30 December 2023

Greetings Earthlings

We're at the best place on Earth, Barnes. Been here all morning writing and reading. Smoochie Face is working on his stuff too. We're about to order our second round of drinks. I'm addicted to Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai. Street name, GOCH.

Too good I say, too good. 

In other news, I'm off from work for four days. Count'em. 1. 2. 3. 4.

Delightful. 

In other, other news, Tim got me a new lens for Christmas and because it was hot outside this past Christmas weekend, I jetted straight out to take one billion photos.

Also delightful. 

Dig the black walnut from the back deck. I love this shot. It's got a bit of rot, texture, blurred back, movement on the left. I've wanted this lens for years. Beyond worth it. I can't stop taking pictures. 

In other, other, other news,  I'm saying a sad goodbye to Aldi/store bought potato puffs/tater tots, fries/chips, chips/crisps, crinkle-cuts and shoe strings.  

Out with the extra fat, salt and cost. Going back to homemade potato goodness. 

First though, time for another round of cafe' drinks. Though as I wrap this post up, some yutz has his phone blasting a video. Why? Why Yutz, why? 

Oh goody. Mrs. Yutz just arrived and is taking Mr. Yutz out of the cafe' with her. Good job, Mrs. Yutz. Good job. The Universe thanks you. 

And now I'm finally headed to get another round of holiday drinks then I'm gonna kick back and catch up on blog reading. 

Wishing you all a Happy Healthy Fun 2024! I see big changes for us here at The Manor and I'm excited to take you along the ride with us. Until next year, this is Ivy, reporting live from the Barnes Cafe' also known as, the best place on Earth. 

Ivy, out.


 



56 comments:

  1. Love the black walnut, great photo. Very Glad Mrs Yutz arrived and took her Yutzie home.

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    1. lololololol on her Yutzie. That cracked me up! Yutzie. Great word.

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  2. Cool shot of the walnut.
    Enjoy those 4 days off!!! :)

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    1. Thank you! Happy 2024 to you with lots of walking. You're an inspiration.

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  3. Happy healthy new year! The black walnut color is beautiful.
    Cathy

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  4. Nice walnut! Happy NewYear soon Ivy!

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  5. Enjoy your time off! 4 days off is like a vacation, not just a long weekend, isn't it? That sounds like a fun Christmas gift and I hope you have fun taking lots of photos. Happy new year to you. hugs-Erika

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    1. It really does feel that way. I love the break away. Much fun. Big huggs back.

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  6. Great post Ivy, and great photograph of the walnut.

    Four days off sounds brilliant.
    Wishing you a happy, healthy and peaceful New Year ... with lots of fun too :)

    All the best Jan

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    1. Hi Jan! Did you get to see your grandkiddos this past holiday season?
      Wishing you and Eddie a great 2024!

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    2. Yes, we got to spend some fun time with them, and enjoyed playing some good old fashioned board games, plus enjoying some good food - of course - LOL :)

      Have a Happy 2024.

      All the best Jan

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    3. I love the nod to old fashioned board games. I feel like more and more are doing this. It's a perfect way to unplug and spend good time together. Love that. Toss in good food and all is well in the world. Happy 2024!

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  7. When I read black walnut, I was thinking the tree! The nut is a great portrait. I can see you're getting a lot out of your new lens.

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    1. That's funny. We have HUGE black walnut trees in the yard. They're pretty and also a pain in the butt. Wishing you a wonderful New Year!

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  8. Your new lens sounds awesome! I laughed out loud at your description of the Yutz saga! Enjoy your time off to the max, Ivy!

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  9. That is a great shot!!!! Have a great New Year, my friend.

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  10. Nice shot with the bew lens! Wishing you all a great 2024 and thanks for sharing your adventures!

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    1. Thank you! Wishing you a wonderful 2024 with a good way to help Mercy with those wires.

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  11. The black walnut is interesting! Don't think that I've ever seen one ! The new lens took an amazing photo. Wishing you a happy and healthy New Year.

