tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58120263147152451782024-02-06T20:15:32.894-06:00Only FernA Nebraskan, in Illinois, by way of Texas, with a passion for agriculture, an excitement for beef, a love of cooking, an appreciation for random, and a static sense of adventure.Only Fernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16512766894221951052noreply@blogger.comBlogger80125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5812026314715245178.post-27030026075055272522016-01-27T21:14:00.000-06:002016-01-27T21:14:00.450-06:00How has it really been THAT long...I had no idea that it has been MONTHS since I posted last. There are so many days when a blog idea strikes and the business of life takes over, thus the blog never happens. Maybe I'll add that to my 2016 plan. Whatever 2015 was--I am determined to make 2016 a bit brighter, a bit lighter and a bit more mine. I'm a living attempt to rework a lifestyle--to eat better, to plan healthier and to insert some exercise. I hope to make more time for myself to spend a bit more time doing what I enjoy whether it be taking pictures or cooking or writing. I continue to dream of a horizon where I can watch a sunset, but until then, I'll keep on keeping on in the Midwest with an excess of trees, a lack of fine Mexican food and a shortage of good music and drink.Only Fernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16512766894221951052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5812026314715245178.post-26052396531732107692014-06-17T10:50:00.000-05:002014-06-17T11:01:04.358-05:00Just a Few of Fern's FavoritesIt's Sum..Sum...Summertime and Fern's calendar is no more (or less) out of control than it usually is. With a full calendar this week, not to mention, she can't find the notebook with little notes of blog inspiration, she'll share with you a few of her favorite summer recipes as the #1 grilling day of the year approaches.<br />
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Since the #1 Grilling Day of the Year has been mentioned, let's just clear this up right now--get BEEF on that grill, please. There are <a href="http://www.beefitswhatsfordinner.com/CMDocs/BIWFD/FactSheets/Many_Of_Americas_Favorite_Cuts_Are_Lean.pdf" target="_blank">29 lean cuts of beef</a> that won't break a diet, and there are many on that list that won't bust a budget either! That's the unique thing about the <a href="http://factsaboutbeef.com/2014/06/03/need-responsibly-raised-beef-call-us/" target="_blank">responsibly raised</a> beef in this country, there are options for everyone: conventionally raised and fed beef, grass fed beef, natural and even organically raised beef. Please find something that fits your kitchen and your lifestyle and fire up that grill!!<br />
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I mentioned favorite summer recipes, I should mention that I make some of these ALL year long. DISCLAIMER...some of these recipes may come from <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman</a>. This is not an organized promo for her site. I just like her recipes. They are easy. They are delicious. They are easy, and they can usually be made with things most people have on hand. Also, there are links to these recipes. I have a handful of delicious summery things that do not come with recipes. If I share them, please be patient with me.<br />
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<a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/01/restaurant-style-salsa/" target="_blank">PW Restaurant Style Salsa.</a> Make it. Let it meld in the fridge. Eat it all. Repeat. Along similar lines is Pico de Gallo. PW has a recipe. I don't use it. I learned how to make it from an old Hispanic man while spending a Spring Break near the Texas-Mexico border. I can't tell you proportions, but I can tell you that it takes near equal parts of diced tomato and onion, jalapeno to taste (I usually use at least one pepper), cilantro to taste (be careful, not everyone LOVES (or even likes) this tasty herb), lime juice, and salt (I even get crazy and use garlic salt too). Add to the fiesta and make guacamole. PW has a recipe. Fern has made up her own and has made it famous in a sheep barn too (another story, another time). To make Fern-style guac, make a batch of pico. Mash avocados. I like chunky guac, so I end up with a 60:40 to 50:50 mix of avocado to pico. Add more lime juice, it helps keep the avocado from browning and is tasty. Some sources will say leaving the avocado pit in the bowl also helps slow browning. I also add more salt, usually garlic salt as I'm folding the mashed avocado and pico together. Taste it often as you mix. Find your way. Add something, subtract something, just own it.<br />
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<a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2009/06/key-lime-pie-sorta/" target="_blank">PW Key Lime Pie</a>. It's super easy. I doesn't even require key limes. It's delicious! Did I mention that it's delicious. I've only made it once. I will make it again, and I'm confident that the recipe could be lightened up by using low-fat graham crackers in the crust and low-fat or fat-free sweetened condensed milk in the filling, for instance. Whichever way you choose to make it, I assure you that it will be yummy and will make it on your "to make again" list! I even cheated the system and used a store bought graham cracker crust.<br />
