Saturday night hockey

Saturday night hockey
Saturday night hockey

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

For the Birds Blog Hop and giveaway

Thank you Madame Samm for putting together another fun blog hop and to Mary for being our cheerleader. 
It seems quilters really like birds and I’m no exception.  DH and I enjoy watching the birds at our feeder for about nine months of the year and the migration of different species through the area is fascinating.
We have had so many birds hang out this winter and new ones coming through in flocks in the last few weeks.  Red Polls, Mountain, Black Capped and Boreal Chickadees, and the Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers are our winter staples.  We have been blessed this spring with flocks of Junkos, Pine Siskins and White Crowned Sparrows and a visit from a beautiful Varied Thrush. 
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And these beauties are back in town along with numerous other water birds.
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But we’ve put the last bag of seed in the feeder for this spring.  There is so much for the birds to eat in the wild all summer that we don’t feed them when it is warm.  So time to make some cloth birdies to brighten up the yard!
I started out with a few bird flags for the To Boston with Love gathering of prayer flags to show the world’s support for Boston.  Quilters from all over the world are sending flags and they will be displayed at The Museum of Fine Arts Boston from May 23rd through June 16th.  To me birds are a symbol of peace and unity.  Here are my birdie contributions.
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You’ll notice a few Boston crabs in the last one Smile
But then the birdie fun really started!!  I have a clothesline and an indoor drying rack.  I didn’t own a dryer until about five years ago and I still use it only sparingly.  I decided this year that I needed a new package or two of clothespins….  And how about a new clothespin apron sporting birds in the garden…
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The bird on the left is a Vireo; I know because they swoop around a pond up  the road in May – mating season I think.  I’m not sure what the other two are… Here is the apron in action.
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I am thrilled with how it turned out!!
A big thank you to Sophie from Block Lotto for this fun and easy bird block.  I noticed that others used it during the hop.
And thank you to Leslie from the Seasoned Homemaker for the apron pattern. 
And a big special thank you to M-R from whom I won the wonderful background fabrics in her Fugly giveaway back in February 2012.  They are from the English Country Garden Collection by Rose and Hubble.  Perfect colours for my colourful birds to hide in!!
I do have a giveaway.  A birdie giveaway in fact.  My friend Linda and I were down to the Alaska coast on the weekend and visited the quilt store.  I picked up two 1/2 yard pieces of nice bird fabrics.  The winner can choose the owls or the loons.  And I have a little package of sweet bird buttons as well. 
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Everyone is welcome to participate.  Leave me a comment letting me know if you use a clothesline or not.  If you have previously commented on my blog posts in April or May I will give you a second entry.  I will close the giveaway on Saturday, May 18th at noon Pacific Standard Time. 
Please hop on by and check out what others are doing on this last day of the For the Birds blog hop.
http://cariboucrossingchronicles.blogspot.ca  This is me Smile
www.notionnanny.blogspot.com
http://crookedgulleyartquilts.blogspot.com
http://Karamino.blogspot.com
http://celticthistlestitches.blogspot.com
www.sewmolliesue.com
http://devotedquilter.blogspot.com
http://mystitchin-n-stuff.blogspot.com
www.quiltscapesqs.com
http://kocanquilt.blogspot.com
http://createinthesticks.blogspot.com
http://terrysquiltingtime.blogspot.com
http://Sewwequilt.com
Janet












85 comments:

  1. Never does No. 1 win but anyway!!!! we use clothes lines in my part of the world. With almost 365 days sunshine for the year we really do not need dryers. That fabric is so pretty. Thank you for sharing.

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  2. Great apron!

    I love seeing my laundry blowing in the breeze, but it won't be going out today it is lashing rain :(

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  3. LOVE THE APRON !! It turned out so well - & lovely fabric for the giveaway ;)

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  4. Very cute apron and flags. I use a little clothes airer... that works just like a line but in my reduced balcony space... we don't own a dryer so I do need it! Thanks for sharing and the chance to win!

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  5. Love the apron! We have no a clothesline because our flat on to 23s floor...but I want some fresh air for our clothes) Thanks for the nice photo and giveaway!

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  6. What a cute useful apron. Love your flags too! Sadly, I don't have a good place for a clothesline.

