Love, Laughter, and Life

Adventures With a Book Lover


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Tree Hunting ’23

Ah, the good old family tradition of going tree hunting. That’s what we like to call it here in the northwest. After purchasing forest permits, we loaded up and drove to the nearby mountains to hunt down our tree. We found this fun creation. Not sure about the purpose, but it was great for photos. And possibly, with additional brush and a campfire, it might be quite cozy!

Poor people. They just have to put up with my attempts at taking pictures! As the almost shortest member with arms just as short, selfies are often quite comical.

Dogs (3, but never in the same picture), adults, and grands had a great time. A heavy blanket of snow added Christmas cheer and plenty of opportunities for the dogs to race, roll, and rumble. Snow gear was welcome in the often up-to-my-knees snow.

The Bachmeiers and Aucutts, plus Bear and new canine member Timber, crowd into the tree shelter. I mean, look at that! The dogs are facing forward and almost everyone is looking AT the camera. It’s a Christmas miracle.

The Quantrells also get a gold star (even grinning Ginger) for faces forward, eyes on the camera. Two Christmas miracles in one day!

The senior Quantrells took their turn in the tree shelter with all the grands. All eyes on the camera! Whoohoo! In the category of who is taller than Nana, the answer is nearly 50%.

My partner in life, love, and crime. We wish you all “Happy Christmas!”


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Sunday Joy

Photo by Kathy Arthursson

Assisi, Italy


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Sunday Joy

Photo by Angie Quantrell

Assisi, Italy


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Happy Thanksgiving!

Dear Ones,

Happy Thanksgiving! May the Lord bless you, your family, and your friends as you remember and give thanks for what He has done.

Sending peace, beauty, love, and grace.

XOXO

Photo by Angie Quantrell

Assisi, Italy


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Sunday Joy

Photo by Angie Quantrell

Assisi, Italy


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Sunday Joy

Photo by Angie Quantrell

La Strega, Siena, Italy


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Sunday Joy

Photo by Angie Quantrell

Dublin, Ireland


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I Might Have a Problem.

Most people bring a variety of souvenirs home from their travels. Sure. I do that as well.

But also, when I travel, I am consumed with seeking out . . . tote bags! No matter the gift shop, museum, tourist trap venue, my eyes and fingers are drawn to the tote bag display. It might be a problem. Let’s call it a hobby. We’ll all feel better.

My recent travels to Ireland and Italy garnered me 7 tote bags. SEVEN. And I was practicing self-restraint.

And once I returned home, I had an email from my local library. “Mention this email and get a bag for your library books.”

I mentioned that email when I visited the library to pick up books they were holding for me. And received a lovely orange tote bag! That ups my total to 8 new tote bags for about one month of excitement.

I love using my tote bags for various purposes. Or just hanging them up as wall art, because, really, they are artfully designed and created with humor, purpose, reusability, delight, and beauty.

What do you collect as souvenirs when you explore new locations or favorite destinations?


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Haiku Moment: laundry day

rain shower spinning

jewels glisten to and fro

fairy laundry day

laundry day by Angie Quantrell

photo by Angie Quantrell

Kilkenny, Ireland

I was fascinated by the beautiful rain encrusted spider webs we discovered as we explored Kilkenny, Ireland. Our tour driver shared that he had learned as a young child that the webs were out when the fairies were doing laundry. Enchanting!


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Sunday Joy

Photo by Taylor Quantrell

Ocean Shores, WA