tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65578915842611109232024-03-18T03:43:05.945-04:0017 ApartUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger98415tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6557891584261110923.post-61558151482965143392022-02-01T14:31:00.001-05:002022-02-01T15:12:43.199-05:00Recipe: How to Make Simple 3-Ingredient Snow Cream<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhkuJzlN-bGuU0_OWknjx4v0_tp6M-ymX6J4gP8HhBccVFHEkRRuNllbTfcmvZ5AI1h_421ICc2Gap8x8xoSD64dxrkA9OojSM1Zsj0M3uf663d774Sa-9oE7GP8KE9CLlvKl5N-jKmhbtQxxQBF3-BnMNND-Iz7q6t7wDubpCFFHjxoY-kLTVsUA=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhkuJzlN-bGuU0_OWknjx4v0_tp6M-ymX6J4gP8HhBccVFHEkRRuNllbTfcmvZ5AI1h_421ICc2Gap8x8xoSD64dxrkA9OojSM1Zsj0M3uf663d774Sa-9oE7GP8KE9CLlvKl5N-jKmhbtQxxQBF3-BnMNND-Iz7q6t7wDubpCFFHjxoY-kLTVsUA=s16000" /></a></div><p>This snow cream recipe requires just 3 ingredients and is nearly foolproof to make. The key is full fat sweetened condensed milk and a splash of vanilla extract that give the snow that <i>extra</i> creamy taste. Freshly fallen snow that's powdery in texture works best and don't worry —
the snow won't melt once you bring it inside to work with. It actually
holds it's shape well and stays nice and cold.<span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p>The first time I had snow cream was at my Aunt & Uncle's house in the mountains of Charlottesville, VA. I still remember it vividly because as a child, "snow ice cream" was a magical concept and one I've been looking forward to passing down to our kids. Luckily, when the weather called for 7 inches of snow last weekend, we whipped up our first batch with Etta and relived that same wonder in her eyes.</p><p><b><i><br /></i></b></p><p><b><i>Ingredients:</i></b><br />8-10 cups fresh snow (enough to fill a large mixing bowl)<br />1 (14 oz) can of full fat sweetened condensed milk<br />1 tsp vanilla extract</p><p><br /></p><p>Combine ingredients in a large mixing bowl. The snow will reduce as you begin to mix; if it gets watery just add more snow to thicken back up to your desired consistency. Scoop and serve right away. This snow cream keeps frozen in an airtight freezer container for up to 1 week. <br /></p><p><i><br /></i></p><p><i>Discover More:</i> <a href="https://www.17apart.com/search/label/Food%20%26%20Recipes?max-results=9" target="_blank">All food & recipes </a><br /></p>17aparthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18176955042705963326noreply@blogger.com0Lancaster, VA 22503, USA37.7294024 -76.5257007-33.615166520825795 142.84929929999998 90 64.0992993tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6557891584261110923.post-8382797387610745722021-10-23T12:05:00.003-04:002021-10-23T12:10:22.922-04:00On Changing Seasons<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghY0OELVJyVHHoYduGIPBTiCYiM2IrjAX2ulkuOpLT3wSqo9exwXiClwowETAEB-BlVCgbQV7dXahGR5335HSL1Qx6roifGV8xldiL1OyXYaqsc-q9Jbzx2Uc9MOryqnel4XuDIL-KQQ/s4032/unnamed-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghY0OELVJyVHHoYduGIPBTiCYiM2IrjAX2ulkuOpLT3wSqo9exwXiClwowETAEB-BlVCgbQV7dXahGR5335HSL1Qx6roifGV8xldiL1OyXYaqsc-q9Jbzx2Uc9MOryqnel4XuDIL-KQQ/s16000/unnamed-2.jpg" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Isn't it amazing how quickly things can change in the matter of a year, or in the matter of a minute?<span></span></p><a name='more'></a><br /><p></p><p> Our focus for the better portion of this year has been dedicated to family. Back in March we learned we were expecting again. Many of you know the complexities we carried in trying to start a family, ultimately meeting our daughter after multiple rounds of IVF. Given those challenges and our original plan for one child, it was a surreal moment when we learned we were spontaneously pregnant and are very excited to be welcoming another little girl in just a few weeks.