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  7. I really love your uniqueness with your birdie apron pin holder. Cute but so functional too. I used to have a clothesline that could hold 30 yards (lol) of fabric but it had to be disassembled with septic problems. :-(
    Usually I'd use it for prewashing my fabrics, sheets and swimming towels but that was about all, so DH isn't putting up another. But I did just get a retractable line to install that is 40 feet long, now where to place it.....lol

    Thanks for sharing as well as leaving your kind words of my birdie camper quilt top, it's appreciated. Jane

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  8. Very nice job. Love the apron. Such cute birds.

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  9. I love your flags, you send your love and care to Boston with them.
    Your apron is cute and you will enjoy it very much. Thanks for sharing.

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  10. Your apron is very cute. Thanks for sharing your creativity

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  11. I love your apron. I use a drying rack which hubby made . I use clothesline to make rugs with scraps of fabric. Thanks for the chance

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  12. Love the apron! I don't use a clothesline but I remember my Mom and Grandma used to.

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  13. Very nice apron. My mom would have loved it as she always hung out her washing. She's 91 and doesn't do that anymore.

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  14. Cute apron! I love to use my clothesline and everytime I am taking stuff off the line I take a big long whiff of the freshness in the fabrics... kinda corny but it's true and I usually do this with bed sheets, towels, tablecloths etc (not underwear!!!!) hahaha

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  15. I just love your clothes pin holder....and I do have a clothes line!! thanks for the giveaway....I choose loons; if I am lucky enough to win

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  16. What a grand idea...I could fly with that one...looks great and those buttons are perfect....I first thought they were 3 D stuffed lol...

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  17. I use an indoor drying rack for things that don't go in the dryer, but that's it. To be honest, I'd rather sew than spend time hanging things on a clothesline :-)

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  18. Very nice projects. A good idea for your clothes pins. Love the give away.

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  19. In Japan we use long poles, laid between two hooks. Things are draped over the poles ... and sometimes they need an extra clip or two so they won't fly away. I also have a big clippy hanger that I hang from the pole and I can hang smaller stuff from those clips. I put shirts on hangers and hang those from the poles. The poles are especially good for sheets and table cloths. They don't sag like a line would.

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  20. great apron, and I love your birds

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  21. Really cute...and useful.... apron! I haven't used a clothes line in awhile, but love the fresh smell of sheets off of the line. And it's sweet of you to send along the Boston flag. Thanks for the giveaway!

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  22. I remember clothes pin aprons and that thing that looked like a dress with a pocket to hold the pins but slide along the clothes line. You are using a pole though---how interesting. The summer I turned 14 I learned first hand why they called diapers "white flags". I was hanging two at a time on the line helping my mom with the laundry when the 6th child was born---a lot!

    You did a great job on your bird apron and perfect spot for that cute bird pattern to perch. I appreciate your capturing some of the birds you have seen on camera as well as including the links to the patterns you used. THX at the chance of your giveaway. The bird buttons are adorable!

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  23. Love the clothes pen apron. I always used a coffee can with a wire handle to keep the pens in. I can't use the line anymore.The factories and cars make my clothes smell bad. Thanks for the giveaway.

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  24. What a great clothes peg apron. You're so right a lot of us quilters do love the birds too and that owl fabric especially is lovely. I do have a clothes line. It's one of the rotary kind as I don't really have the space to have a line in a long straight row sort of set up.

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  25. Great job on everything! I had a clothesline in our last place, but not now. I don't really have anywhere for it without cutting into where the kids play. I keep saying I should invest in one of those ones that look like naked umbrellas!

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  26. I love hanging out my clothes on the line as they smell so fresh. Thanks for sharing your feathered friends and for the chance to win your giveaway.

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  27. Great apron--I'm going to give that pattern a try. I do have a clothesline and try to use it as much as possible in the summer, but sometimes I get lazy. I especially like the smell of sheets hung on the line!

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  28. Great job on your cute clothespin apron. I only use a clothesline when camping, but my Mom still uses one. (our homeowner association doesn't allow clotheslines that can be seen)
    Thanks for sharing and the chance to win some awesome fabric and buttons.

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  29. Such a cute little clothespin apron! I remember my grandmother using a clothespin apron when she hung up clothes on the line. I grew up using a clothesline, but don't have one now.

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  30. Love your clothespin apron! Hanging your clothes outside sure makes them smell wonderful. Thank you for sharing.

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  31. Your apron just makes me smile! Yes, I use a clothesline all summer long. It saves a lot of energy!

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  32. I love your apron. Those birds are really cute. I have seen them on the block lotto but haven't made any. I used to hang our clothes out all the time then found out that the pollen was making my one daughter's asthma worse. Now is grown so I can hang a few things out again. I love how the sheets smell with the wind blowing them all around.

