tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83670570023911317042024-03-11T10:05:28.831-04:00ljcfyiA blog about all the things I enjoy in life.ljchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12390792805652229476noreply@blogger.comBlogger6367125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8367057002391131704.post-34752457524671431392017-01-01T11:39:00.000-05:002018-06-22T10:52:22.042-04:00A New Year, A New Beginning<p><img src="http://blog.ljcfyi.com/images/2017/jan2017/yeartoyear-2017.png" width="600" height="361" alt=""/></p>
<p>I have been taking these <a href="http://blog.ljcfyi.com/stories/yeartoyear/">Year to Year portraits</a> on New Year’s Day since 2005.</p>
<p>This year… my Year to Year photos look a little different.</p>
<p>In July of 2016, when I was five months pregnant, my husband of 12 years (and boyfriend for 10 before that), made the decision to leave this family.</p>
<p>It has been incredibly hard these past months. You will see many of my posts lately were either me trying to maintain some sort of norm or simply a bit of scripture. I am heartbroken, not just for the end of our marriage but for my son. This was not the family and life that I had imagined for him. I have got through it with the help of my friends, family and church family. They raked my leaves, accompanied me to childbirth classes, sent plows in snowstorms and always lent sympathetic ears. I am forever in their debt.</p>
<p>This month Jackson and I will be moving back to Pennsylvania to be with family. I will miss Rochester and all of my friends but 2017 will be a year of fresh beginnings.</p>
<p>Scripture says God uses trials to bring you closer to him. Indeed my faith has been strengthened and carries me through each day.</p>
<p>“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12</p>
<p>And just this morning in church these two verses jumped out at me.</p>
<p>“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” Philippians 4:4</p>
<p>“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13</p>
<p>Jackson is here now and is all I could hope for. I am very blessed and we have lots to look forward to in 2017. Happy New Year everyone!</p>
ljchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12390792805652229476noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8367057002391131704.post-12783987880236938512016-10-31T16:59:00.000-04:002018-09-27T16:59:25.591-04:00Trick or pug<img style="width: 600px; height: 600px;" alt="" src="http://blog.ljcfyi.com/images/2016/oct2016/pug-costumes.jpg"><br>
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Triceratops & Lobster are ready to bark at each and every trick or
treaters tonight.<br>
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<br>ljchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12390792805652229476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8367057002391131704.post-12804299444033932432016-10-30T16:58:00.000-04:002018-09-27T16:58:51.005-04:00Baby blanket<img style="width: 600px; height: 600px;" alt="" src="http://blog.ljcfyi.com/images/2016/oct2016/blue-blanket.jpg"><br>
Something to be treasured - soft and snuggly handmade baby blanket
crocheted by a lovely church friend.<br>ljchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12390792805652229476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8367057002391131704.post-40123605377198340232016-10-29T16:57:00.000-04:002018-09-27T16:58:20.135-04:00Pumpkin carving<img style="width: 600px; height: 600px;" alt="" src="http://blog.ljcfyi.com/images/2016/oct2016/pumpkins.jpg"><br>
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I went to my friend Liz's house for dinner and to carve pumpkins. <br>
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<img style="width: 600px; height: 600px;" alt="" src="http://blog.ljcfyi.com/images/2016/oct2016/pug-pumpkins.jpg"><br>
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This year I did a pug pumpkin!<br>
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<img style="width: 600px; height: 600px;" alt=""
src="http://blog.ljcfyi.com/images/2016/oct2016/pug-pumpkins-with-pugs.jpg"><br>
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I think it's a pretty accurate representation. <br>
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<img style="width: 600px; height: 600px;" alt=""
src="http://blog.ljcfyi.com/images/2016/oct2016/rice-crispy-treat.jpg"><br>
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I took along some rice krispy treats. I've been on a rice krispy kick
lately. <br>
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<img style="width: 600px; height: 600px;" alt="" src="http://blog.ljcfyi.com/images/2016/oct2016/pumpkin-seeds.jpg"><br>
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And don't forget the snack jack seeds!<br>ljchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12390792805652229476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8367057002391131704.post-90864618187517686642016-10-28T16:56:00.000-04:002018-09-27T16:57:10.702-04:00Halloween decor<img style="width: 600px; height: 600px;" alt=""
