Big store at the mall
Foof thought this was a fun flavor-Romance
Eating at a French restaurant
Typical street in Saudi
Neighborhood
Chicken big mac-Foof’s favorite!
Saudi-American fast food
Neighborhood
A random flight through some of my extraordinary flying adventures
Musings of a first-time mommy
Shreya Jindal
Making the most of my twenties
Flash Fiction / Musings Of Darnell Cureton
Partake Or Nawh?
Unspoken words
Reading essential: a cup of tea.
Love in the air...you feel that!😍
It is no small thing to offer respite to a weary soul.
Every now and then my head is racing with thoughts so I put pen to paper
Delicious recipes from me to you
Following the Path to the Past
Write, Drink Tea, Live Life, Repeat
It's all about you
Life is a journey
Just a Mom that loves her family, coffee & blog.
Author: The Timbre of Sand, Still Dandelions, A Ranch Bordering the Salty River. Alum: Palomar College, Columbia University, Bennington College. Follow on twitter @SmpageSteve on Instagram @smpagemoria on Facebook @steven.page.1481
One = All = One
Nice building, the one with the pink fence!
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That is a house haha
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most houses when I moved there were a dull brown or white, but now they are colored and have interesting designs. This house was in Al-khobar which also is way more western
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No kidding! A house! Gosh!
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You would not believe the size of many houses they are so big!! Saudi does things big! haha
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Well, they got lotta oil over there! MONEY!
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yes!!!
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Romance should always be available as an ice cream flavour! That’s wonderful! 🙂 I hope it tasted nice too.
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She said it was pretty good! haha
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Saco?
Is that a place where they sell sacks or did they just misspell Taco…. 😉
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hahaha ok it used to be like a hardware store, but then turned into a huge mega store with furniture, fancy modern European style, and tons of stuff! Saudi does things big! When I moved there not much to go see but now it’s crazy!!
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The western world takes over everywhere…!
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yes that is so true! When I moved there about 22 years ago there was one Mcdonalds and not much else for fast food that I remember! One old mall that was not a real mall! Now it is just malls everywhere and fast food on every corner! The Westerners go to the old souks!!
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Absolutely. The west is why there is a growing obesity epidemic in the UAE, Saudi and all parts of this region. Very sad.
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It is sad, you can now see obese teens in saudi, what I saw mostly boys who can drive and go to fast food daily! the nutrition and exercising part has not caught up yet!! It is sad!
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Absolutely. As I said, and Epidemic.
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It really is!!!
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🙂
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Don’t forget to post the next chapter of your story at the Senior Salon if you get a chance today.
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yes I remembered can you believe it! Should I post the second old one and go in order for you? the one I posted Sunday?
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I think that would be great. That way you can start to compile your writing in order. If you like my idea of a memoir cookbook, you can also use this opportunity to try this format out. I know that might be difficult because your story is so dark and your cooking is so joyful. As other people for advise on this idea.
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Many people from the blog have said that from day one and I could not see it! After you mentioned it I thought more, what if I make a fun joyful book, some funny stories, then in the middle a few pages of memoirs?
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Try out the different formats and ask for opinions. You have a lot of very intelligent readers who I know would give you valuable feedback.
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Thanks for your input Bernadette! When you wrote me it kind of made me re think that idea!!
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I love when you post pics of Saudi, they are so interesting!
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So glad you like them!
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Good heaven’s! I am starving!
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hahaha yes Mcdonalds there has yummy food!
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That last neighborhood is amazing! Looks more like a castle than anything!
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I know and that is really nothing! If you see other houses they are huge and opulent! But the average person is not rich for sure!
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My ipad wouldn’t download all the pictures 😦 but I enjoyed the ones I did get to see. It is so interesting to see what everyday life is like in other countries. I would love to try that Romance ice cream! LOL! Good morning Lynn!! xoxoxo
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Good Morning PJ!! thanks for stopping by. hope all is well dear xxx
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Thank you Lynn! I had to order a new phone because my landline started getting to much static in it. The phone company won’t come fix it. So, I ordered a new smart phone. I haven’t wanted to use these new phones. 😦 But I am slowly learning! I have been having to watch lots of videos to try and learn it. I hope everything in your part of the states is going very well! xoxo
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Everything is pretty good here! xoxo You will learn it easily but yes a huge change to these smart phones!!
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I prefer using my landline. (I am not much on change. LOL). But, I can’t hear because of the static. The phone company won’t come and fix it. Have you been working lately?
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That is an excellent idea Lynn! What kind of recipes will you be putting in it? Saudi/Eastern recipes? That would be really cool. I like the idea of including stories along with the recipes – a mix of funny stories and not funny stories. I don’t blame you for not wanting to spend all day lost at school but I think after a few times you will have it all down and it won’t feel like you are lost anymore.
