Showing posts with label Thursday Thirteen. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Thursday Thirteen. Show all posts

06 December, 2007

TT # 10: random finds and crafty goodness from our trip to new zealand


New Zealand 2007 TT Mosaic

1. The Fabric Room, 2. The Fabric Room Shopfront, 3. Dept of Doing, 4. Napier, 5. Napier, 6. Napier, 7. Arahura First Class, 8. The Store, 9. The Painted Room, 10. Seals posing, 11. Roadside Diner, 12. Roadside Diner, 13. Lobster Lunch, 14. The Dyslexia Foundation, Christchurch, 15. Mackenzie Thorpe Statue, 16. Mackenzie Thorpe, Falling Heart, 17. The Dyslexia Foundation, 18. The Cupboard, 19. The Cupboard, 20. Zebrano, Wellington

Thirteen Things about:

random finds and crafty goodness from our trip to new zealand

1…. The Fabric Room, in Parnell is fabulous. I have brought home with me a handful of swatches of velvets in an amazing range of shades of pink, and one called bourbon, that I do not have a project in mind for, but I am just taken by the colour. They also had a wool mix felt in cornflower that I think I shall just have to get, again no specific project in mind but that is a minor detail really. The velvet is for backing on a cushion, I finished a tapestry a couple of years ago of a trout (Elizabeth Bradley), and haven't got around to, or found the right coloured/priced velvet for the cushion to be made up in. I did find some velvet earlier in the year but had to buy a metre minimum, and it was something like $180 per metre and I was prepared to pay that much. The Fabric Room was about 1/6th of this and the sample 'pink lady' looks like it will fit the project perfectly. Now all I need is for someone to make the cushion up.

2…. La Cigale, Parnell, for the best cheeses, and bread sticks. I wish we had found this last year when we were staying in Parnell, we would have had cheese and bread just about every night for dinner this time round whilst in this part of town. The cheeses imported from France are amazing, at around $90 per kg they were still worth every cent. This store is worth visiting, with an interesting collection of vintage furniture and accessories, clothing, and of course the food. An organic fruit and vegetable market is held on Wednesdays, and we got some fabulously sweet tomatoes and a cucumber, as well as a chook for dinner that night.

3…. Hamburgers from Riba Fish 'n' Chips Cafe, in Devonport are a must. We accidentally stumbled on this Fish and Chips takeaway, and we all agreed that these were the best hamburgers ever.

4…. The Department of Doing! Not really sure what this was about at first, but when we saw that they were selling cans of 'Inspiration' it all sort of fell into place...

5….Napier! for art deco architecture, we unfortunately were only driving through, but a couple of days here would have been a good idea.

6…. Interisland Ferry, I could just ride the ferry all day, back and forth between the islands. The three hour trip was so enjoyable, with the most beautiful scenery. It was the perfect way to recharge the batteries mid holiday.

7….Nelson, simply a must when you reach the south island. Instead of travelling straight on to Blenheim, do yourself a favour and take the detour to Nelson. Recommended by one of mum's friends I am so glad we spent a couple of days here. It is a bit of an art and craft hub for glass, ceramics, jewellery and art in general, and is just really pretty. We visited the Hoglund glass showroom which put a dint in the bank balance, and the MacMillans Ceramics showroom. There is also a good range of antique shops.

8…. The Store, Fantastic view and really great food. This place was about 40minutes out of Blenheim (my tip about Blenheim keep driving) or Kaikoura depending on the direction you are driving. We stopped here and just took in the amazing view, dipped our feet in the water and followed some birds.

9…. Strangely Familiar! Vintage wares in Wellington near the Wellington Botanic Gardens (which are well worth a visit), I got myself some crocheted dishcloths and something for B for Christmas, naturally I can't say any more about this now. Another shop again for fun vintage finds, as well as interesting couture is The Painted Room, in Christchurch, plenty of ideas gathered here. It was a pity we were over our baggage limits by this stage.

10…. Seals! Coming into Kaikoura, along the highway, we were simply driving along and we came across this 'family' of seals along the rocky shoreline. We have never seen seals in the wild before, at least, not like this!

11….Roadside Lobster! Kaikoura has a quirky little roadside diner, sort of... You see, it looks as though the owners simply parked on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere, and set up shop! Items include, Whitebait sandwich, Garlic Mussels & Garlic Scallops! We had to go back the following day to get a lobster for lunch, YUMM!!