</p><div class="Ar Au Ao" id=":1td"><div aria-label="Message Body" aria-multiline="true" class="Am Al editable LW-avf tS-tW tS-tY" g_editable="true" hidefocus="true" id=":1t9" spellcheck="false" style="direction: ltr; min-height: 252px;" tabindex="1"><div><br /></div><div>In what seems like the blink of an eye, we have a busy preschooler with enough energy to keep us continually on our toes and seeing the world in new ways.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifI0KsKCI1nw2ZZIdHpOmqCkmNczAdlGen6ohVUofEpdfm9YIbqZgzcTSe1FBjNw5HGqfc2YoaZxevUl8ViPXjqN6zsjPr4x_-zJ3uVIDRvpVjYpCpbOAc7eZRUboPT2edVc8F69cHKw/s4032/unnamed.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifI0KsKCI1nw2ZZIdHpOmqCkmNczAdlGen6ohVUofEpdfm9YIbqZgzcTSe1FBjNw5HGqfc2YoaZxevUl8ViPXjqN6zsjPr4x_-zJ3uVIDRvpVjYpCpbOAc7eZRUboPT2edVc8F69cHKw/s16000/unnamed.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div>In haste, we snapped the porch photo above on her first day of preschool this year, which also marked the first day Tim would start a 6 week routine of daily radiation treatments. Looking back, I'm so happy we took the time to capture this slice in time. Early in the summer Tim was diagnosed with tonsil cancer — another life journey we hadn't anticipated confronting. </div><div><br /></div><div>After two surgeries and coming face to face with the realities of radiation, I have never been more in awe of my husband's strength and grateful for our family. We are relieved to have discovered his cancer in an early stage and are optimistic that we're nearing the end of this part of the story. Most days I've felt filled with gratitude at all we have to be thankful for and in that same breath, some days I just want to collapse under it all.</div><div><br /></div><div>We've also continued to spend a lot of time <a href="https://www.17apart.com/search/label/River%20House?max-results=9" target="_blank">at the river</a>, which has been a welcome escape and retreat. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCZHLDtc5fxYIQWUp88OLbJOhNfR-5FMXxBMlqC8T5I-6V9Ob3yCx0koR8i7Sd9wmcFkuga9X1igoOGFmA_56dD2FH9EakYxLR1X3WnyMEzJ1hgYe-svZ5Tfx1g8z4if-3UFjdLtyDtg/s4032/unnamed-3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCZHLDtc5fxYIQWUp88OLbJOhNfR-5FMXxBMlqC8T5I-6V9Ob3yCx0koR8i7Sd9wmcFkuga9X1igoOGFmA_56dD2FH9EakYxLR1X3WnyMEzJ1hgYe-svZ5Tfx1g8z4if-3UFjdLtyDtg/s16000/unnamed-3.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1greyAKODooQtjtPkeFQrAQG64aYCn5eLJMO9Sdh56aGZJUnQvA4RNcXuo5DvNlJdChLflW1B2WjjOxRmZIa-yhgYPeL7nRpSi2-k4cPNeK1ccaEI7ZfKZDF2QHv3L9GYhDzmrB1czg/s3600/unnamed-7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3600" data-original-width="2700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1greyAKODooQtjtPkeFQrAQG64aYCn5eLJMO9Sdh56aGZJUnQvA4RNcXuo5DvNlJdChLflW1B2WjjOxRmZIa-yhgYPeL7nRpSi2-k4cPNeK1ccaEI7ZfKZDF2QHv3L9GYhDzmrB1czg/s16000/unnamed-7.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div>We're just coming into our third fall season <a href="https://www.17apart.com/2019/07/hello-from-rivah.html" target="_blank">since finding the house</a>, and over the winter we completed a full renovation that opened up 360 views of the water. We reached a good pause point between the house renovations and turning attention to the outdoor hardscaping we'd planned to tackle before this year's unexpected twists and turns of life revealed themselves — so we'll look forward to working on the outside more come springtime.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIn1WNPAXNdHv7bAbzyWjl4-xogVWBrxvQag2HiiCIWSH5FMlWwVYUzUi5VHfZozDU8T4pZe7Rk9Pw81anxpPJhpXXn4yQLBTYWmVQSdEBIrUCPVBbl_s9zoD-Bvz-DM7XAktNSd4C0g/s1280/17Apart+River+Renovation.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIn1WNPAXNdHv7bAbzyWjl4-xogVWBrxvQag2HiiCIWSH5FMlWwVYUzUi5VHfZozDU8T4pZe7Rk9Pw81anxpPJhpXXn4yQLBTYWmVQSdEBIrUCPVBbl_s9zoD-Bvz-DM7XAktNSd4C0g/s16000/17Apart+River+Renovation.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfOZXwWT1-GxHoPy7ueZyPjNti3AnplsDck6s90Twe4QqZ8do1uy5wiGNciMcy8SBsaQB5AXzVOHBwzQl-WxnRfP0UYhmvfA-ttXZI2CVRIxkBUvXTXfryazCrLIH_zoOWcy2iocjGzg/s3489/unnamed-5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3489" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfOZXwWT1-GxHoPy7ueZyPjNti3AnplsDck6s90Twe4QqZ8do1uy5wiGNciMcy8SBsaQB5AXzVOHBwzQl-WxnRfP0UYhmvfA-ttXZI2CVRIxkBUvXTXfryazCrLIH_zoOWcy2iocjGzg/s16000/unnamed-5.