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  33. I was just saying the other day that I needed to make a new clothespin holder. I really like that apron idea. I have always had a bag on the line. You did such a great job on your project.

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  34. Janet you did a great job on your clothes pin apron. Topo cute. Thank you for being part of this fun hop.

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  35. You did a wonderful job on all of your birdie projects. I love the clothes pin apron so cute and useful. I don't hang my clothes out anymore although I use to love to.

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  36. I like your bird apron it's cute and useful too. Yes I do use a clothesline every time I wash. We have a front loading washer but no dryer. So I hang up our clothes to dry. I love that fresh smell of laundry (can't stand those dryer sheets smell!). We've been dryer free for years. Saves a lot on energy. our clothes last longer and you can't beat that fresh laundry scent.

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  37. I like your apron!
    I use a clothes line - I love to see the washing blowing in the wind! we get plenty here!
    Thanks for sharing!

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  38. I don't use a clothes line but have been wanting one for the last 12 years since we moved. I don't think I'm going to get one!LOL!
    hulseybg at gmail dot com

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  39. Oh how I love a clothes line. Nothing beats the smell of fresh clothes off the line. My hubby drove under it with the window of his camper shell up, and ripped it all down. :-( I sure do miss it. Love your apron!

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  40. love your apron. I love aprons too; however, mine must be full body...I really get messy when I cook. ;P
    no, I don't use a clothes line because I don't have a place to put it in the yard here in town. I do hang some things to dry on a hanger on the eaves of the house in the summertime.
    lovely fabric and button giveaway thanks

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  41. Love the apron and i agree about birds. My chemo is not going well and evrry morning i sat on the porch with my cup of coffee and find peace watching all the birds. I lovevto hand clothes out. Nothing beats that fresh air and sunshine smell. babscorbitt@gmail.com

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  42. I have three bird feeders so I watch my birds all day long! Thanks for the giveaway! I love the Alaskan quilt shops and the Alaskan fabrics. I always try to get the new ones when I get up that way!!

    I no longer have a clothesline. I do so love the smell of fresh sheets!

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  43. I still use my clothesline:) The Texas heat dries them so fast you can take them down as soon as the last item is hung:) ha ha!!!
    I feed teh birds year round...nothing grows much in the summer so the poor things are hungry and esp thirsty!
    Great idea on teh apron to hold to the clothespins!

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  44. very nice. Love watching birds.

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  45. I like the apron, I made one and wear it a lot

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  46. well done your "birds" all look great .. I dont get many birds in my garden because my neighbour has 5 cats! so will have to enjoy yours xx

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  47. That owl fabric is amazing, I would love to fussy cut that into a quilt. I do not use a clothes line because I need to put things in the dryer to get rid of pet hair! Cute projects.

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  48. Tenho varal,aqui muito calor e seca rapidinho.tenho alimentadores de pássaros e casa para eles só para decorar o jardim...País tropical...obrigada por este avental lindo.

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  49. Love the apron. We don;t have room in our current yard to set up a clothesline, but I sure miss the fresh smell.. Thanks for sharing and for the opportunity on your draw. bonnielarson58@gmail.com

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  50. Your clothespin apron is absolutely adorable! I only have a short clothesline for hanging quilts for photos because they are prohibited in our subdivision. But I do have a retractable drying rack I use in my laundry room,

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  51. The apron is a beauty! Yes I do use a clothesline. Today I need to rewash what I have hung, because they've been working with the tractor in the field just beside it. The land is very dry and hasn't settled yet after being sown the other day.
    carin(dot)aschan(at)hotmail(dot)com
    http://ullhrvan.blogspot.com

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  52. What a darling apron! The only time I use a clothesline is when we are traveling in the RV and have wet swimsuits.
    Great job!

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  53. Love your apron. Hanging clothes on the line outside to dry would be so nice, but we only have a few days that dust isn't blowing here. Beautiful birds hang out with you. Thanks for sharing.

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  54. The apron is just lovely! I love hanging clothes out on the line. Beautiful apron!

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  55. I love your apron! Too cute!

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  56. Thanks for sharing all your bird pictures with us. My favorite are the ones on the apron where you're wearing it. Lovely.