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This has gotten a little longer than I had planned, so I'll leave you with this--fire up the grill and get some BEEF on it, please. While the grill is heating, snack on some salsa and some guacamole. Wrap up your day with a slice of Key Lime Pie. Just do it. After all, it is summer!<br />
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Only Fernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16512766894221951052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5812026314715245178.post-15418754426800202762014-06-09T16:12:00.000-05:002014-06-09T16:12:05.405-05:00I think that She's back!It's been a long time friends. Fern has opened a new chapter, closed an overdue chapter, and gone on many, many adventures--she was even afraid that she'd lost her Fern-ness along the way. Rest assured that she is not lost, rather she must have been hiding.<br />
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New chapter--Assistant Professor at a Mid-Western University teaching Animal Science. There, she enriches (or ruins, it's in the eye of the beholder) young lives, teaches the next generation, promotes agriculture and beef, plays with cows, and seldom rests.<br />
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Overdue chapter--SHE FINISHED HER DISSERTATION LAST SUMMER. SHE DEFENDED IT, AND SHE PASSED. SHE GRADUATED WITH A PhD IN THE WINTER. Whew, so glad that is over. She's thankful that she did it, and she's grateful for everyone's support. She realizes everyday, even in the smallest of things, the people that the graduate school experience brought her, the lessons that it taught her, and the experiences that it delivered to her are immeasurable. Was the closing of this chapter too long coming, yes; however, everything must happen for a reason and she learned plenty of lessons along the way.<br />
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Many, many adventures--there are so many, so please bear with her as she shares them with you in no particular order.<br />
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Somewhere throughout all of this, she became afraid; afraid that she had lost her fern-ness. Recently, she has became very much aware that Fern was not lost, rather she must have been hiding. Perhaps it was finding her way in the new chapter and finally putting away the overdue chapter that left her wondering. Maybe it was moving across the mighty Mississippi River that had her concerned. It may have been the lack of Texas wines in her cabinet and Red Dirt Music on the radio, or maybe the absence of quality Mexican food. It may boil down to the fact that her new chapter left her with too little time in the kitchen. Whatever the case or combination of factors, maybe it's not even on this list, she has recently found a renewed spirit!<br />
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Fern is still passionate about agriculture and beef! She still loves wine and food and fashion. Do not worry friends, Fern has not lost her random either!<br />
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Cheers!Only Fernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16512766894221951052noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5812026314715245178.post-90130744655808797232014-04-10T14:32:00.000-05:002014-04-10T14:32:19.191-05:00Just a Sample of What is Rolling Around in Fern's Head<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I really should've been a trophy wife</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I was serape before serape was cool (circa 2007...BAM!)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">What is a "typical girl", and how is she different from a "typical Southern girl"? Do tell.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I am a drenching diva---</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Stay Tuned...I promise to elaborate </span></i></span>Only Fernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16512766894221951052noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5812026314715245178.post-54024641962900192342013-02-03T22:01:00.000-06:002013-02-03T22:01:08.357-06:00To Farmers and Ranchers Everywhere: THANK YOU<br />
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<span class="messageBody" style="color: #333333; line-height: 1.38;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I have a confession...</span></span></h5>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17px;">I didn't tune into the super bowl. Now, had Denver actually gotten their &*^$ together and made it...I may be sitting in my living room right now in a navy sweatshirt with orange paint on my face. I'd probably still be by myself, but I'd have more of an interest in the game. I happened to be on the phone with mom when the Budweiser commercial came on and switched the channel in time. I took a break from lesson planning/developing to check Facebook and it was blowing up. My newsfeed was overflowing with posts about the Dodge commercial. I checked it out...</span></span></div>
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<span class="messageBody" style="color: #333333; line-height: 1.38;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I got the chills. I cried. I called home to thank my Dad. I said a prayer and thanked my Granddad's and the generations who have gone before. Those men and women who worked tirelessly to feed their families and their country and leave a legacy. So thankful to be part of something bigger than myself...AGRICULTURE. </span></span></h5>