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div>At home, we're in full-on nesting mode — trying our best to clean out, get organized and prepared as best we can for the baby to arrive. Our city row house is beginning to feel smaller and figuring out kids' rooms has been like putting a puzzle together (W<i>hat will work best for the newborn stage? How will we navigate creaking floors while one is asleep and we're up with the other, etc...</i>). At the same time, we've never shied away from a good puzzle and are in full acceptance of the new baby haze and chaos ahead.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you for taking a moment to check in on us today and for many of your kind words over the last several months. We hope you and yours are keeping well!</div></div></div>17aparthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18176955042705963326noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6557891584261110923.post-15670445486363106472020-06-11T07:54:00.000-04:002020-06-11T07:54:51.611-04:00Spring Rituals: Opening the River House<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYXpKPMJKvEtP01UNc0mQY3wvvIv2N1LFbDybFKuBO8cIcp5LANoNsYTLZGSptUi1tJ4BwSiBJEm33fU8xA9BSBdzX6_vy9So-fKPb7nkviThBjGPKXb-0f_gmjEEDLbuilpIEPasKmg/s1600/20200429_STIHL_0107.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYXpKPMJKvEtP01UNc0mQY3wvvIv2N1LFbDybFKuBO8cIcp5LANoNsYTLZGSptUi1tJ4BwSiBJEm33fU8xA9BSBdzX6_vy9So-fKPb7nkviThBjGPKXb-0f_gmjEEDLbuilpIEPasKmg/s1600/20200429_STIHL_0107.jpg" /></a><br />
<i> Today's post is in partnership with <a href="https://www.stihlusa.com/" target="_blank">STIHL</a>.</i><br />
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The regular change of pace between the city and the river over the last few months has been a welcome escape. Now into our second year with this home, we’re quickly learning what it takes to officially “open it up” for the season in terms of maintenance.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUZmCGWlqaSWDj7uudpybLJZc10L1X8_R4JbcwFMn9emb63agIqTsMq58yaNvxAhJHmwrBI79UE_uvNxP0u56yv5YorleLRie2hky1lu_kMnS3v3VvtFwYj3y-99BBpp6jMCdy8c87bQ/s1600/20200429_STIHL_0022.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUZmCGWlqaSWDj7uudpybLJZc10L1X8_R4JbcwFMn9emb63agIqTsMq58yaNvxAhJHmwrBI79UE_uvNxP0u56yv5YorleLRie2hky1lu_kMnS3v3VvtFwYj3y-99BBpp6jMCdy8c87bQ/s1600/20200429_STIHL_0022.jpg" /></a> </div>
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Earlier this spring we addressed the indoor areas and more recently turned our focus outdoors, where an annual power washing on the siding & window
washing become a weekend’s project. We’ve also learned that the yard and
surrounding landscape benefit from a more substantial annual pruning
and clearing to allow for new growth and the resulting beauty that comes
with spring in full bloom.<br />
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In our experience, part of getting to know a home’s landscape is living
with it for an entire season to watch what blooms and where. In the last
year we learned we have daffodils and lilies, also wisteria and
honeysuckle cover the ravine down to the river this time of year. There
was a grouping of established and overgrown bright pink azaleas lining
the front area of the house and in our
side yard, a line of crepe myrtle trees covered in ivy that creates a
touch of privacy between the neighboring house.<br />
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To kick start the
season, we decided a heavy pruning back on the azaleas would open up