12…. The Dyslexia Foundation, Christchurch in particular the Mackenzie Thorpe monumental bronze, is so emotive. It is fantastic what has been achieved with the building, garden and sculptures. The talking chairs give you a real appreciation for those who suffer from dyslexia. It is truly inspirational.

13…. Clothes! T'da, an old favourite and a must stop at (either on the way from the airport or to it) in Auckland. The Cupboard, in Parnell and opposite where we were staying, simply beautiful clothes and not so beautiful prices! Zebrano, and Untouched World both in Wellington's CBD, had some stunning clothes. Even taking into account of the exchange rate, it was still quite expensive!



The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

22 August, 2007

thursday thirteen # 9... things to get completed by the end of the year!




Thirteen Things that we would like to get completed by the end of the year!!



1…. We need to get 'L' pregnant. After 2 years of medication to bring this to a conclusion, and after an IVF cycle, we think we might be nearly there until some not so good news last Friday. If we need to go through this again, so be it, but hopefully not as it is a very emotional trip which may not be so bad this time around, as the 2 SIL have had Rosie and Riley now, so the thought of not being able to get pregnant when everyone around you is, will not be so apparent!

2…. Ellerslie Flower Show in Auckland Botanic Gardens. This will be in November, and we are thoroughly looking forward to going back. We went last year and had such a great time, we decided to go back, and can be read in the following one, two, three, four & five posts! Except this time, we are taking L's Mum and Dad! This is of course, no worries as we spent nearly a week together in Noosa Heads & Toowoomba when L graduated in April. We enjoy taking time with them, and all they need to do now, is to get their Passports in a hurry!!

3…. Finish the Verandah! We (sort of) finished it back in late Feb or early March. It is not that there is much to do, just the fascia and 'barge boards' then it is finished... Not to mention to install/finish the drains which are a set of 'Rain Chains' that L won on eBay!

4…. Screen doors to living room! We were at Bunnings (sort of like a Walmart, but more hardware) a couple of months ago, and they just happened (as you do) to have four, yes 4 matching screen doors that are in keeping with our heritage Californian Bungalow styled house. These doors normally retail for $200 each, and they had them marked down to $50! So what did we do, L stayed at the store holding them, whilst I drove home to measure where they were intending to go to ensure that they will fit. They will with a minor trimming of them, a BARGAIN! So we need to prepare, paint and put these on before summer.

5…. Convert our Laundry. We (L) wants to gut out the laundry, and then install a second toilet and a shower, whilst maintaining the normal laundry bits and pieces as well. I am still not sure that there will be enough room, but I am willing to go along with it at this stage. I am sure it will look great all the same! We have seen some fantastic rimless shower screens that are quite cheap, and there is most certainly the need to have a second toilet let me tell you...

6…. Fix cracks and paint the inside of the house! These have been there since we purchased it a couple of years ago. The previous owner, according to the building report, was not the best with these cracks and that they are easily re-decoratable. So getting these done plus the wardrobe painted as well, would be nice.

7…. Bathroom renovated! Our bathroom was renovated (rather badly) and is stuck in a 1970's time warp! There is a big box like 'Vanity Cupboard' that has the same tiles as the floor, which takes up WAY to much space! This, coupled with the suspect plumbing where sewer fumes comes up through the bath drain and when you flush the toilet, you can hear it go down via the bath drain as well. So once number 5 above is completed, then we can get this done.

8…. Get a spa! This would be very nice indeed for my bad back. When we were in Rotorua last year after the Ellerslie Flower Show, we went to the Polynesian Spa. They had many 'spas' ranging from 34 degrees C, up to 41. We spent a little time in all of them, and it gave me the BEST relief for a couple of days. I was pain free, YEAH!

9…. Win Lotto, or a lottery! Come on, wouldn't you? The only thing is, we do not play in either, and at the moment, the Lottery is at $8 Million dollars!!!

10…. Get a new car! Ok, so I know that this is NOT going to happen to MY car, but I suspect it might with L's car. It is a company car, and it has nearly done all of the required klms needed. It has been a dog of a car really, and lately more so since it has had three counts of damage, all from across the road, one was admitted too but then retracted, and the other two were suspicious with no definite evidence. I can't figure out how, our car being white, ends up with a silver scratch on the corner of the bumper bar from a silver car! And, hang on, there is a similar scratch (white) on a corner of the silver car...

11…. Get a new bed! I am finding it more uncomfortable as the days (nights) go on... It is just about killing my back.

12…. Getting a Gardener to look after the gardens at home! Mind you, he/she would never do it to my standards, so maybe this is not such a good thing...