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I feel the same way — well, almost the same way. I haven’t had a man in my life in 25 years! I am getting older, thicker, and slower! The blog has made a huge difference in my life too. I don’t feel lonely, lost, and forgotten anymore. I feel like my life matters and anything I do, matters! So I understand where you are coming from. And NO, that is NOT too much information. We are here for each other. xoxox
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Thanks dear PJ! I feel guilty for not going in, I then feel bad about that, but I also feel I need time to kind of adjust and re think my life! I am 53 so I feel irritated that now I need to start a career, don’t like change haha and still tons to do around the house. Thanks for letting me vent dear PJ! hope you are well and happy xoxo
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You can vent to me anytime you want. 🙂 I understand what you mean that you don’t like change. I think the older we get the harder change is for us. I hope you have a truly wonderful day!
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You too dear PJ!!
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Ha…I misread Saco as Taco ! And…did you make that Chicken Big Mac ? I really need to eat breakfast before I get on here. ☺ Love those houses…wow.
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No those are in Mcdonalds there and also the next photo a chicken MCrArabia you can see the wrapper underneath it hahaha
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It’s always surprising to see the McD’s menu in other cultures. ☺
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yes it is really good there! The McArabia is on flat bread and very delicious! It was my favorite!
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At times I am amazed how much Western everything looks aside from the different language on the signs.
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yes well it has changed dramatically since I moved there 22 years ago. It looks way more western for sure!
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Thank you for sharing all these pictures with us. You re my eyes to Saudi 😃
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hahah glad to be your tour guide Erika!
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Yes, you are, Lynn 😀
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🙂
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Hi Lynz, the pink house looks more like a palace right out of an Arabian movie! Nice to see small glimpses from far away places!
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thanks marisa! hope all is well!
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Very nice photo’s those are some big houses. I guess they do it really big in Saudi Arabia.
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yes they do!
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Beautiful neighborhoods and I love being able to visit the city…thanks for the great pictures….kat
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most welcome!
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Wonderful pictures, Lynn.
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Thanks Syl!
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You’re welcome!
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🙂
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🙂
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The pink house looks as though it has been decorated by an expert cake icer!
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Haha so true!!
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Time for a pep talk my dear friend Lynz…After Buddy Boy and his unpleasant visit last May had you in a 180 degree turn-about! Yes?! Ah ha…Unraveling 22+ years of your life will not happen over-night. I dislike the fact that you are having a hard time concentrating, sleeping, working and all the things you must do to move on. Fear means false evidence appearing real. Looking in the closets at night time Lynz? Really…You are slowly gaining some self-confidence and momentum but the memories are always there, yes? So, what to do? As your coping mechanisms are wearing down your are feeling exhausted. yes? Having days filled with worry, anger, frustration, loneliness, fear, is not what it should be my dearest friend. You are worthy, you are an individual separate from Buddy Boy, you will always be a Mom! You have great talents. The pros out weigh the cons. Hugs Bestie-2 xoxoxoxxo
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Good Luck today my friend, will talk again later via email if you need too! xoxoxo
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Thanks xxxx
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xoxoxoxo
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Polygamy… a baby with a new wife?!?!? (Lynn, I would write more, but it wouldn’t be PG. Instead, I’ll sit here cursing at the screen and “him.”) 😦
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I left, he came made promises, pushed things threatened to take my kids, reconciled, he left things fell apart, he wrote told me i am married, 9 months later a baby, lived with that for 3 long years. That almost broke me! Child now 5
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Locked into polygamy he offered to unfreeze assets buy a home. I could not refuse for my kids. We had been kicked out of last 3 places in,saudi because he got mad argured with owners. So needed a stable home! I agreed to buy a home.
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Do what you need to do to take care of your kids!
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I did although, i do regret that move,should have just divorced. But the kids have had a nice home for the past 5 years.
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Is it too late to divorce and make it official?
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you are so sweet! I just wanted to tell you Jean, I went to a job today, I was so nervous but I did it! I feel working will really help me!!! I worked again in Spec. ed. with a lovely young teacher who was so helpful and sweet and I feel like I can do anything now!! I hope I keep being brave and taking jobs here and there! Thanks for writing me and caring! The anxiety and scars left behind after you have left the abuse are really still there and you are left trying to figure it all out!! You asking and caring makes me feel very happy! xxx
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Lynn, you will do a wonderful job in special ed. And those teachers (and students) need all the support they can get! They are lucky to have you! Always here if you need support… and I’m not the only one, you have an army behind you that celebrates each step forward! xo
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Thanks Jean it means allot! xoxoxo!
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You have a good book. I am surprised there are not any literary publicists offering you the opportunity to tell your story. In light of today’s world, your story is extremely relevant.