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<span class="messageBody" style="color: #333333; line-height: 1.38;"><a href="http://screen.yahoo.com/farmer-dodge-ram-030017791.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Thank A Farmer</span></a></span></h5>
Only Fernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16512766894221951052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5812026314715245178.post-56120635777868357062013-01-11T10:58:00.000-06:002014-03-12T07:31:37.353-05:0030 DaysIn my most recent post I mentioned that I was attempting 30 days of no shopping outside of food and necessities. There's something about lunch, deodorant, and TP...<br />
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During this same 30 days, I'm taking a chance...I'm finding 30 outfits in my closet. My goal is to keep it mixed up and not wear the same pieces/combination of pieces for a month. So far, so good. Obviously, I'm combining jeans multiple times over the course of this "project"...and accessories are always a way to freshen up a look. However, no pant/top/footwear combo may be replicated during this 30 days.<br />
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I've been at it since Monday of this week and it's been Fern-tastic.Only Fernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16512766894221951052noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5812026314715245178.post-39155366874472654172013-01-06T12:22:00.000-06:002013-01-06T12:22:26.136-06:00HAPPY 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPwcweD7_D_P6B3OJxcD9mo9T5xHd48bT9xGRaqgSpQvh29ONVAC1G1WO3JZyvSl2HquQOKrLmhYW8cpYFDqpzq22W6F1XcbhdY-RhsUphFGJvLHa49JEsLqZMNcr9-Xrh9Kbes1BpVj8/s1600/cheers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPwcweD7_D_P6B3OJxcD9mo9T5xHd48bT9xGRaqgSpQvh29ONVAC1G1WO3JZyvSl2HquQOKrLmhYW8cpYFDqpzq22W6F1XcbhdY-RhsUphFGJvLHa49JEsLqZMNcr9-Xrh9Kbes1BpVj8/s320/cheers.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>HAPPY NEW YEAR!! CHEERS to 2013!!</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've been away for awhile. I've taken on a new chapter in life, and I'm loving it. I've turned a different direction professionally, taken on home ownership, and moved across the country (although a touch closer to home). Most everyone that follows this is likely aware of all of this. I've found a job that challenges me everyday, that allows me to put more of myself into it than my previous post, and that I wake up raring to face each day. Some days my "fern-ness" is a lot for the Mid-West to handle, but we are both learning. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've thought a lot about 2013 and what I want from it...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I could sit here and tell you that I want life and love and happiness and wealth, but who doesn't. That's a wagon load of B.S. Be original. Be attainable or at least set resolutions that are semi-attainable.</span><br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Focus on a healthier lifestyle</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Be positive</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finish what I started in the previous decade</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Budget better</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Try new ingredients/foodstuffs </span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Immediately, I'm going to put it out there that there's NO SHOPPING (excluding food and household necessities (i.e. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">deodorant</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, TP, detergent...you know...) for 30 days. Let's see what I save. What I save I hope to put towards "Fern's Fun and Fancy Home Fund". I need to paint. I need window treatments. I want to landscape. That's a lot, so I'll pick my battles. Internal </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">dilemma</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> should I rework the kitchen or the bedroom/bathroom first...?</span><br /><div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Side note:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Santa delivered this...I think that I'm in love</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe0Us5kNBTp9xddLKWeHXrfHTz_BCpojhZHeRZkw9Smhv6CGwHD3kTgBExPm3XjntA-8OcyXcG_SKmmrYu4CgE47EGPbmNbZ3LgFrWSQnUdju4HFuKyoYUln0_PTkGY5EjSpYDrwkTchM/s1600/kitchen-aid-artian-mixer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe0Us5kNBTp9xddLKWeHXrfHTz_BCpojhZHeRZkw9Smhv6CGwHD3kTgBExPm3XjntA-8OcyXcG_SKmmrYu4CgE47EGPbmNbZ3LgFrWSQnUdju4HFuKyoYUln0_PTkGY5EjSpYDrwkTchM/s320/kitchen-aid-artian-mixer.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cheers to a fun and fabulous 2013!!</span></div>
Only Fernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16512766894221951052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5812026314715245178.post-6438580094119747882012-03-29T14:13:00.001-05:002014-06-17T10:54:50.116-05:00It's Steer Sale Weekend!<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/its_steer_sale_weekend/set?.embedder=2738126&.svc=blogger&id=46236520"><img alt="It's Steer Sale Weekend!" border="0" src="http://embed.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/cid/46236520/id/tN4AYHIRT2qb5xBaW77uFw/size/l.jpg" force="1" height="300" title="It's Steer Sale Weekend!" width="300" /></a></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/its_steer_sale_weekend/set?.embedder=2738126&.svc=blogger&id=46236520">It's Steer Sale Weekend!</a> by <a href="http://onlyfern.polyvore.com/?.embedder=2738126&.svc=blogger">onlyfern</a> featuring <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/coach_sneakers/shop?brand=Coach&category_id=49">coach sneakers</a></small></div>