13…. Work less for more pay! Not sure how I am going to pull this one off, but if I do, it will remain a secret indeed!





The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

09 August, 2007

thursday thirteen #8... where is the craft?



Thirteen of my favourite craft shops

In collating my favourite craft shops I have quite a few states (Australian that is) covered; New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, and Western Australia. The challenge now is to extend the list to cover South Australia, Tasmania, the Northern Territory, and the Australian Capital Territory. I know there are a couple of good ones in South Australia, but it is quite a few years since I last visited there.

When we were in New Zealand last year, and happened to be in Borders Bookshop we came across a book that was basically a travellers guide to craft shops in New Zealand. Maybe this could be the start of a travellers guide to craft shops in Australia.....

  1. Prints Charming, colourful fresh fabrics like nothing you will have seen before. I've mentioned it before here, these gals are great. And they're in Sydney. They also do a silkscreening workshop, and you get to use their screens, paints and studio. Check back in after the weekend and I should have some pics of my efforts from last weekend.

  2. Patchwork on Central Park, a must when visiting Melbourne just a short tram ride from the CBD. They inspired my love of fabric.

  3. Material Obsession, Sydney, they have great fabrics and innovative kits, and one of the best websites, including a blog.

  4. Ballarat Patchwork, located in historic Ballarat, their store is a little gem. The first quilt kit I completed was purchased from their store. It was a clever combination of ginghams, ticking, spots and floral fabric.
  5. Amitie, a short train ride from the Melbourne CBD, their store can be a little overwhelming with the range of fabric, and is it cheating to make mention of Broderie, which stocks traditional and contemporary embroidery; they share the same roof.

  6. Calico n Ivy, I have never been to their physical store although if I ever get to Western Australia I am there. I have however been to their online store many times. I am going to make this and this one day.

  7. Sarah London, where do they get their vintage chenille? So many great patterns and colours, their quilts and stuffed toy kits can be purchased via their blog shop.

  8. Stitches and Spice, sometimes stitching on linen can get really boring, these hand dyed linens are just the thing to make cross-stitches a little more individual. Some of the colours are really amazing and change the look and feel of your cross-stitch completely.

  9. Fred the Needle, carries a comprehensive range of Amy Butler fabrics and patterns, plus others.

  10. Berrima Patchwork, is located in such an interesting little town, making it a great day trip from Sydney.

  11. The Crewel Goblin, the only place (locally) I know where to get Weeks Dye Works threads and Birds of a Feather cross-stitch patterns. They also do mailorder.

  12. The Quilters Angel, when in Toowoomba, a regular spot for us to visit, both (B & I) being students of the uni (by distance) and having a sister who used to live their. It is worth a visit, have lunch at the cafe, and take in the view.

  13. Timeless Threads, Mittagong, have some great quilts but it is the nifty haberdashery items such as pin closers hand made from beautiful Australian woods that ensure this store makes the list. I have one made of huon pine that is so lovely to use as it is really smooth.

I would love to hear of your favourite craft shops in the comments, include a web address if you can.

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

02 August, 2007

thursday thirteen #7... favourite websites/blogs



Thirteen Things about our favourite websites...





In no particular order...

1…. Michele! Great site, and it is all about spreading the 'comment cheer' with her great tag line, Hello, Michele sent me. She gives a wonderful insight to the how we are all so very close via the web, yet being separated by distance. I suggest you visit her, and add a tag line from me, and say that burntofferings sent you, OK!! She will love the visit.

2…. eBay Australia! Where would we be without it?? Go on, I know you are addicted to it as well...

3…. Sydney Weather Radar! I love looking at this for when storms are approaching. I used it a lot when I was a greenkeeper, and just the thought of knowing (in advance) when and where a storm was coming from, made it all the easier with the cricket wicket covers at hand...

4…. Pitchcare! As a resource for work, lame I know, but it is fun to see how other Turf Managers are going all over the world...

5…. Blue * Monkey * Jammies! An old, very old (not as in age, but as long term OK), friend from school, and we were even on stage together! She is a bit unwell at the moment, and has been so since Christmas. Get well soon BMJ. Please visit her, and wish her well (and remember my tag line...burntofferings sent you...)!!!

6…. Airliners! Ok, I know what you're thinking, what is he on... But I like flying and would one day like to learn how, so this is about as close as it will get! I am also learning photography, and I think this will be a good medium to work on, apart from Macro work with bugs and flowers...

7…. burntofferings! Of course, in our humbled opinions, the best blog around... falling off chair in fits of laughter can be heard right now!!! Even from here!!!