src="http://blog.ljcfyi.com/images/2016/oct2016/halloween-decor.jpg"><br>
<br>
Time to decorate for Halloween <br>
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<img style="width: 600px; height: 600px;" alt=""
src="http://blog.ljcfyi.com/images/2016/oct2016/halloween-mantelscape.jpg"><br>
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Spooky mantelscape. <br>
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<img style="width: 600px; height: 600px;" alt=""
src="http://blog.ljcfyi.com/images/2016/oct2016/halloween-outside.jpg"><br>
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A bit outside. <br>
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<img style="width: 600px; height: 600px;" alt=""
src="http://blog.ljcfyi.com/images/2016/oct2016/halloween-plastic.jpg"><br>
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My favorite vintage plastic mold lights. <br>
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<img style="width: 600px; height: 600px;" alt=""
src="http://blog.ljcfyi.com/images/2016/oct2016/halloween-sign.jpg"><br>
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<img style="width: 600px; height: 600px;" alt=""
src="http://blog.ljcfyi.com/images/2016/oct2016/halloween-sign2.jpg"><br>
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I get you coming and going...<br>ljchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12390792805652229476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8367057002391131704.post-1968460184846894742016-10-27T16:56:00.000-04:002018-09-27T16:56:11.508-04:00October snow<img style="width: 600px; height: 600px;" alt=""
src="http://blog.ljcfyi.com/images/2016/oct2016/leaves-on-snow.jpg"><br>
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So yup, we did get show. Rochester snow in October. <br>ljchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12390792805652229476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8367057002391131704.post-14696522887198315562016-10-26T16:55:00.000-04:002018-09-27T16:55:40.730-04:00Eggplant<img style="width: 600px; height: 600px;" alt="" src="http://blog.ljcfyi.com/images/2016/oct2016/eggplant.jpg"><br>
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It might snow tonight! Had to harvest my crop of four eggplants.<br>
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<img style="width: 600px; height: 450px;" alt="" src="http://blog.ljcfyi.com/images/2016/oct2016/eggplants.jpg"><br>
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Just enough for some eggplant parmesean. <br>ljchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12390792805652229476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8367057002391131704.post-14359178747502832062016-10-25T16:51:00.000-04:002018-09-27T16:54:46.804-04:00"Please Re-Elect Gerald...Please!"I'm not a very political person but I just love this ad campaign.
Re-elect <a
href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2016/10/21/please-re-elect-gerald-is-the-political-ad-we-all-needed/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.cfd56839dc0b">Gerald
Daugherty</a>. <br><br>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wzjRwNUQDRU" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe><br>
<br>
"Gerald really doesn't have any hobbies."<br>ljchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12390792805652229476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8367057002391131704.post-70431150869062938482016-10-24T16:50:00.000-04:002018-09-27T16:51:10.285-04:00Halloween bump<img style="width: 600px; height: 600px;" alt=""
src="http://blog.ljcfyi.com/images/2016/oct2016/halloween-bump.jpg"><br>
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Had to do it. You don't get opportunities like this often.<br>ljchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12390792805652229476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8367057002391131704.post-91716745326565252872016-10-23T16:50:00.000-04:002018-09-27T16:50:36.075-04:00Felted fox<img style="width: 600px; height: 600px;" alt="" src="http://blog.ljcfyi.com/images/2016/oct2016/felt-fox.jpg"><br>
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I have to take a moment and talk about this amazing gift my friend
Greta made Jackson for the baby shower. She felted it by hand. It is
beyond adorable and I'm sure he will treasure it forever. <br>ljchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12390792805652229476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8367057002391131704.post-41492339722173045852016-10-22T16:49:00.000-04:002018-09-27T16:49:38.181-04:00Baby shower<img style="width: 600px; height: 547px;" alt=""
src="http://blog.ljcfyi.com/images/2016/oct2016/baby-shower-friends.jpg"><br>
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One of the best parts of being pregnant - a big party to celebrate! I
was so blessed to have so many dear friends gather for my baby shower.