the front of the house and lighter maintenance to address the crowded areas on the perimeter trees would create some much needed breathing room.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4mHo8Vdp0s9uDEqxYkL2ybPVPhiOI2lGwBvzcaHEOFOef1Gx_YPQNY0iieBhFNvsetBxxr1bf_CxYdY2yIX4p9pbxaKhyphenhyphenyYUzDFE1qutuf-7EjvcAY45yFokQy8tBieEcQUKVcLi3hg/s1600/20200429_STIHL_0013.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4mHo8Vdp0s9uDEqxYkL2ybPVPhiOI2lGwBvzcaHEOFOef1Gx_YPQNY0iieBhFNvsetBxxr1bf_CxYdY2yIX4p9pbxaKhyphenhyphenyYUzDFE1qutuf-7EjvcAY45yFokQy8tBieEcQUKVcLi3hg/s1600/20200429_STIHL_0013.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWg_oy0RZwqLZRq4eh4u3CVLIA9aJksgRVIK0deW2W30F4TQnYbKhe-dQVzadCuSxJWjRtgs53cj9nDpOnCvJLqpuhKZKwkyObiktmqzLghSve9ui-n855HX5GHDDgvJGJ2LnA4GnPZA/s1600/20200429_STIHL_0037.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWg_oy0RZwqLZRq4eh4u3CVLIA9aJksgRVIK0deW2W30F4TQnYbKhe-dQVzadCuSxJWjRtgs53cj9nDpOnCvJLqpuhKZKwkyObiktmqzLghSve9ui-n855HX5GHDDgvJGJ2LnA4GnPZA/s1600/20200429_STIHL_0037.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUq2joNJWctjgjw_7xlbgMq8HdsSA-XYeauF8JzjrIiviHPC1rc6FR3oOl2bKP-rS70ZWLYaGQ-MJbXai8S_b6yPidf5FCowly1ChvZ0_ooHOpVjRyz-G20VdUZetgWM7rPZc4yFbsFA/s1600/20200429_STIHL_0033.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUq2joNJWctjgjw_7xlbgMq8HdsSA-XYeauF8JzjrIiviHPC1rc6FR3oOl2bKP-rS70ZWLYaGQ-MJbXai8S_b6yPidf5FCowly1ChvZ0_ooHOpVjRyz-G20VdUZetgWM7rPZc4yFbsFA/s1600/20200429_STIHL_0033.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpYPzMx9zRPkbJSrXLq3fV-N48Ph33V3Q575ynvWH9ZtCpieEXssDMprcU1nipIQq1f3_ITi_AFRie8S4z3Vc5XZu8-bGBXlHAam22nltFSys3dL-NJi-QGtL_Rlqk4-iRrcUQ8THEtw/s1600/20200429_STIHL_0043.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpYPzMx9zRPkbJSrXLq3fV-N48Ph33V3Q575ynvWH9ZtCpieEXssDMprcU1nipIQq1f3_ITi_AFRie8S4z3Vc5XZu8-bGBXlHAam22nltFSys3dL-NJi-QGtL_Rlqk4-iRrcUQ8THEtw/s1600/20200429_STIHL_0043.jpg" /></a> </div>
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We’re starting to build our tool collection for the river house, and <a href="https://www.stihlusa.com/" target="_blank">STIHL</a> gave us an early peek at a new product that will be in wider release later this summer. Their <a href="https://www.stihlusa.com/products/technology/gta-26/" target="_blank">GTA 26 is a battery powered garden pruner</a> to help with light gardening and landscape maintenance around the home.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAkF0Ag9VOH8ocQnNmLGncBDdytBQp7Jm_wFSBEAxnCycQMzZKWUpmWKhjTnQOrYVpAAVX1J3_Nz7i_z2LD8gCCSd6CpMlvDmtDcwxD9Yw-mhDMUR5ufAvLmb-6wnfxArur_xI3-Ql5w/s1600/20200429_STIHL_0002.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAkF0Ag9VOH8ocQnNmLGncBDdytBQp7Jm_wFSBEAxnCycQMzZKWUpmWKhjTnQOrYVpAAVX1J3_Nz7i_z2LD8gCCSd6CpMlvDmtDcwxD9Yw-mhDMUR5ufAvLmb-6wnfxArur_xI3-Ql5w/s1600/20200429_STIHL_0002.jpg" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1QJtSr4aLKuuNu4KizLA3APtDQv-oTIOKnBlTym1_Qyc04azmve6rCbvv0nxNEwD94BfKMBHau-OwegwjzWFoL32wYEVbwA__mKUkw98MJnMuELQqymq4qisZA8OVdpnOrhvMXDs10w/s1600/20200429_STIHL_0053.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1QJtSr4aLKuuNu4KizLA3APtDQv-oTIOKnBlTym1_Qyc04azmve6rCbvv0nxNEwD94BfKMBHau-OwegwjzWFoL32wYEVbwA__mKUkw98MJnMuELQqymq4qisZA8OVdpnOrhvMXDs10w/s1600/20200429_STIHL_0053.jpg" /></a></div>
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If a power tool were ever to be described as “cute,” this is it. The size makes it lightweight, a cinch to hold and there’s a lot of power packed within the battery, which makes tougher pruning projects a quick and easy undertaking.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnsOiEtZPxLvAGt9PlT-vpa0OuxexNu8CJXBhkzJ19xuDz5cpS7OJGZX_rcgP2MyrG_zLeb2YGrOd6IcsECgO-nk8NOk6CjnSrFl9wgmItZrC_17-pXeoAQoxnU_KtouJ9s8REyLu3pg/s1600/20200429_STIHL_0061.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnsOiEtZPxLvAGt9PlT-vpa0OuxexNu8CJXBhkzJ19xuDz5cpS7OJGZX_rcgP2MyrG_zLeb2YGrOd6IcsECgO-nk8NOk6CjnSrFl9wgmItZrC_17-pXeoAQoxnU_KtouJ9s8REyLu3pg/s1600/20200429_STIHL_0061.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgycbVhJl4ZqPtpCWKxoFTRK3DXf8op2LZq_7l_OMkDgZUXrTVnp8VAg2Y_cgvigWFu1_VO5LsZsHzvbdmoJ4P1tYDt5YXFIIMPwMcNfkRN6QYciNr4fnoiLz1hqDh85CNqT0kDIWZ-_g/s1600/20200429_STIHL_0062.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgycbVhJl4ZqPtpCWKxoFTRK3DXf8op2LZq_7l_OMkDgZUXrTVnp8VAg2Y_cgvigWFu1_VO5LsZsHzvbdmoJ4P1tYDt5YXFIIMPwMcNfkRN6QYciNr4fnoiLz1hqDh85CNqT0kDIWZ-_g/s1600/20200429_STIHL_0062.jpg" /></a></div>
