Rainy day in paradise

At least it was only overcast when we two set out for a late breakfast this morning. We headed further south and wound up stopping in Islamorada, a "village of islands." The restaurant was good, but would be no competition for John G's, that is for sure:



Plain...no presentation...and only good. Not great. Oh well...

The shop next door had true Florida Christmas decorations:




Ho HO HO. Decorations are quickly disappearing, however.

Rain greeted us as we got back to the coach, so we are hoping for clear weather for the New Year's Eve party set for 3:00. I have my fabulous coleslaw made for the potluck ham dinner. The covered picnic area is all decorated, so it is party time, rain or shine. We won't melt, and we won't be out driving anywhere either.

Be safe tonight, whatever you do.

Best wishes for a fabulous 2014, y'all! 2013 is quickly disappearing. Tomorrow is a fresh, new beginning.

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Monday afternoon

Our afternoon entertainment consists of watching the seagulls and pelicans. This one has caught dinner already:



Dick and I and our four friends went out on a charter boat to snorkel for an hour. I didn't last long in the chilly water, but did enjoy the outing. Yes, I am a wuss. So?

And I managed to do a load of laundry after we got back while MM got on top of the Moho to manually adjust the satellite dish. There is always stuff that needs doing, but we are done for today. Except for dog fetching watching, and sunset watching. And people watching.

It's a rough life. We will manage.

Cheers, y'all!

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Sunday in Key Largo

Overcast, with a good breeze as I sit at the campground pier.

MM just helped a friend put together an inflatable boat. No small task, since the instructions were pretty lacking. The owners are about ready to mount the motor and go try it out.




We've got nothing to do, and all day to get it done.

Life is definitely good on island time, watching the swaying palm fronds, boats and pelicans. Yep, definitely good.

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Thursday afternoon in FL

We did indeed have a late breakfast here with Vicki, minus Bill. He had to attend a condo meeting and couldn't make it. He missed yummy cinnamon-nut French toast. Best ever!



So neither of us slept well at noisy Sam's parking lot last night, but we will survive. MM is taking a nap, along with two kitties, as I type, and not from Key Largo. We are parked in Dickie B's driveway in Lake Worth.

Why...you ask? Fortunately, I called Amy shortly after we got southbound on I-95 to check on their progress, only to learn that our reservation starts tomorrow! Somehow, one of us got the date wrong. Not to worry. We are flexible. We can regroup and change plans.

So a phone call to an old friend, followed by a quick exit and slight direction change, and here we are. At least it should be quiet here tonight.

We'll take Dickie out to dinner in thanks for squatting rights. Or I will fix dinner. Whatever works best.

Life is good amongst the Palm trees, y'all! Cheers.


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Southbound!

Good Thursday morning from Florida, land of pines and oaks for now.

We left home at 1 yesterday after meeting our newest grand dog, Maddie:




She is a real beauty and quite a love. Grammie is hooked already!

There is almost NO restaurant, even fast good, open on Christmas Day except Waffle House. We were grateful, of course and did not complain. Sure, we have lots of food here in the Moho, but the first day out is a bit chaotic and we just want to stop, eat, and go...with no clean up, move this, move that around to get it all accomplished. And get back on the road.

We did, and stopped at the second FL rest area for the night just before 9.

KC complained less than in precious trips, and briefly registered his travel complaint this morning. So noted and overruled. He settled back down with trooper Missy under the safety of my lounge chair. It won't be a long day for them today.

We actually plan to squat at the local big store near our place in WPB tonight. We are homeless. We have a renter on our RV lot this week, so we will stay overnight to check everything out at the park, then head to the keys tomorrow for a little adventure.

Easy peasy. That's the way we roll. And traffic has not been bad at all.

So we are enjoying our coffee and the scenery this fine morning...48 here, 21 at home...but 73 in WPB! Yeah baby!!!

Miles and smiles, y'all!

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Merry Christmas!

We hope you and yours have a most blessed Christmas season, and a very prosperous and Happy New Year!

Our church service was fabulous. The kids all did well, Haley, too. She said her cheeks are definitely out of practice for the clarinet, but she managed. Check out Macey's solo:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJ3vmkYEQa0

And these kiddos:






We had a great and silly time last night. Brian entertained us reading (?) French from a Babar book. His knowledge of French is basically "bonjour," so use your imagination and think Inspector Clouseau!

Then Ansley showed off her Spanish, then morphed into a Russian accent. Hilarious.

I love this crazy family.

We are heading south later on, whenever we can get loaded up. It is 18 this morning. Bah humbug to that!

Life is good...and each of us are loved and blessed beyond measure, all because of Christmas.

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Christmas Eve in Mayberry

The oil is all warm:



No, not for cooking. MM brought these 5 gallon buckets inside last night to keep the oil warm so he could put it into a machine this morning. It is another work day for him, but a short one.

The family service is at 4 this afternoon and the kids will all (mostly all) be there, and where a few are performing in the pageant--Haley #1, Ansley and Macey are all playing their instruments and singing.

Afterward, the gang will be here for Tortellini Soup (yum) and opening of presents...our annual tradition. Chaos, for sure.

I am loading up the Moho, doing laundry, and putting away all things that can be put away so we can depart...maybe tomorrow!




Missy is being mighty loving this morning now that dad isn't here, while KC is already scouting the area. Too cold outside for the girl; she's smart!

So, our family Christmas Eve tradition is church, soup, presents. Please share yours.

Have a very Merry Christmas everyone!

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Christmas Eve eve

Also known as Monday in Mayberry, it is the day before Christmas Eve. After yet another fall by my fiber optic tree, I gave up and threw white lights on this tree and plunked it down in the living room. D fer done on a tree.