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Only Fernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16512766894221951052noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5812026314715245178.post-67482699027791951632012-01-13T16:20:00.001-06:002014-06-17T10:55:22.558-05:00Coming Soon to a Fern near you<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/coming_soon_to_fern_near/set?.embedder=2738126&.svc=blogger&id=42179560"><img alt="Coming Soon to a Fern near you" border="0" src="http://embed.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/cid/42179560/id/Qobf1DQ_4RGINiHnv7fRkQ/size/l.jpg" force="1" height="300" title="Coming Soon to a Fern near you" width="300" /></a></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/coming_soon_to_fern_near/set?.embedder=2738126&.svc=blogger&id=42179560">Coming Soon to a Fern near you</a> by <a href="http://onlyfern.polyvore.com/?.embedder=2738126&.svc=blogger">onlyfern</a> featuring <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/bangles_jewelry/shop?query=bangles+jewelry">bangles jewelry</a></small></div>
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Only Fernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16512766894221951052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5812026314715245178.post-83002795758807480102011-10-21T10:19:00.000-05:002011-10-21T10:19:10.177-05:00BLESSINGS<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqnL5FbgkqVRZ4P2ijneMc33fm-XZyTwbYCkobkB3REuF412Q6sDr5Wi_1nIqzocxwJoufQ1FZ54JlJGZtRYDNCpOQjGaBmL40SRkAwkCa8LCTUvkarzDOBod9TCTk9nGh5sXWl0c9twI/s1600/If+you+have.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqnL5FbgkqVRZ4P2ijneMc33fm-XZyTwbYCkobkB3REuF412Q6sDr5Wi_1nIqzocxwJoufQ1FZ54JlJGZtRYDNCpOQjGaBmL40SRkAwkCa8LCTUvkarzDOBod9TCTk9nGh5sXWl0c9twI/s400/If+you+have.png" width="250" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(From somewhere on Pinterest).</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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I found the above "poster" on Pinterest awhile back. This morning, I don't know if it was the cool morning or the prospect of a good weekend that put pep in my step and a fullness, yet lightness, in my heart, but as the dog licked my had I realized that I have more than plenty to be thankful for, to be grateful for, to treasure. I am blessed.<br />
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Not only do I have food in my fridge, clothes on my back, and a warm bed to sleep in at night...my cup over flows with family and friends (although not near) and experiences that I wouldn't trade. <br />
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I may never see the castles in Ireland, but I've seen...<br />
<ul>
<li>the St. Louis Arch (even went to the top in the tiny elevator)</li>
<li>the Golden Gate bridge (been across it in a 15 passenger rental van, can you say that??)</li>
<li>the "Faces" a.k.a. Mt. Rushmore</li>
<li>the Alamo</li>
<li>both the Atlantic and the Pacific and the Gulf of Mexico (and the North Platte River, but who's counting?)...I've dipped my toes in the Atlantic and the Gulf</li>
<li>the Most Southern Point of the U.S.</li>
<li>the National Championship football game (the Orange Bowl to be exact, Tom Osborne's last game as head coach of the Cornhuskers to be more specific, and they won...take that Payton Manning and Tennessee)</li>
</ul>
I had all four of my grandparents until I was a freshman in college.<br />
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I was fortunate to go to college and onto graduate school.<br />
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I am the proud owner of the best dog ever, who happens to be my best pal and completely ruined. I ask myself often how that happened. I have no good explanation, other than supporting evidence that most of my show cattle and hogs were very much the same way. OOPS.<br />
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I am also very proud and extremely fortunate to say that my family has helped (and continues) to contribute to our Nation's (and our World's) food supply for 4 generations. <br />
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Although, I... <br />
<ul>
<li>cannot swim</li>
<li>did not learn to ride a bike without training wheels until I was 8</li>
<li>made a near perfect lay-up at the wrong basket during a Jr. High basketball game</li>
<li>have never shot a golf game under 100 on 18</li>
<li>have lived in Texas for 10+ years and do not prefer Pecan Pie</li>
<li>do not like white gravy.</li>
</ul>
Someday I will..<br />
<ul>
<li>make it to Yellowstone</li>
<li>see the Northern Lights</li>
<li>visit Alaska</li>
<li>tour the lighthouses in Maine</li>
<li>see the castles in Ireland.</li>
</ul>
<br />Only Fernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16512766894221951052noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5812026314715245178.post-13779337936922999462011-09-14T09:31:00.000-05:002011-09-14T09:41:12.872-05:00'80s LadiesI apologize for my absence, but we'll cover that later.<br />