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The pruner works like a mini chainsaw and zips right through branches without breaking a sweat. It took all of 15 minutes for Tim to cut back the entire front area of azaleas.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj50JEWx2Xs8D7rki9mjlbZkVEnwJ4Saoexamf7zxkXkjYeKuGO8P39ZFmom_VZH-QqfVGkNem9Gzep_uiaXUPls4_9JmHv6tw8EuGGguKUOYO7OYDig4OkqyTbiXfTlXgE0ggy3BwT2g/s1600/20200429_STIHL_0063.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj50JEWx2Xs8D7rki9mjlbZkVEnwJ4Saoexamf7zxkXkjYeKuGO8P39ZFmom_VZH-QqfVGkNem9Gzep_uiaXUPls4_9JmHv6tw8EuGGguKUOYO7OYDig4OkqyTbiXfTlXgE0ggy3BwT2g/s1600/20200429_STIHL_0063.jpg" /></a></div>
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The best time to prune azaleas is when the flowers begin to shrivel after blooming, like ours were here. Because the bushes were overgrown, we cut them all the way back to about 14” as a way to reestablish their growth. Ultimately, we may go with other plantings in this space all together, but are excited to see how these azaleas come back over the next year.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP5B0I5DJxQoLtxVwcQ7oPknYqTkICOXNX4UT-zds11Yfw1xhUTdZJcDISjsIRHHyBflWFqFlqIFz6ftsObZlv9HRkH3SYT0xJcVlLh7hfFWzFeQHmLI6Eml60BryA1r-FvaULrcPClQ/s1600/20200429_STIHL_0091.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP5B0I5DJxQoLtxVwcQ7oPknYqTkICOXNX4UT-zds11Yfw1xhUTdZJcDISjsIRHHyBflWFqFlqIFz6ftsObZlv9HRkH3SYT0xJcVlLh7hfFWzFeQHmLI6Eml60BryA1r-FvaULrcPClQ/s1600/20200429_STIHL_0091.jpg" /></a></div>
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One of our favorite parts about the property are the established trees. We have a combination of hollies and oaks that provide nice shade on hotter days, but with large trees come falling leaves. <a href="https://www.stihlusa.com/products/blowers-and-shredder-vacs/battery-blowers/bga100/" target="_blank">STIHL's BGA 100 handheld battery blower</a> makes leaf cleanup across the 1.3 acres a quick (and fun!) task. It’s nice not keeping a gas can in the shed and compared to an electric version, the backpack battery Tim uses with it allows for easy navigation throughout the entire property.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9bHGjGT1HuI4bp_QS61l0e-Qv_hrR4YSj_6tNho1RoKji3njrCUApwORihntFYDxHrlbjd9nWVYkNf8ktsIHYcPMlDb27Xa4lNn-k8nJ7nhxyo1tAVKKWaVDK81Itc3CmK9vgBBg51w/s1600/20200429_STIHL_0104.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9bHGjGT1HuI4bp_QS61l0e-Qv_hrR4YSj_6tNho1RoKji3njrCUApwORihntFYDxHrlbjd9nWVYkNf8ktsIHYcPMlDb27Xa4lNn-k8nJ7nhxyo1tAVKKWaVDK81Itc3CmK9vgBBg51w/s1600/20200429_STIHL_0104.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF0Iv2c9maN_-xSw_ADia2yAr8UMa7985wT0ngSASbqmdWEEMa_2eAMNJgpi0Gu-0rIq8wFvG_VHCnKzJyq_e5CF-6Muiyyj2jwy3irLinosK2txae8ZiuiYBIQ5hBzNl1EIsrwBHzpA/s1600/20200429_STIHL_0102.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF0Iv2c9maN_-xSw_ADia2yAr8UMa7985wT0ngSASbqmdWEEMa_2eAMNJgpi0Gu-0rIq8wFvG_VHCnKzJyq_e5CF-6Muiyyj2jwy3irLinosK2txae8ZiuiYBIQ5hBzNl1EIsrwBHzpA/s1600/20200429_STIHL_0102.jpg" /></a></div>
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It takes a heavier annual blowing to prep for the season around here and the spots along the walk and fence-line with built up leaves from the winter were no match for the boost mode on this blower.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Jjgf0BQnZ4lbxc2795QAb5U8Y6CxOMWL0tp-z6_GOrJmIOsAydqHIU5K8sXOtE5-rKdP5EWplUcup5h40l6yJ4vsMyYEWxxKohZNDQsdIf0UEyLuHiVP4Q2tWOZXlpr27Ug4yNkzSQ/s1600/20200429_STIHL_0131.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Jjgf0BQnZ4lbxc2795QAb5U8Y6CxOMWL0tp-z6_GOrJmIOsAydqHIU5K8sXOtE5-rKdP5EWplUcup5h40l6yJ4vsMyYEWxxKohZNDQsdIf0UEyLuHiVP4Q2tWOZXlpr27Ug4yNkzSQ/s1600/20200429_STIHL_0131.jpg" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaZuD9JrApVy7U1nf1qSl7JgHAVITfzp4hZmXsIQ7nVYpM5FK2HRPjuBPEoToJr_h12-UHySThfcc52Zvtoa6dWIem7fTiICLQ-oCQG3gMEL_ADrX16-MxhBQ9k5_sIdnaCdC582gTBg/s1600/20200429_STIHL_0129.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaZuD9JrApVy7U1nf1qSl7JgHAVITfzp4hZmXsIQ7nVYpM5FK2HRPjuBPEoToJr_h12-UHySThfcc52Zvtoa6dWIem7fTiICLQ-oCQG3gMEL_ADrX16-MxhBQ9k5_sIdnaCdC582gTBg/s1600/20200429_STIHL_0129.jpg" /></a><br />