8…. Fluid Pudding! L is a regular here, has been for some time. Angela tells it like it is, and that is great!

9…. Flickr! A free hosting site for all of our photos for you to see. We have two, one for L and one for me!!

10…. Mundane Super Hero! Oh MSH is a lovely blogger. We were lucky enough last year to receive a package from her. We, naturally of course, sent a true blue Aussie one back full of all things Aussie, Vegemite of course which I hear is illegal in the USA! How RUDE!!!

11…. A Little Bit Pregnant! Used for a resource, both information and reassurance for the whole baby thing we are trying for. L has a very similar bond here, unbeknownst (sp) to the site owner!!

12…. Haloscan! We have to have somewhere to comment don't we?? And I love to read all of your comments...

13…. Technorati! Just a fancy site for blogs listings...

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!





11 July, 2007

thursday thirteen #6... the highs and lows of IUI (or IVF)!


Thirteen Things about the 'Highs & Lows' of IVF (or IUI)



For those who do not know yet, we have started IVF. The treatment that has been 'prescribed' by the Specialist, is the IUI. This involves a lot of work, pain, hormones etc, and I am dedicating this weeks TT, to it. So please 'enjoy'!

1…. Hormones, they have been terrible! At times, 'L' has been fine and happy one minute, and within a second, she is either crying or is angry as. Apparently, as the Estrogen rises, this will stabilise!

2…. Whats effecting the hormones, easy, I am having to give 'L' a nightly injection which started out at 75 units, but has been increased. This is because her estrogen level is slowly rising (43, up to 144 and the last result was 340). We need to get up to at least 500!

3…. Injections. 'L' does not like these. They are a very fine Epipen but it is not nice. I have had a very brief induction in how to do these, but still I get the tears (almost) every night. A couple more days to go... 'L' has to go for a blood test every 3-4 days (yes, more needles) until the target is achieved!

4…. Once the estrogen level is achieved, 'L' has to go for almost daily internal ultrasounds. Now, being a male, I can not appreciate how this would feel. However, after my spinal surgery, where I was catheterised, I think I can only imagine it to being when it was removed where I just about hit the roof... Feeling for you 'L'!

5…. The internal ultrasounds are to measure follicle size. They want to get NO MORE than 2, 15-18mm follicle's. Any more, then the treatment will be suspended as there is a greater risk of triplets, quads or more...

6…. Once the 1 or 2 follicle's have reached the right size, then 'L' (yes another needle) will get a massive hormone injection in order for the ovaries to release the follicle's (egg(s)). At this time, I might move given the increased hormones!!!

7…. Apart from doing the daily injections (my only 'input' at this stage, it is now my turn to participate. I have to offer up a ... sample... or an 'injection of love' This has to be completed in the early am, where it is then spun, cleaned of all the rubbish (there words not mine), concentrated, added to a new material and made ready for insemination!

8…. Some 24-36 hours later, 'L' will have to be at the clinic to be inseminated. After this, she can the go off to work as if nothing has happened, and there is the very real possibility of an 'Implantation Bleed', let's hope not!

9…. Wait 7-14 days, return to the clinic for a pregnancy test (hopefully good news)!

10…. Next in the list is then to contact a Gynaecologist and we are off and racing!

11…. Then through the pregnancy, numerous ultrasounds, internal examinations etc...

12…. Get the baby room(s) ready and delivery!

13…. Pray for us or at the very least, for me to get through this unscathed!!! Isn't making babies meant to be fun???

Seriously, I am being supportive in every way I possibly can. I do not understand what 'L' is going through, nor would I claim that I do. She is my rock, my mate and someone whom I would do anything for. I love her dearly, and I hope that she gets what she has wanted for a very long time. We have been seeing our IVF Specialist for just on 2 years now, with no success so far. There are many stand-in uncle and aunts (not to mention ACTUAL uncle and aunts) who are also wanting and wishing us success in this.

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!


04 July, 2007

thursday thirteen #5... holiday destinations!


Thirteen Things about our holiday destinations

Been too...

1…. Tokyo, Japan (2004 & 2005)!
2…. Copenhagen, Denmark (2004 & 2005)!
3…. London, Bath, Bristol, Liverpool, UK2004 (2004)!
4…. Aalborg, Denmark (2004)!
5…. Llandudno, Nth Wales (Loved it, 2005)!
6…. Manchester, UK!
7…. Auckland NZ(2006 (Ellerslie Flower Show))!

Where we would like to go...