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On a recent road trip (day trip), for work, I made a little list in my head, let's see if I can recall the jist of it all. I worked up a list of things that we should all have in our memory books, and on my list, thanks to my iPod, I have the '80s ladies. No, not the great friends from the dorm and I that re-worked the K.T. Oslin's hit from the '80s. That is definitely another story for another time.<br />
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As I was cruising across the Lone Star State in my Gold Lincoln Town Car on Friday of last week, I spent a lot of time being thankful that it was a solo mission---I did a lot of singing and dancing in that car that day. Some of the favorite stops made by my iPod were on the Ladies of the 80s. Let me just share with you right now that my musical stylings were utterly amazing and a force to be reckoned with, not to mention the moves that accompanied them.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXBJcBU5zPDHyVVexfvMFfYiDU8dScWUHwE-SptKQxSTistHjqr1BQfuKp2EfnlU9xWy2rymQWnNaoHlbf3WxisxG4atKb1pwi2He-_gvm0AN0cHZdDf4KIEBGFj0i7Wx7uHXM4PlMCY8/s1600/Tanya+Tucker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXBJcBU5zPDHyVVexfvMFfYiDU8dScWUHwE-SptKQxSTistHjqr1BQfuKp2EfnlU9xWy2rymQWnNaoHlbf3WxisxG4atKb1pwi2He-_gvm0AN0cHZdDf4KIEBGFj0i7Wx7uHXM4PlMCY8/s200/Tanya+Tucker.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="159" /></a></div>
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Tell me, who doesn't know their way through "My Arms Stay Open All Night" and "Just Another Love"...<br />
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Likewise, raise your hand if you are unfamiliar with "18 Wheels and A Dozen Roses".<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3FcqhWebB-LdLg2sDqf4WGz0mlwP8V5Hs7q_VxSMc7PYfyNavH87KuIcBiVWf18aKaS08x16gyAkruzJ7RbxFvVpm8VzIJNRapp08Dlv4uGqt7bghnjvrWtpcLh2ZS-1_25bl6rc-oUo/s1600/kathy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3FcqhWebB-LdLg2sDqf4WGz0mlwP8V5Hs7q_VxSMc7PYfyNavH87KuIcBiVWf18aKaS08x16gyAkruzJ7RbxFvVpm8VzIJNRapp08Dlv4uGqt7bghnjvrWtpcLh2ZS-1_25bl6rc-oUo/s200/kathy.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Notice, I tried hard to find images that represent the era...yes I did.<br />
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Although I don't remember any "Chains" or "Timber I'm Falling in Love" from my little escape, it doesn't mean that it didn't happen.<br />
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I may have put "Heart Over Mind" on the journey, although I don't recall.<br />
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<br />
And there were others. Look up Lacy J. Dalton. She and I shared "Black Coffee" on "16th Avenue". Do it. <br />
<br />
I do recall some timeless classics.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIgLviOWha68uXDvP4beYBaMOtdLflv0NgFdH7QqjIwMPlWS0ZGe4jp1izNndh_CoLNxjyfXe5Lh4x4eyCHCFSem8p-7ixqAVkHZ2SorNzEdremhid_rKkz4pRMiEjoXKMKdoURRHEd-c/s1600/dolly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIgLviOWha68uXDvP4beYBaMOtdLflv0NgFdH7QqjIwMPlWS0ZGe4jp1izNndh_CoLNxjyfXe5Lh4x4eyCHCFSem8p-7ixqAVkHZ2SorNzEdremhid_rKkz4pRMiEjoXKMKdoURRHEd-c/s200/dolly.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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I was at work from "9 to 5" (and maybe an hour or two either side of that) and maybe I did a little "Hard Candy Christmas" shopping...I was definitely no where near "Islands in the Stream", no water for miles around.<br />
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<br />
Questions such as "What am I Going to Do About You?" may have crossed my mind. I didn't exactly declare that "I'm a New Fool at an Old Game", although "You're the First Time I've Thought About Leaving" and "You Lift Me Up".<br />
<br />
Maybe, just maybe I should have stuck with the original plan of sharing things like<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Catching fireflies in beer bottles</li>
<li>Wading in the mud</li>
<li>Eating sugar cereal at Grandma's house</li>
<li>Not learning how to ride a bike until the first grade due to the lack of sidewalks until then...sand and training wheels do not mesh well, FYI</li>
</ul>
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Only Fernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16512766894221951052noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5812026314715245178.post-92109534143807594192011-08-30T15:12:00.001-05:002014-06-17T10:56:37.144-05:00I wish this was today's ensamble in real life...<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
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Only Fernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16512766894221951052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5812026314715245178.post-56713241589177935642011-08-29T10:43:00.001-05:002014-06-17T10:53:05.750-05:00Monday<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