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It's also a quick go-to for lighter touch ups as we come and go. Tim’s favorite part? Using the blower to clear off the porch, patio and even areas of the siding in seconds. No more broom!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEw4XGwl4JKtogjKh2n3ABu9lka_2fuELAkdlGfM4ubOPD-N7xrqOzcqZg5SiwABoxKmsuvQVnAB0u5pNKAzXxmTVraj5JDRcdT4NFYCPchyphenhyphenQh3zxheRIVC3P8RRRHUVv17m1K9-5Hzg/s1600/20200429_STIHL_0117.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEw4XGwl4JKtogjKh2n3ABu9lka_2fuELAkdlGfM4ubOPD-N7xrqOzcqZg5SiwABoxKmsuvQVnAB0u5pNKAzXxmTVraj5JDRcdT4NFYCPchyphenhyphenQh3zxheRIVC3P8RRRHUVv17m1K9-5Hzg/s1600/20200429_STIHL_0117.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFoTFDWrQzeI1O2yP53PwRbW9e4qiwH1uBXSwLJX8dJBp_UcP4vMErn_Y-7h1IwiTB1iiWbln7wRfjdTRYnLEEVQLjaZE9gN6Y0fIqT6srHDy19qwP7tPF3vrDCJTMUci4WiWjqpIqiw/s1600/20200429_STIHL_0120.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFoTFDWrQzeI1O2yP53PwRbW9e4qiwH1uBXSwLJX8dJBp_UcP4vMErn_Y-7h1IwiTB1iiWbln7wRfjdTRYnLEEVQLjaZE9gN6Y0fIqT6srHDy19qwP7tPF3vrDCJTMUci4WiWjqpIqiw/s1600/20200429_STIHL_0120.jpg" /></a></div>
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In less than an hour, the front space, back patio and surrounding yard was cleared & cleaned. In the coming weeks, we’ll be eager to weed the walkways, mulch the beds and have already <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CAbbE5dFOkk/" target="_blank">planted a window box</a> just under the kitchen window to polish things up further.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-gVZhZejl8QDVQ8WyVDZAhVf-ydv3FWszGZXJJ3ZrKkzhG0EC9NoR4R3ZkxaJNNkW2-sY6X8Xr2QQWyHbTEmDJMMc_0nT9VLVoLjKeI1Q35Mb2GPvRvLqP4qoxpPjfvuaOTfwlSth-Q/s1600/20200429_STIHL_0162.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-gVZhZejl8QDVQ8WyVDZAhVf-ydv3FWszGZXJJ3ZrKkzhG0EC9NoR4R3ZkxaJNNkW2-sY6X8Xr2QQWyHbTEmDJMMc_0nT9VLVoLjKeI1Q35Mb2GPvRvLqP4qoxpPjfvuaOTfwlSth-Q/s1600/20200429_STIHL_0162.jpg" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOI1kyKdTZd5uP-_1Nx768eUtYLBrjP8DYmOx1EzuNUgN5SxBlzxYjnGwI0FMOQclhvbEKNCJwCW_nqWcKmgzpnZqrMmKbD7sEEhwgtqx1EDDHBXvFjNgedCBAGjjxrOEE2T2vCEf5Nw/s1600/20200429_STIHL_0160.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOI1kyKdTZd5uP-_1Nx768eUtYLBrjP8DYmOx1EzuNUgN5SxBlzxYjnGwI0FMOQclhvbEKNCJwCW_nqWcKmgzpnZqrMmKbD7sEEhwgtqx1EDDHBXvFjNgedCBAGjjxrOEE2T2vCEf5Nw/s1600/20200429_STIHL_0160.jpg" /></a><br />
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To wrap up the afternoon’s work, a heavy spray down on the Adirondack chairs was all it took before it was finally time to roll out the hammock, bring out the chaise cushions and call it a day!<br />
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The ideas for updating this little space of ours are endless; the peace of mind that annual maintenance is less daunting with the right tools makes it easier to focus on the creative projects we want to take on instead of worrying about the time it takes to care for the property.<br />
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Other things we’re excited to update this year include a mini front porch makeover, swapping out plantings on the back patio and creating a fire pit area. Most of all, enjoying the change of pace and the chance to spend time together top the list.<br />
<i><br />Today's post is in collaboration with <a href="https://www.stihlusa.com/" target="_blank">STIHL</a>, the world’s biggest selling chainsaw brand known for their craftsmanship and ease of use across a full range of outdoor tools. The images in today's post were captured by our talented friend and photographer, Ali Williamson of <a href="https://alisandraphoto.com/" target="_blank">Alisandra Photography</a>.</i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6557891584261110923.post-4662561128341030252020-05-09T11:32:00.000-04:002020-05-09T11:32:19.754-04:00Meet Me at Joe's?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Just the other day, Tim and I joked about how nice it would be to walk to Joe's Inn for breakfast — and it was in that moment I realized just how quickly our "normal" can change.<br />
