, NJ!

And our celebrating continued!

The Rogan’s Florida Christmas Vacay!

Nothing says Christmas  Eve like kayaking!

From Christmas Eve Kayaking 2012

And Manatee Hunting!

From Christmas Eve Kayaking 2012

You have to be vewy vewy qwiet to Manatee hunt!

From Christmas Eve Kayaking 2012

Success!

From Christmas Eve Kayaking 2012

The last we saw of the boys. [Que in "Deliverance" music now]!

From On the Way to Our New Year!

They all survived for a visit to the beach…

From Christmas Eve Kayaking 2012

Cool Air…Warm Water!

From Christmas Eve Kayaking 2012

(Notice Cooper is Gangnam styling all over those waves!)

Even in Florida Santa wears his full suit…and we wore our appropriate holiday gear!

From Christmas Eve Kayaking 2012

Que…Christmas Morning!!!

One excited boy!

From Christmas 2012

Now three excited boys!

From Christmas 2012

And a happy Christmas in Florida family!
(Aka The Rogue Rogan Reindeers!)

From Christmas 2012

Just the App Spread!

From Christmas 2012

And then there was the Surf & Turf Florida Grilled Dinner!

From Christmas 2012

But wait…our holidays with Patty and her clan are not over yet!

Say it isn’t so…but yes…New Year’s Eve Rogan Style in Jersey City Baby!

We had to get there first…

From On the Way to Our New Year!

As we were going north thousands of geese were flying south!

From On the Way to Our New Year!

And when we got there…the party started!

From On the Way to Our New Year!

What is New Year’s Eve without tiny cute little mustaches?

From On the Way to Our New Year!

I just do not know!

From On the Way to Our New Year!

The pickles and the guests loved them!

From On the Way to Our New Year!

Especially the guests!

From On the Way to Our New Year!

And me!

From On the Way to Our New Year!

Pyroman Jim…was also a favorite!

From On the Way to Our New Year!

Happy New Years!

From On the Way to Our New Year!

2013 Came in with a Bang!

From On the Way to Our New Year!

Thanks to Patty, Rich and Cooper for sharing their holidays this year with The HenderBalz!

Hope you had as much fun as we did!

Now let me rest for crying out loud Party Patty!
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Posted in 2012, Oct - Dec
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B & B REUNION THANKSGIVING STYLE!

•November 30, 2012 • 1 Comment

A reunion of old friends…and so much more!

7 Courses of Food,

6 Family Members,

5 Massacred Cupcakes

4 Girlfriends,

3 Yummy Pies,

2 Thanksgivings,

and

1 Ferry Boat Ride!

And now the photos to prove it!

From Bush & Broderick Reunion

This group of gals all lived in an apartment building at the same time on the corners of Bush & Broderick in SF around 1989-1992.

Suzi, Patty, Me & Kim!

Good times those were and these are!

From Bush & Broderick Reunion

With my NY MOMA Garage Sale Items!

A Garage Sale in the MOMA…

Oh yes and oh so awesome!

From Bush & Broderick Reunion

The 5th course of our 7 course tasting meal at Perilla’s with Suzi & Kim!

From Bush & Broderick Reunion

And Jimmy’s yummy pink drink in between courses!

From Bush & Broderick Reunion

A nice stroll through Central Park with Kim and Jim!

From Bush & Broderick Reunion

It ’twas a beautiful day!

From Bush & Broderick Reunion

And some colors of Fall still held strong!

From Thanksgiving #1 – 2012

With the touring behind us, the day of thanks begins!

From Thanksgiving #1 – 2012

Parade watching!

From Thanksgiving #1 – 2012

Prepping!

From Thanksgiving #1 – 2012

Appetizing!

From Thanksgiving #1 – 2012

And drinks with cranberries on top!

From Thanksgiving #1 – 2012

Let me not forget Thanksgiving Massacre Making!

From Thanksgiving #1 – 2012

Which is not complete without a bloody turkey carcass!

From Thanksgiving #1 – 2012

Friends came together in happiness and joy joy!

From Thanksgiving #1 – 2012

To “touch” each other.

Don’t you on Thanksgiving?

No really…

From Thanksgiving #1 – 2012

WE ATE…

From Thanksgiving #1 – 2012

AND ATE…

From Thanksgiving #1 – 2012

AND ATE!

From Thanksgiving #1 – 2012

And unlike others…

From Thanksgiving #2 – 2012

WE ATE MORE!

From Thanksgiving #2 – 2012

AT THANKSGIVING #2 WITH FAMILY on FRIDAY!

From Thanksgiving #2 – 2012

AND THEN WE WERE DONE!

From Thanksgiving #2 – 2012

Good Bye Long Island, NYC, & Jersey City!

From Thanksgiving #2 – 2012

On the good ship P.T. Barnum Car Ferry North!

Next Adventure…

UGLY BEAUTIFUL BRATTLEBORO!