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Only Fernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16512766894221951052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5812026314715245178.post-58746272503131119782011-08-26T15:06:00.001-05:002011-08-26T15:06:22.609-05:00TGIF<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><div style='position:relative;width:300px;height:300px;'><a href='http://www.polyvore.com/tgif/set?.embedder=2738126&.mid=embed&id=36199710'><img force='1' border='0' height='300' title='TGIF' src='http://embed.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/cid/36199710/id/EFZ23h7Q4BGloDg2gLsyOw/size/l.jpg' alt='TGIF' width='300'/></a></div><br/><div><small><a href='http://www.polyvore.com/tgif/set?.embedder=2738126&.mid=embed&id=36199710'>TGIF</a> by <a href='http://onlyfern.polyvore.com/?.embedder=2738126&.mid=embed'>onlyfern</a> featuring <a href='http://www.polyvore.com/rubber_shoes/shop?query=rubber+shoes'>rubber shoes</a></small></div></div>Only Fernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16512766894221951052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5812026314715245178.post-5635363009447658402011-08-19T11:21:00.001-05:002011-08-19T11:21:54.708-05:00Ranch Rodeo Weekend<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><div style='position:relative;width:300px;height:300px;'><a href='http://www.polyvore.com/ranch_rodeo_weekend/set?.embedder=2738126&.mid=embed&id=35859387'><img force='1' border='0' height='300' title='Ranch Rodeo Weekend' src='http://embed.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/cid/35859387/id/jke8AX7K4BGD1m-uFFtJRw/size/l.jpg' alt='Ranch Rodeo Weekend' width='300'/></a></div><br/><div><small><a href='http://www.polyvore.com/ranch_rodeo_weekend/set?.embedder=2738126&.mid=embed&id=35859387'>Ranch Rodeo Weekend</a> by <a href='http://onlyfern.polyvore.com/?.embedder=2738126&.mid=embed'>onlyfern</a> featuring <a href='http://www.polyvore.com/slouchy_handbags/shop?query=slouchy+handbags'>slouchy handbags</a></small></div></div>Only Fernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16512766894221951052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5812026314715245178.post-84375953364170666432011-08-18T14:45:00.002-05:002011-08-19T11:17:59.096-05:00It's Casual<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><div style='position:relative;width:400px;height:400px;'><a href='http://www.polyvore.com/untitled/set?.embedder=2738126&.mid=embed&id=35819471'><img force='1' border='0' height='500' title='Untitled' src='http://embed.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/cid/35819471/id/mNP9mdLJ4BGT0gU0WXIF2Q/size/x.jpg' alt='Untitled' width='400'/></a></div><br />
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Only Fernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16512766894221951052noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5812026314715245178.post-75203487416504153042011-07-22T09:37:00.000-05:002011-07-22T09:37:59.189-05:00A Little Something Sweet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJmhcPTG1-thxicm3JGfK47r77Zq0z_YWeS9kKyPLiQzUURnJYs2ZQoms_NPkUyuBSuTyDgcoN9OdnU5VEg7-hkWkUyR6cz55aAfwhXLmqyMvy0Zd26D5ymvNBTKTRAJhgnNWNMk1YtHk/s1600/chocolate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJmhcPTG1-thxicm3JGfK47r77Zq0z_YWeS9kKyPLiQzUURnJYs2ZQoms_NPkUyuBSuTyDgcoN9OdnU5VEg7-hkWkUyR6cz55aAfwhXLmqyMvy0Zd26D5ymvNBTKTRAJhgnNWNMk1YtHk/s200/chocolate.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Awhile back, a friend of mine was traveling in the Midwest and ended up at the <a href="http://www.ghyslain.com/">Ghyslain Chocolatier</a>. She was so sweet to bring me back a sampling of their goodies. Now, I've never been one of those "I need chocolate" or "Chocolate fixes everything people". Personally, I'd rather have a plate of cheese fries on a bad day, but that's me, and I do march to my own drum. However, the small blue box she brought me contained six little pieces of beauty. Each was a different flavor and shape, and the remarkable thing to me is that each was HAND PAINTED. They were little tiny works of art. I have to be honest, they sat untouched in the box for a couple of days before I could bring myself to eat one. The were so pretty! Were being the operative word...they were also tasty!!<br />
<br />
To find the image this morning, I found their <a href="http://www.ghyslain.com/">website</a>. Their story is interesting, the things that they can do with chocolate are amazing, and there are pastries....<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Day 6: Anything that tickles your fancy</span>Only Fernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16512766894221951052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5812026314715245178.post-82085018817636071422011-07-22T09:06:00.000-05:002011-07-22T09:06:59.080-05:00To Laugh Often and Much<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuF1BIrOmnoG4lvHzJdZccYFBqXXXe__L1qG0UoOVs4zYBW7SSfmbTzBEYi9TruFMCgQa8YFOPHZX7dkQ0gAmv573AP1GHn0-bwytNeHaHXOXElaxIuorXXflDPbda8XU8ZZtemzW6Kuk/s1600/emerson.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuF1BIrOmnoG4lvHzJdZccYFBqXXXe__L1qG0UoOVs4zYBW7SSfmbTzBEYi9TruFMCgQa8YFOPHZX7dkQ0gAmv573AP1GHn0-bwytNeHaHXOXElaxIuorXXflDPbda8XU8ZZtemzW6Kuk/s320/emerson.gif" width="318" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://emerson.tamu.edu/ephemera/success.html</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Favorite Quote (day 5).</span></span></div>Only Fernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16512766894221951052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5812026314715245178.post-85985251084238562872011-07-22T08:51:00.000-05:002011-07-22T08:51:24.411-05:00The Book is Better Than the Movie...and the Movie Rocks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNhh2xjTpdN71rPY_U9ltjFTKSs_GZHV7Reo5CSweoc0Nh4r9VlZGLaGahRD-Crs9SPh_eKCHMFSjiPMNwKimmyYQqiI1wKKXWOX0dWEvoeo2T-mIov4ie0YXjJlS1fDjhLDwy-O1un1U/s1600/LD+cover.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNhh2xjTpdN71rPY_U9ltjFTKSs_GZHV7Reo5CSweoc0Nh4r9VlZGLaGahRD-Crs9SPh_eKCHMFSjiPMNwKimmyYQqiI1wKKXWOX0dWEvoeo2T-mIov4ie0YXjJlS1fDjhLDwy-O1un1U/s400/LD+cover.JPG" width="180" /></a></div><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Day 4: (I know I'm a few days behind. I'll post this weekend as to why I've been so out of pocket, so to speak)</span><br />