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Back in early March we'd decided to keep our annual trip to Mexico amidst the growing speculation of the virus. It was Etta's first plane ride, first time in a pool, eating crackers — it felt like our own little bubble of relaxation and fun in tandem with fears of the unknown as daily news updates started to escalate. Mid-week when sports were cancelled and travel restrictions announced, we were ready to be home and plan for what was in store ahead. I vividly remember it was the first time I'd experienced vocal disapproval on my parenting decisions from strangers, when allowing Etta to crawl on the carpeted airport floor to blow off energy after being limited to sitting still in our laps for the duration of the plane ride. Now a good 8 weeks into staying at home, it's almost surreal thinking back on that trip and how quickly we've evolved into a new normal.<br />
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Due to the nature of working from home, Tim and I have both been able to keep up a sense of normalcy, for which we are grateful. And, only a few months after winterizing the river house we decided to slowly open it back up ahead of schedule as way to change up the scenery from week to week while hunkered down as a family unit. Over the last month we've happily discovered Etta's joy for wagon rides, and that the Easter Bunny knows his way around the Rappahannock River. In fact, it was the week before Easter that she took her very first steps on the tile floor in the kitchen there.<br />
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It will be our second year with this little retreat and we're excited for what this season holds. In terms of projects, we've made a few simpler updates indoors like changing out light fixtures, bringing in new furniture and addressing the outstanding plumbing issues leftover from last year's purchase. Outside, we've learned the exterior benefits from an annual power washing (hello, airborne algae!), window washing and general landscape clean-up to officially call it "open for the season." Down the road, there are endless ideas for projects and improvements we'd like to make. This year we're gonna continue to take it slow as we learn the house and each-other in it.<br />
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In our bubble of safety, Tim misses sports; I'm pining for a pedicure. Sometimes to pass the time, we like to ask one another questions like, "<i>what are the first 3 restaurants you want to go to when we can go out again?</i>" or "<i>which park will we take Etta to first?</i>" We know we are lucky, and from this side of the quarantine, we hope you're keeping safe and well too.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6557891584261110923.post-26532819506359330892020-02-18T20:17:00.000-05:002020-02-18T20:18:52.327-05:00On Giving Grace in 2020<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "times"; text-align: center;">Midway into a bottle of wine on New Year's Eve, Tim and I began thinking back on all the cornerstones we could remember over the last decade — I'd moved back down to Virginia, Brandon had graduated high school (wait, did Stephanie too? Yes, wow and now she's married!), we'd brought Basil home, traveled to Hungary, moved into our current home and so on and so forth well into the night. We'd agreed to go dry for January again this year, so nearing the end of that bottle and indulging </span><i style="font-family: times; text-align: center;">just</i><span style="font-family: "times"; text-align: center;"> </span><i style="font-family: times; text-align: center;">beyond</i><span style="font-family: "times"; text-align: center;"> our norm, we got sentimental. We've been together a decade, but longer really. So much has happened over the course of our years together, yet some things stay the same, continuing to strengthen and grow. Love and relationships are funny like that. </span><br />