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I dont think anyone probably knows about it! just a little blog
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I can’t get over those ice cream flavors!!! 🙂
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Lol
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It is interesting to read. I was not in Saudi and thinking about it…probably a good thing that my visa was messed up. I am not so sure of my adaptability there. That being said, my Saudi students at the university (Bridge Dept) loved the greenery and the beauty of a small campus. I think they also enjoyed the small town living which in some ways seems to resemble the Arabic community where many know one another.
I am enjoying my time at home although I still have classes on campus but teaching online, taking care of my husband still gives me more time to tidy up some loose ends in my life. It is nice when we finally have a chance to breathe and rediscover lost aspects of ourselves. My next blog is going to be a blog about being careful of the words we speak aloud. Around Christmas 2012, I mentioned to my husband making cupcakes and selling them. The next thing I knew, I was thrown into a business ….with my husband’s vision. Next time, I will be careful of the word I speak! Funny.
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I love that blog idea!!! I am so glad you have time to catch on and rediscover!
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Thanks. I finished that blog yesterday, just finished grading, lesson planning, and made a quiche! Love the time…tomorrow back to classroom but today is on.
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🙂
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And the quiche was good but I think I will wait on the picture.
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🙂
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Is that manakish @pic 8?
Did they name an ice cream romance?
I have single male friends in KSA and they said it is boring as hell for a single guy to be there, too many restrictions areas for them
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It is a mc arabia from mcdonalds
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Ah Ok =)
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🙂
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Well for wimen imagine!!
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Very true, I don’t think I will last there more than 1 day
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It is difficult for sure
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Interesting photos and a glimpse into a foreign land. Thanks for sharing
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Welcome!
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As always Lynz I am fascinated with the architecture in your pictures from that part of the world. The modern office buildings, the historic religious structures, etc. Like Cynthia commented above I love when you post these various pictures.
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I am glad you enjoy it!
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Great pictures Lynn – what is Saco World – similar to a Walmart?
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It was more hardware now its furniture etc.
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Okay, I learn something new everyday! Thanks. 🙂
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I had pictures before of the kids sitting on the furnuiture i think
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Hum, I may have missed those.
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I think there was one pic a long time back i will put more, fancy european furniture.
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Great photos Lynn and fun for your kids to look at, even in many years. They did spend many years of their childhood there.
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Yes they did!
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Mmm, I could use some of that romance-flavoured ice cream. Ha ha 😉
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Yeah!!
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Lovely pics Lynn as always… 🙂
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Thanks Chitra!
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Thanks for sharing your photos! Question for you though: Could you ever read any of the signs?
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I could read them mostly. Reading arabic is easy. Speaking and writing are hard. Lol
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I can imagine! At least you mostly knew what type of shop you were entering. 😀
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yes I did and it was interesting to read Arabic! Some of my kids are fluent and some dont speak at all!
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Always enjoy seeing your pictures, Lynn! So very interesting! Hope you are doing well, dear friend! 🙂 xoxo
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thanks dear Anna! I went to a job today so I am very happy! xoxoxo Hope you have recovered from your furniture move lol
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That’s lovely, dear Lynn!! Ah yes, I’m feeling much better today after our furniture move … thank you for thinking of me! 🙂 I was walking very s-l-o-w-l-y yesterday! Lol. 😉 Big hugs to my sis! xoxo
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Love to you little sis! Xxx
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xoxo 🙂
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xoxo:)
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Wonderful photos! Things look so similar, but yet so different.
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Thanks so much!
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🙂 I spotted the Golden Arches in the distance in that first image and thought, ” ah that would be a welcome sight in a foreign land!” Actually it has been for me in countries that I don’t speak the language well or at all!
That house with the pink and stone turrets looked lovely as did the stately white house. That must have been a very well to do neighborhood.
Great series! I enjoy seeing Saudi through your viewfinder.
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thanks so much for stopping by!!
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Great pics!
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Thanks!
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These photos are beautiful, Lyn. The pink building is a house. Wow!
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yes amazing huh?
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It’s strange seeing pancakes on a plate without anything else…like eggs, bacon, hash browns. 3 small slices of an orange looks more like garnish lol
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haha yes!
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Love the variety of pictures! (again) The last one, the neighborhood, looks beautiful!
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There are so many different types of houses there now in recent years! Very modern and old fashioned!
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What romance has to do with vanilla? 😛
The palatial house…the last one… that is something!
Beautiful captures… 🙂
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Thanks dear!
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Awesome pics dear!! romance ice cream? hehehe
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I know right?
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lol , perfect for V day :p
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oh true!
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Lynn, you always fascinate me with your pics. I really find them interesting !
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Thanks!
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