Tina and Nancy did an amazing job pulling everything together. <br>
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<img style="width: 600px; height: 600px;" alt=""
src="http://blog.ljcfyi.com/images/2016/oct2016/baby-shower-cake.jpg"><br>
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Look at this adorable cake!<br>
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<img style="width: 600px; height: 600px;" alt=""
src="http://blog.ljcfyi.com/images/2016/oct2016/baby-shower-food.jpg"><br>
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Lots of tasty party snacks! We also had giant pans of pasta for lunch. <br>
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<img style="width: 600px; height: 600px;" alt=""
src="http://blog.ljcfyi.com/images/2016/oct2016/baby-shower-snacks.jpg"><br>
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Snacks to take home too. <br>
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<img style="width: 600px; height: 600px;" alt=""
src="http://blog.ljcfyi.com/images/2016/oct2016/baby-shower-gifts.jpg"><br>
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Lots of adorable things for the baby. So much fun to open. <br>
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<img style="width: 600px; height: 600px;" alt=""
src="http://blog.ljcfyi.com/images/2016/oct2016/baby-shower-ljc.jpg"><br>
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Time to cut the cake. <br>
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<img style="width: 600px; height: 391px;" alt=""
src="http://blog.ljcfyi.com/images/2016/oct2016/baby-shower-table.jpg"><br>
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The shower theme (because my friends know I love a theme) was "woodland
creatures". <br>
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<img style="width: 600px; height: 600px;" alt=""
src="http://blog.ljcfyi.com/images/2016/oct2016/baby-shower-theme.jpg"><br>
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I can't wait to hanging this on Jackson's wall someday. He is already
so loved and blessed. <br>ljchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12390792805652229476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8367057002391131704.post-77910266396380273492016-10-21T16:48:00.000-04:002018-09-27T16:48:41.659-04:00Fall scenes<img style="width: 600px; height: 600px;" alt="" src="http://blog.ljcfyi.com/images/2016/oct2016/mums.jpg"><br>
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Loving all the fall scenes I see each day. THREE colors of mums in one
pot!<br>
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<img style="width: 600px; height: 600px;" alt=""
src="http://blog.ljcfyi.com/images/2016/oct2016/pumpkin-pyramid.jpg"><br>
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Stacks and stacks of pumpkins.<br>
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<img style="width: 600px; height: 600px;" alt="" src="http://blog.ljcfyi.com/images/2016/oct2016/scarecrow.jpg"><br>
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They went that way!<br>ljchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12390792805652229476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8367057002391131704.post-28221288440944587082016-10-20T16:47:00.000-04:002018-09-27T16:48:06.212-04:00Pie season<img style="width: 600px; height: 600px;" alt="" src="http://blog.ljcfyi.com/images/2016/oct2016/pies-to-bake.jpg"><br>
<br>
Since Tina came to get the house ready for the baby shower she gets a
homemade chicken pot pie.<br>
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<img style="width: 600px; height: 600px;" alt="" src="http://blog.ljcfyi.com/images/2016/oct2016/pie-crusts.jpg"><br>
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I had to make them season-appropriate with fall leaves!<br>ljchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12390792805652229476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8367057002391131704.post-15395582712963995322016-10-19T16:47:00.000-04:002018-09-27T16:47:10.343-04:00Guardians of the Galaxy 2<img style="width: 600px; height: 889px;" alt="" src="http://blog.ljcfyi.com/images/2016/oct2016/guardians.jpg"><br>
<br>So many good movies coming out! <br>ljchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12390792805652229476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8367057002391131704.post-20521925041948944272016-10-18T16:46:00.000-04:002018-09-27T16:46:34.593-04:00Logan<img style="width: 600px; height: 887px;" alt="" src="http://blog.ljcfyi.com/images/2016/oct2016/logan.jpg"><br>
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Can't wait! <br>ljchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12390792805652229476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8367057002391131704.post-37629759361212440912016-10-17T16:45:00.000-04:002018-09-27T16:46:05.704-04:00Fave fall supper<img style="width: 600px; height: 600px;" alt="" src="http://blog.ljcfyi.com/images/2016/oct2016/squash-soup.jpg"><br>
<br>
Simple fall supper - butternut squash soup from scratch. <br>
<br>ljchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12390792805652229476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8367057002391131704.post-54833278586226718772016-10-16T16:45:00.000-04:002018-09-27T16:45:29.105-04:00Grapes<img style="width: 600px; height: 600px;" alt="" src="http://blog.ljcfyi.com/images/2016/oct2016/purple-grapes.jpg"><br>
<br>
There are so many good things about this season. With all the apples
and pumpkins and pumpkin spice, let's not forget about the grape
harvest. <br>
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<img style="width: 600px; height: 600px;" alt="" src="http://blog.ljcfyi.com/images/2016/oct2016/white-grapes.jpg"><br>
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I love these sweet, fragrant concord grapes. I've always preferred them
over the table grapes you typically buy in the store. <br>
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<img style="width: 600px; height: 600px;" alt="" src="http://blog.ljcfyi.com/images/2016/oct2016/grape-pie.jpg"><br>
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Perfect for grape juice and grape pies. <br>
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<img style="width: 600px; height: 1067px;" alt=""
src="http://blog.ljcfyi.com/images/2016/oct2016/grape-varieties.jpg"><br>
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I had no idea there were so many varieties!<br>ljchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12390792805652229476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8367057002391131704.post-8978803641439550092016-10-15T16:44:00.000-04:002018-09-27T16:44:42.825-04:00Pug Day<img style="width: 600px; height: 600px;" alt="" src="http://blog.ljcfyi.com/images/2016/oct2016/pug-day.jpg"><br>
Oscar & Hugo would like to wish you a happy National Pug Day.