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Posted in 2012, Oct - Dec
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JIM’S WEEKEND OF ART, HISTORY, PIRACY & BEER!

•November 6, 2012 • Leave a Comment

A SPECIAL BIRTHDAY WEEKEND JUST FOR JIM!

I know what Jim likes…and that is what he got!

From Jim’s B-Day Extravaganza 2012

We started the celebrations at night-time events at the The Ringling Brother Museum !

From Jim’s B-Day Extravaganza 2012

Music, Art Installations and David!

After a fun night, we returned to the Ringling Grounds for more Circus fun!

From Jim’s B-Day Extravaganza 2012

A tour of John & Mable’s Winter Circus Mansion was in order,

Ca d’ Zan (House of John in Old Venetian Italian).

From Jim’s B-Day Extravaganza 2012

A beautiful very ornate building!

From Jim’s B-Day Extravaganza 2012

Inside and Out!

And way up top!

From Jim’s B-Day Extravaganza 2012

On top of the Cupola!

From Jim’s B-Day Extravaganza 2012

So with the Art & History done, there then was…

Piracy!

From Jim’s B-Day Extravaganza 2012

Ahoy Mateys!

From Jim’s B-Day Extravaganza 2012

There is the “Arrrrrr Pirate” Jim!

From Jim’s B-Day Extravaganza 2012

Or Fancy Pants “Capt’n Jim!”

From Jim’s B-Day Extravaganza 2012

Of course I got into on the Pirate Action!

From Jim’s B-Day Extravaganza 2012

The sunset end to our pirate activities!

From Jim’s B-Day Extravaganza 2012

Well kind of…

From Jim’s B-Day Extravaganza 2012

Arrrrrr…you land-lubber!

The next day…

From Jim’s B-Day Extravaganza 2012

There was beer!

Cigar City Brewery, Jim’s current favorite!

From Jim’s B-Day Extravaganza 2012

Right from the Tank!

And what is best after a couple of beers…

A Historical Walking Tour of Ybor City, Tampa!

From Jim’s B-Day Extravaganza 2012

The starting part of Tampa…

Once the cigar rolling capital of the world!

From Jim’s B-Day Extravaganza 2012

This bit of land was willed to the country of Cuba…

So we went to Cuba!!

From Jim’s B-Day Extravaganza 2012

And what do you do 2 hours of walking and listening on a bright sunny day?

Go to another Brewery!

From Jim’s B-Day Extravaganza 2012

Tampa Bay Brewing Company!

From Jim’s B-Day Extravaganza 2012

After that an afternoon rest was needed before our evening of friend and family festivities!

Fortunately catching up with those was so fun and interesting, someone forgot to take photos!

But it was great seeing everyone!  

And also the wild partying on 7th Street in Ybor!

All in All…I think my birthday boy had a great time…success!

From Jim’s B-Day Extravaganza 2012

I am lucky to have such a fun-loving and giving man.

Every day is a celebration as we love each other more today than yesterday!
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Posted in 2012, Oct - Dec
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SUPER HERO SUPERSTAAAH & TRUSTED GENIUS SIDEKICK GIZMO!

•November 6, 2012 • Leave a Comment

WE LOVE HALLOWEEN!

And fortunately, our new town had a killer street party for us to attend!

Costumes were needed!

Think Mary Katherine Gallagher’s Super Hero super ego…and of course she needed a genius sidekick!

(Molly Shannon’s Saturday Night Live & Super Star Movie Character…thinking hands under armpits and then smelling them.)

INTRODUCING…

From Halloween 2012

SUPERSTAAH & GIZMO!

Even the local crime fighters were in cahoots with SuperStaaah!

From Halloween 2012

SuperStaaaah Zaps the Devil!

From Halloween 2012

Gizmo to the rescue!

From Halloween 2012
From Halloween 2012

 Take that you Evil Doer!

From Halloween 2012

SuperStaah does the Super Hero Dance…

Another evil doer dominated!

From Halloween 2012

So Many other Super Heroes!

From Halloween 2012

Iron Man!

And some awesome other character!

From Halloween 2012

Wonder Woman

(so not original like SuperStaaah) !

From Halloween 2012

And then there was this guy…
WHAT I LIKE TO CALL THE SF BLUE MAN!

From Halloween 2012

AND THESE COUPLE OF LOVELIES!

From Halloween 2012

I could not fix his eyes (yes that is a guy) because of all the red dots on his face!  Love it!

There were tons of creative costumes…but sometimes less is more!

From Halloween 2012

Off we go to Fight Crime and All the Evil of the World!

From Halloween 2012

HALLOWEEN HAS ALWAYS BEEN SPECIAL IN MY LIFE…

And I am very thankful my husband enjoys it just as much!

Celebrate people, as much and as often as you can!

As I learned too early in life on Halloween in 1968, you never know when you will not be here to celebrate anymore.

Love to my Dad that is up there looking down on all his little celebrators!
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Posted in 2012, Oct - Dec
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