<br />
This should be no surprise. Favorite book: Lonesome Dove.<br />
<br />
If you have NEVER seen the movie, stop what you are doing and devote 6 hours to watching it. If you have NEVER read the book (even if you have seen the movie), STOP RIGHT NOW, go to amazon.com, and buy the book!!! As soon as UPS drops it off, STOP, tear into that box and get to reading. It will consume you, wear comfy sweats, make a pot of great coffee, curl up. DO IT.Only Fernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16512766894221951052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5812026314715245178.post-598377967720271232011-07-18T20:50:00.000-05:002011-07-18T20:50:38.687-05:00You Make a Better Door than a WindowDay 3: Favorite TV Show<br />
<br />
This like the favorite song goes in waves...<br />
<br />
Shows I really, really like...This by the way is like admitting to guilty pleasures...(in no particular order)<br />
<br />
Beverly Hills 90210 (the original, not the remake)<br />
<br />
M*A*S*H<br />
<br />
Dallas (love the theme song!!)<br />
<br />
Sex and the City (I will have the little pink box of DVDs, someday)<br />
<br />
I've also been known to tune into Little House on the Prairie from time to time...<br />
<br />
Lately, I've really gotten into Army Wives, The Good Wife, Grays Anatomy, Private Practice, Bones, and Castle. I'm also REALLY, into Food Network this summer. The Next Food Network Star and Diners, Drive Inns, & Dives are topping the charts there.Only Fernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16512766894221951052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5812026314715245178.post-40377893500375245332011-07-17T21:42:00.000-05:002011-07-17T21:42:15.732-05:00Complete No BrainerDay 2 of the 30 Day Blog Challenge is "Your favorite movie". Unlike yesterday's terrible post about my inability to pick one favorite song, my favorite movie can be summed up in 2 words: LONESOME DOVE.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOZDwVUhFGkzBg9YmIBx1VJMQRDcA3cI_OHVWiGM-TbKKPT51iQsJpAxCp1_3XO1NwQnSnyRoQmylnxqUOa7xE6s5qwLlxTns0p0BuSChYSYVxu97-NXltswIVgHujsRf5aoQVWD0qP_s/s1600/lonesome+dove+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="259" width="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOZDwVUhFGkzBg9YmIBx1VJMQRDcA3cI_OHVWiGM-TbKKPT51iQsJpAxCp1_3XO1NwQnSnyRoQmylnxqUOa7xE6s5qwLlxTns0p0BuSChYSYVxu97-NXltswIVgHujsRf5aoQVWD0qP_s/s400/lonesome+dove+cover.jpg" /></a></div>Only Fernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16512766894221951052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5812026314715245178.post-27126257241718753092011-07-16T17:17:00.000-05:002014-06-17T11:00:49.943-05:002 New Dip RecipesI recently found 2 new dip recipes. One is road tested and crowd approved. It will be made again! The other is low in WW points and is on the "things to try" list.<br />
<br />
<b>Creamy Jalapeno Ranch Dip</b><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">1 16 oz carton of sour cream</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">1 packet of ranch dressing mix</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">2 jalapenos seeded and diced</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Cilantro</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Garlic powder</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Mix all ingredients together and dive in!!</span><br />
<br />
There were both pita chips and tortilla chips present when I served this dip. It was great with either. It was also tasty on celery sticks. This dip is fabulous, fast, and terribly easy. It's a great spin on the traditional go-to ranch dip. Make it! And then, make it again.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Spinach and Artichoke Dip</b><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">I found this dip on the WW web site and have yet to try it, but it's going to happen soon! According to the recipe it makes 12 servings that are 2 WW PP each.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">2 sprays of cooking spray</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">1/2 lb of spinach, baby leaves, washed and dried (I would use frozen!! It would be easier!!)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">1 1/2 c canned artichoke hearts, without oil, drained</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">1 clove of garlic, minced (how handy, I use minced garlic in the jar ALL OF THE TIME!)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, or to taste</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">1/2 tsp salt</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">1/2 c grated Parmesan cheese</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">1/2 c reduced-fat sour cream</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">4 oz low fat cream cheese, at room temperature</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Preheat oven to 350 F. Coat a 7 1/2 inch deep dish glass or ceramic pie plate (or oven-proof dish) with cooking spray.