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  57. I would love to have a clothes line but hubby likes things out of the dryer.thanks

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  58. What lovely birds. I can remember my mom hanging out clothes, but I have always had a dryer. Thank you for sharing your birds with us today. I would love to win the owl fabric because I watch a owl cam and they are so cute.

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  59. Yes I have a clothes line, I also have a dryer which I use occasionally. Your apron is a great idea. Thanks for the chance to win some gorgeous fabric. lyn.robyn.smith@gmail.com

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  60. I like your apron...how nice to have something functional! I do not have a clothes line, but here in the SF bay area it is too cold and windy for many folks to practically use them

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  61. Well that's different. I love your apron. I live in a forest so a clothes line just wouldn't work here....too many birds.
    I tried to have a clothes line when we first moved here but I always ended up rewashing clothes. So I gave up.
    Thanks for sharing your sweet apron.

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  62. hmmm, last time i hung clothes out on the line was some time back in the early sixties. out pin bag was sewn on a hanger we slid along the line as we clipped out load on or took them off. love both bird prints ... just love birds.

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  63. I'd choose the owls because I already have a large collection and they'd be in good company! LOL

    In our temperate climate, I use a clothesline right through the year. Occasionally in winter I have to bring the clothes in and put them in the dryer for a short time to take out the dampness but, other than that, I rarely use my dryer!

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  64. Wonderful that you have made banners for Boston. Great job. Alos love the apron. Thanks for participating in the hop.

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  65. Hi!!! Very pretty birds!!! Love the ones you are sending to Boston!!! Love the apron too!!!!

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  66. Great job with the bird projects! I love the apron. Clothes lines are wonderful. Love mine.
    Thanks for sharing
    cheers
    maggie
    maggiemine42@gmail.com

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  67. My grandmother has a clothesline and I use it when I'm at her house. Love your apron. She has one of those little doll dresses with a closed bottom to store the clothespins.

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  68. I absolutely use my clothesline even through our Midwest winters. Sheets go outside on the line - no matter what!! Regular clothes get put in the dryer just for a bit of fluff and then hung on lines in my laundry room during the winter months. Love your birdie apron - I use a bag and it needs replacing - maybe I'll switch to an apron.

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  69. Your birdie apron is fabulous! Thanks for sharing!

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  70. I like the apron, I could have used one of those growing up. My parents had several clothes lines. If I ever get a nice big yard I will definitly hang my clothes outside to dry.

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  71. I like the apron, I could have used one of those growing up. My parents had several clothes lines. If I ever get a nice big yard I will definitly hang my clothes outside to dry.

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  72. Hi Janet,
    I love your apron- it turned out so very cute.
    I would like a clothesline but we have not had one for a very long time. Clothes smell so fresh when they hang out on the line.
    Hope that spring has arrived and that you are enjoying some great spring weather.
    Warmest regards,
    Anna

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  73. Love all your real birds and your apron birds. I love the owl fabric!

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  74. Your apron turned out great! I'd love to have a clothes line but our HOA says "Nope". The big meanies.

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  75. I wish I had a clothesline to put my sheets on. Nothing like sheets that have dried outside. But, I have a very small back yard with lots of trees (and birds). Your apron is adorable, nice big pockets! I live in Minnesota (the loon is our state bird)and we love to listen to the unique call of this very striking bird. I have a loon on my fireplace mantel that would match the fabric.

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  76. I love using the clothesline! My SO is got it on the honey do list now that spring appears to be here. Love the apron and your wonderful bird pictures. Thank you for sharing your day with us and for the chance to win one of those ohh so pretty fabrics.

    Sincerely,
    Tricia

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  77. Your apron is adorable ! Yes !!!! My wonderful Ranch Man and Son put me up a clothes line, I use it all he time !

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  78. Love your apron. I do not use a clothesline right now but I had to last summer as our dryer was broke.
    smjohns63(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  79. Yes, I have a clothesline, which I do use. I love the smell of clothes dried on an outdoor line.
    I also have birdhouses scattered thruout my home....many of them hand made originals from the various provinces I have visited of wish to someday...as for birds? Yes, have them as well....both real (outdoor) and carved (indoors).
    Love your blog...I think might have left a comment in during previous hops....and you apron is soooo cute.....perfect for clothespins.
    Claire c7lonergan@rogers.com

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  80. Yay! I'm so glad you could put it to such great use! I didn't recognize it at all -- LOL! You did a fabulous job with it, Janet! Love those birds!

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  81. I love your apron. I can almost smell the fresh scent of hanging clothes. ;~}

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