8…. Singapore!
9…. Hong Kong (to see Pako from Uni & visit the Hong Kong Jockey Club)!
10…. Dubai (for the shopping)!
11…. Shanghai, China (again, for the shopping (for 'L')!
12…. Anywhere in Vietnam!
13…. More time in Tokyo, Denmark and the UK!

That's my lot, what about you? Please tell me where you have been, and where you most would like to go...

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!


27 June, 2007

thursday thirteen # 4... why I love where I work...


Thirteen Things about why I love where I work...

1…. When it looks this good, wouldn't you?

BGT-Aerial-View

2…. In one Garden, we have a bog, and in another, we are almost in a desert!
3…. We have remnant Cumberland Plains, and also show Cold Climate plants!
4…. Showcase Plant Diversity, whilst researching Conservation!
5…. We entertain with Events, and educate through our Education Department!
6…. We maintain the long dead (Herbarium) yet breed (in the Nursery)!
7…. Australia's OLDEST Garden!
8…. We tell the stories of our Indigenous people!
9…. We have a great Shop!
10…. Not to mention a good Restaurant!
11…. Sydney Gardens:- It's Harbour views!

RBG
12…. Mount Annan: - Showcasing Australian Native Plants!

MABG
13…. Mount Tomah: - Picturesque Mountain views across the valleys!

MTBG


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

21 June, 2007

thursday thirteen # 3 'my dad'




Thirteen Things about my dad


  1. 'nevertheless' is one of my dad's words

  2. my dad has been married to my mum for 38 years

  3. he is the youngest of 5 children

  4. he has a passion for traditional bookbinding which he has learnt to craft through TAFE

  5. my addiction to shopping and collecting is to a good part in genes I have inherited from my father

  6. I look like my dad and his side of the family

  7. if you need a pep talk you can count on dad

  8. dad is a master handyman, he fixed all the broken panes of glass in our house when we moved in two years ago yesterday

  9. he is also the master provider; when we needed curtain rods he miraculously came up with enough for every room in the house and for the neighbours too if they had wanted them. The rugs in the loungeroom, dining room, bedroom were also supplied and come to think of it quite a bit of the furniture. I think this reinforces number 5

  10. he likes to watch Home and Away, although when we were growing up he would call it Far and Away

  11. he still closes the door to the car for my mum when they go for a drive. If you are female he will also see you safely into the car and close the door for you

  12. he is the most careful driver I know

  13. my mum is responsible for one of his passions, the family tree, she wanted some photos of our ancestors to put into an album for my 21st birthday. I never got the album because dad is still working on it.


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

12 June, 2007

TT # 2... l's thursday thirteen



Thirteen Things about 'L'


1…. My family home was number 13!
2…. I love chocolate, if you leave it in my presence for too long I will eat it. Sorry!
3…. My favourite colour is blue, although currently in a pink period!
4…. I am a 'Magazine Aholic', we have thousands...!
5…. I will NOT barter for a better price at market stalls. I have 'B' to do that!
6…. I procastinate too often and for too long!
7…. Anxiety and me go hand in hand!
8…. I'm additcted to eBay!
9…. Eldest of 4 children, and last to become pregnant (but working on it...)!
10…. I am a sucker for something marked as reduced or SALE!
11…. Although I say it now, I have finished doing any more study (until my next degree..)!
12…. Celebrating International Webloggers Day on 14 June!
13…. It has taken me three days to put this list together and I needed B's help to finish it (he knows me better than I know myself)!!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!





06 June, 2007

thursday thirteen...


Thirteen Things about burntofferings (L & B)


1. We own a Greyhound (Macc), a cat (Jasmine), an inside fish (Fighting Fish that Jas drinks from) and fish in the bathtub/lilly pond up in the back garden.
2. We are both keen gardeners, but only one has a qualification.
3. L enjoys any sort of craft (Quilting, X-Stitching, Knitting…).
4. L has finally finished her studying (for now).
5. How stupid am I, as I am doing another degree!
6. I have 3 scars from two operations.
7. Both L and I have a combined age greater than our house which was built in 1928.
8. On average each day, both L and I, we do in excess of 150klms to get to and from work!
9. When L smiles, she does not have any dimples in her checks.
10. The longest time away from L was in July 2005 when I went to Nth Wales for 3 weeks. Not bad in the 10 years I have known her!
11. I would like to get a new car (Suzuki Vitara of course).
12. I love it when there is the smell of fresh cut grass and a thunderstorm is approaching.
13. I love you L.



The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!