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">In a food processor, combine spinach, artichokes, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, Parmesan, sour cream and cream cheese. Puree until smooth. Scrape dip into prepared dish; smooth top into an even layer. Bake until golden brown on tip, about 20-30 minutes. Serve warm. Yields about 1/4 c per serving.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Good luck with this second one! Sounds good to me. Let me know how it is!</span></span>Only Fernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16512766894221951052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5812026314715245178.post-52143527151573390212011-07-16T16:59:00.000-05:002011-07-16T16:59:16.907-05:0030 Day Blog ChallengeI had a great blogging streak going there for a while, and then, I fell of the wagon. Well, this girl is picking herself up off of the blogging trail and getting back on that wagon. I have several ideas up my sleeve to share, I just hope I can keep up! I found this "30 Day Blog Challenge" at <a href="http://www.robynbeazley.com/">www.robynbeazley.com</a>. (A site I stumbled upon through <a href="http://www.crystalcattle.com/">www.crystalcattle.com</a>.) Her site is titled "Live An Amazing Life". She's wrote a book with the same title. I've bought it. I started reading it and cannot find where I laid it down...that doesn't mean it isn't good, it is. I enjoy reading it. I think that it's helped jump start me back to my old self. Trust me, I have strayed away from her, and I've missed her. Don't worry, she's on a come back!!<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong>The 30-Day Challenge TOPICS:</strong><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">•Day 01 — Your favorite song<br />
•Day 02 — Your favorite movie<br />
•Day 03 — Your favorite television program<br />
•Day 04 — Your favorite book<br />
•Day 05 — Your favorite quote<br />
•Day 06 — Whatever tickles your fancy<br />
•Day 07 — A photo that makes you happy<br />
•Day 08 — A photo that makes you angry/sad<br />
•Day 09 — A photo you took<br />
•Day 10 — A photo of you taken over ten years ago<br />
•Day 11 — A photo of you taken recently<br />
•Day 12 — Whatever tickles your fancy<br />
•Day 13 — A fictional book<br />
•Day 14 — A non-fictional book<br />
•Day 15 — A fanfic<br />
•Day 16 — A song that makes you cry (or nearly)<br />
•Day 17 — An art piece (painting, drawing, sculpture, etc.)<br />
•Day 18 — Whatever tickles your fancy<br />
•Day 19 — A talent of yours<br />
•Day 20 — A hobby of yours<br />
•Day 21 — A recipe<br />
•Day 22 — A website<br />
•Day 23 — A YouTube video<br />
•Day 24 — Whatever tickles your fancy<br />
•Day 25 — Your day, in great detail<br />
•Day 26 — Your week, in great detail<br />
•Day 27 — This month, in great detail<br />
•Day 28 — This year, in great detail<br />
•Day 29 — Hopes, dreams and plans for the next 365 days<br />
•Day 30 — Whatever tickles your fancy</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Day 1-- My favorite song....</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Really? Just one? Um, I don't know if I can. Favorite "getcha up and getcha going" song: "Don't Stop Belivin'" by Journey. Favorite Christmas song: "Christmas to Remember" by Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton (don't judge). Favorite Hymns: "I'll Fly Away", "On Eagle's Wings", "Amazing Grace". Favorite George Strait tune(s): "The Chair", "Ocean Front Property", "Baby Blue". I have lots of songs. Its a day to day thing, heck, it may change by lunch time! I love "Proud Souls" by Jason Boland, " Tennessee Whiskey" by George Jones, "Silver Wings" by Merle Haggard, "Rock Springs to Cheyenne" by Micky & the Motorcars...I like the Dallas theme song. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Again, Fern has made the easy thing hard. </span> </span>Only Fernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16512766894221951052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5812026314715245178.post-31415864174083447562011-06-24T08:31:00.000-05:002011-06-24T08:31:14.153-05:00It's Friday. Grill Something this Weekend.It's Friday! I have big plans to attend the <a href="http://www.fortgriffinfandangle.org/">Ft. Griffin Fandangle</a> tonight. Stay tuned. My good friends Jeff and Cori are cast members.<br />
<br />
Tomorrow, I have big plans to do chores around the house and work on the blasted dissertation. More importantly, I have big plans to grill tomorrow evening. I have steak on the brain, so I have <a href="http://beefitswhatsfordinner.com/">beef</a> in my not too distant future. I encourage everyone to do the same. For some inspiration, look towards the 29 Ways to Love Lean Beef and get to <a href="http://www.beefitswhatsfordinner.com/grilling.aspx">grilling</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSTzkBKQvcHGbuy1t5kaF_6qIQVDmBDughnV0Mysfa_ngDMPHQIWI6OXNh953egok7v3DDS9byHtnmqer3P0sbl7iJSKAqgpsP2LrTiZrgcmuIsU1vf2pwxSzC3H__3abtmhehTF7De-M/s1600/29-Ways-to-Love-Lean-Beef.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSTzkBKQvcHGbuy1t5kaF_6qIQVDmBDughnV0Mysfa_ngDMPHQIWI6OXNh953egok7v3DDS9byHtnmqer3P0sbl7iJSKAqgpsP2LrTiZrgcmuIsU1vf2pwxSzC3H__3abtmhehTF7De-M/s400/29-Ways-to-Love-Lean-Beef.jpg" width="167" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://beefitswhatsfordinner.com/">http://beefitswhatsfordinner.com</a></span></div>Only Fernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16512766894221951052noreply@blogger.com0