Pugtober 15th!<br>ljchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12390792805652229476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8367057002391131704.post-80805558897570941532016-10-14T16:43:00.000-04:002018-09-27T16:44:07.031-04:00Pumpkin bump<img style="width: 600px; height: 600px;" alt=""
src="http://blog.ljcfyi.com/images/2016/oct2016/pumpkin-bump-top.jpg"><br>
<br>
I've imagined this day for a long time. Taking a baby bump out to get a
pumpkin. It's one of my favorite seasonal activities. <br>
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<img style="width: 600px; height: 600px;" alt="" src="http://blog.ljcfyi.com/images/2016/oct2016/pumpkin-bump.jpg"><br>
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Bump feels about the same size as a pumpkin!<br>
<br>ljchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12390792805652229476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8367057002391131704.post-64950594702385445772016-10-13T16:43:00.000-04:002018-09-27T16:43:29.129-04:00Meatloaf, beatloaf, I love meatloaf<img style="width: 600px; height: 600px;" alt="" src="http://blog.ljcfyi.com/images/2016/oct2016/meatloaf-fans.jpg"><br>
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When the weather turns cool and you don't mind having the oven on it's
time for a meatloaf. The pugs agree. <br>ljchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12390792805652229476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8367057002391131704.post-55463701480835805382016-10-12T16:42:00.000-04:002018-09-27T16:42:36.424-04:00Fall flowers<img style="width: 600px; height: 600px;" alt="" src="http://blog.ljcfyi.com/images/2016/oct2016/fall-flowers.jpg"><br>
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I grow flowers with the intention of making arrangements for inside.
Then I feel bad cutting the lil' guys & don't do it. A frost
warning made me nervous & now I have a cute fall bouquet to enjoy.<br>ljchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12390792805652229476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8367057002391131704.post-54374028972969578572016-10-11T16:40:00.000-04:002018-09-27T16:41:10.516-04:00Pug protest<img style="width: 600px; height: 600px;" alt="" src="http://blog.ljcfyi.com/images/2016/oct2016/pugs.jpg"><br>
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What do you mean it's not suppertime yet?!<br>ljchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12390792805652229476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8367057002391131704.post-51939918817774859462016-10-10T16:39:00.000-04:002018-09-27T16:39:54.630-04:00More apples<img style="width: 600px; height: 600px;" alt=""
src="http://blog.ljcfyi.com/images/2016/oct2016/making-applesauce.jpg"><br>
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Did you know you can make apple sauce in a crockpot? <br>
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<img style="width: 600px; height: 600px;" alt=""
src="http://blog.ljcfyi.com/images/2016/oct2016/crockpot-applesauce.jpg"><br>
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Small batch of 20 ouncers & honey crisps - easy peasy lemon squeezy.<br>
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<img style="width: 600px; height: 600px;" alt="" src="http://blog.ljcfyi.com/images/2016/oct2016/applesauce.jpg"><br>
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Especially nice canned in cute jars!<br>ljchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12390792805652229476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8367057002391131704.post-82320347665204987282016-10-09T16:39:00.000-04:002018-09-27T16:39:19.221-04:00Apple season<img style="width: 600px; height: 600px;" alt="" src="http://blog.ljcfyi.com/images/2016/oct2016/apple-crisp.jpg"><br>
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Apple crisp out of the oven & applesauce in the crockpot. House
smells pretty wow at the moment. <br>ljchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12390792805652229476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8367057002391131704.post-15406238330955328052016-10-08T16:38:00.000-04:002018-09-27T16:38:50.337-04:00Meow party<img style="width: 600px; height: 801px;" alt="" src="http://blog.ljcfyi.com/images/2016/oct2016/vote-stewie.jpg"><br>
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Stewie for president!!!<br>ljchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12390792805652229476noreply@blogger.com0