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    1. Hey Judee! People love to eat them. I haven't dried them to eat them. Very messy and stinky. Normally the critters take them. This year, far less critters. Happy 2024!

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  12. Ok, that drink sounds very tasty. The photo of the walnut is awesome.

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  13. A bookstore is like a library...same rules...Shut Up! lolol
    The photo is simply beautiful!!
    Happy New Year!
    hugs
    Donna

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    1. lolololol. Thankfully, Mrs. Yutz pulled him out of the café'. Thanks for the New Year wishes. Huggs and buggs, Me.

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  14. Enjoy your four days off and your new lens. I love the photo of the walnut. Awesome.
    Happy New Year!!!

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    1. Thank you, Lori! Here's to a wonderful 2024 your way.

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  15. Your new lense must be great! Happy New Year to you and yours, hugs, Valerie

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    1. So much fun the new lens. Happy 2024 and here's to good health, too!

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    2. Just a cappuccino for me. I'm really not a fan of sweet drinks. What's your favorite drink?

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    3. I like spicy drinks like Gingerbread Chai or a plan old Americano. And I also love a London Fog. I did try a new drink this week, Sugar Cookie. Way, way, way tooooo sweet for me. I dig the spice of chai and things like that.

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  16. I love to hang out at Barnes & Noble! Happy New Year to you!

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    1. Very cool. It's the best. Do you have a drink you like?

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    2. Just a cappuccino for me. I'm really not a fan of sweet drinks. What's your favorite drink?

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    3. I like spicy drinks like Gingerbread Chai or a plan old Americano. And I also love a London Fog. I did try a new drink this week, Sugar Cookie. Way, way, way tooooo sweet for me. I dig the spice of chai and things like that.

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  17. Happy New Year to the leader of Booger Butts... Look forward to 2024 with you.

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  18. thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. good luck with your new lens, the image of the black walnut is really awesome!! i am still using frozen potatoes but not that often, they are a convenience!! wishing you a happy and healthy new year!!

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    1. Hi Debbie! Nice to meet you. I'm Ivy. I get that about the store-bought spuds. They are convenient.

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  19. I've got 2, count 'em, 2 gift cards for Barnes! Thanks for the reminder :)
    Impressive black walnut. What a great gift for you.
    Enjoy your time off. Happy New Year!

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    1. No way! So cool. Two Barnes gift cards here too. Neato! Do you get to go often? We shoot for once a week now, though sometimes it's every other week. Just depends. Happy 2024!

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  20. in 2005 I bought my first ever Canon Rebel with two lens, I did what you did with this lens. I could not stop taking photos, 500 per week end. LOVE the walnut. Enjoy and so glad the Missus came and took the mr out... what is wrong with people? we will never know. can't wait to see more pics and to find out what changes are coming.

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    1. Very cool on the Canon Rebel. Which two lenses did you get with it? Are you a prime lens gal or a zoom? Thank you about the walnut. Really so much fun to have a new lens. Happy 2024! Excited to see what fun pictures you take too.

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  21. I hope you enjoyed your off-work days. I send all good wishes for a very good new year!

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    1. Thank you! Here's a fun New Year. Yes, the days off are soooooo nice!

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  22. Happy New Year! Cheers to 2024.

    The photo of the black walnut with your new lens very nice. You know how to elevate a black walnut nicely.

    This is my first time to your blog. I will be back.

    Velva

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    1. Hi. Thanks and Happy 2024! Here's to a fun year ahead. Cheers!

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  23. That all sounds quite delightful! Well, maybe not the part about Mr. Yutz... seems there always is one around. Barnes used to be my happy place! My drink was either hot choco or chai with no foam, and soy milk.
    Cool photo! I'm sure you're going to enjoy that new lens for a long time!

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  24. That all sounds quite delightful! Well, maybe not the part about Mr. Yutz... seems there always is one around. Barnes used to be my happy place! My drink was either hot choco or chai with no foam, and soy milk.
    Cool photo! I'm sure you're going to enjoy that new lens for a long time!

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