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With the baby monitor in hand, we put our jackets on and walked down onto the dock (we'd made a last-minute call to spend the new year at the river), looked out into the water and up at the stars. We're in a season of life that he knew would be trying and we both knew would be worth it — one and the same. And, being in the thick of it is where the living happens.</div>
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To every parent ever it won't be a surprise that having a baby has forced us to slow down, be more forgiving on what can and can't get done and think about priorities in a completely new way. Now nearing March and having since winterized the river house, our biggest resolution into this new year and new decade is giving ourselves grace and a lot of rope — allowing ourselves to feel stretched by the monotony of the day to day and indulgently soaking in the front row seat to watching the world unfold in front of Etta's eyes. It's a new normal, and we're finding our way.<br />
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When I think back on the past year, the moments that come to mind are much less about the projects we crossed off our list, but the memories we made and the milestones we celebrated. </div>
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For instance, when I finally changed my last name after 6 years of marriage or when Stephanie and Troy moved back to Richmond, making all of our immediate family nearby. Or when they and Brandon spent the night at our house waiting for Etta to be born and were the very first to come to visit their littlest sister. That moment we brought her home to a finished nursery we'd dreamt of for years after struggling with infertility. And the first visit we made with her to the River house we'd found and purchased in what seemed like a whirlwind just a few months prior. The opportunity to spend an entire 6 months of parental leave intimately getting to know our daughter and re-learning myself in the new role as a mother. Navigating returning to work and finding my stride, and coming to the conclusion that things were going to be OK.</div>
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And when we think about the year ahead, amidst the many projects we'd like to take on, it's these moments — the living — that we're looking forward to the most. I guess that's what everyone means when they say becoming a parent will shift your perspective. So! Hello friends, well into the New Year; there's a whole list of projects we're looking forward to getting to — and, here's to the thick of it!<br />
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<i>Every year we take time to reflect back and look forward — find and read any of our past yearly recaps by clicking on the corresponding year:</i> <a href="https://www.17apart.com/2018/12/reflections-and-intentions-for-new-year.html" target="_blank">2019</a> | <a href="https://www.17apart.com/2018/01/a-new-year-our-2018-goals-intentions.html" target="_blank">2018</a> | <a href="http://www.17apart.com/2017/01/new-beginnings-our-2017-goals.html" target="_blank">2017</a> | <a href="http://www.17apart.com/2016/01/a-fresh-start-our-2016-goals-resolutions.html" target="_blank">2016</a> | <a href="http://www.17apart.com/2015/01/2015-goals-resolutions.html" target="_blank">2015</a> | <a href="http://www.17apart.com/2014/01/2014-goals-resolutions.html" target="_blank">2014</a> | <a href="http://www.17apart.com/2013/01/2013-goals-and-resolutions.html" target="_blank">2013</a> | <a href="http://www.17apart.com/2012/01/2012-goals-and-resolutions.html" target="_blank">2012</a> </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0