In other news, MM joined the 21st century with an iPhone, so yours truly is setting it up for him while he does manly duty on the Moho. We each have our jobs.

I am also loading up said Moho with food, and stowing stuff that needs to put in place before we leave. Yes, my departure list is printed, and I am looking forward to marking items OFF.

Busy. We are. But it's all good.

Here is a shot of MM and me being greeted by "Minnie Pearl" at the Opry. Not sure who the guy was representing:



Thanks again to Faith and Brian for the trip AND the wonderful company. Loved spending time with you two amazing kiddos.

OK, break is over. It's time to get back to work.

Have yourselves a ginger peachy Monday, y'all! And be good...Santa is still watching.

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Fabulous celebration

The Ryman in Nashville was awesome last night! Brian and Faith treated us to tickets and hotel in celebration of my birthday.

We stayed downtown so we could park once and walk to everything. Smart thinking. We first had a nice dinner, then headed to the Ryman. I remember seeing the Grand Old Opry there on TV when I was little, but it wasn't my cup of tea. I was more into Elvis. This was music for my parents.

Some of it still is, and some of the performers as well, but last night we particularly enjoyed Maggie Rose, David Nail (his first performance there), and Joey and Rory.

So many great performers have stood on that stage and entertained folks live and in radio and TV all over the world.

It is still broadcast live on the radio. It was interesting watching the stage resets during the commercial breaks. Everything goes quite smoothly. The performer sings one or two songs, leaves the stage, resets, next performer. Sweet.

We had breakfast and now are heading in the rain to Murfreesboro to see Janelee and Gene.

Nothing is gonna dampen my day though.

Life is good. Thanks Brian and Faithy. Love y'all!

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Friday in Mayberry

I love my personal Game Boy! He plays a mean game of bingo, old maid, dominoes, and rummy. No kidding! This sweet Jammie boy is awesome.


And these sweet young ladies performed quite well last night in their Christmas choral concert:



Blessed. We are.

So, today MM and I are scheduled for a new adventure. Stay tuned. It's gonna be fun.

Life is good, y'all!

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Lordy, lordy, looks who’s 40!

The one on the left, is who!

Happy Birthday, Jason.  You are holding up quite well for an old guy.  I know it is pretty much “just another day” to you, but those two boys will make it a super celebration because they love CAKE.  I mean, YOU!  We do, too.

It will definitely be a good day here in Mayberry today.  With cake.

Life is good, y’all!  Celebrate each and every day.

Fallen angel

Sweet Missy, thinking about her Christmas list.




CRASH!





Not me!

The angel did it!

MM will have to straighten out our poor tree tonight. Actually, he was told it needed his attention when I put it up, but he forgot. Poor thing has been listing to one side for too many years and it finally gave up and cried for help. Poor thang.

So I mostly have all the presents bagged up and ready to bring downstairs and placed by the tree table. Progress, well, except for the poor tree.

I also have some year-end blah blah chores to do, then I can finally turn my attention to the Moho that will take us to Palm trees. Soon. Yeah baby! Bring on Christmas!

Stay warm and have yourselves a ginger peachy day, y'all!

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Merry bells!

Literally.




Joan and I joined Joy at her church yesterday afternoon where we enjoyed the fabulous Brasstown Ringers in a delightful Christmas concert. They have many different octaves of quite a variety of bells, and choir chimes, along with various percussion instruments. And a whole LOT of dexterity!

Haley and I took bell ringing lessons with them many years ago, so we know first hand about that dexterity part!

This group is well known across North Carolina and North Georgia, so when the director stated that Sharp Memorial had some of the best acoustics anywhere, we knew we were in store for a musical treat to our ears. We were not disappointed.

Christmas is the season to be jolly, and Christmas music sure sets that mood.

May your Monday be filled with some toe-tapping jolly. Spread that joy, Peaches, as you Deck the Halls!


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Rainy Saturday

Watching our two monkeys in their final basketball game. Funny boys! This is a good place to be on this rainy day.

MM is finishing up with the ambulance today. We have a buyer that will be here today or tomorrow ti pick it up. Yippie! One for the road...wanna see those taillights!

So the tomatoes are marinating for a Christmas party tonight. The Wing Nuts and wives will be having fun tonight. And the party isn't at our house. I will help clean up.

Life is soggy but good, y'all!

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Friday the 13th in Mayberry

And it is 19 outside! Yikes. No one wants to go outside, especially me.

Grumps and I and other family members enjoyed the middle school band Christmas concert last night, and our very own Macey on percussion:



Tall girl, I might add. She is catching up to me. Love "my Mace!" (that was what Alex called her when he was little).

So who is superstitious about Friday the 13th? Anyone, anyone? Not me, but I will try not to walk behind any ladders today, you know, just in case! One must be careful.

I am getting a massage (thanks to Amy), so I am thinking this is a lucky day. Plus, sweet Missy is sitting in my lap, kneading me, showing some love. She doesn't wanna go outside either. It also means that MM isn't here. I am not fooled into thinking I am her #1 person, but I will take what I can get.

Life is as good as you make it, y'all! Srsly.

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Dreaming of palm trees!

At least it is sunny and now above freezing. Mowing Man filled up his coffee mug and headed out to work, bless his heart. The mower has a cab on it. And heat. Love my MM.

Coffee mug by my side, I am plowing through the remainder of the Christmas cards...and gaining ground...inching toward completion. KC just came back inside to assist. Yeah, right. He had enough cold already.

Have yourselves a warm, ginger peachy day, y'all! Button up...

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Brrr

It is 21 here in our cove. The trees are frosted, the river banks have layers of rime ice, and I have no desire to go outside, nor do the kitties. Smart kitties. Smart me,

I just told MM that Christmas is two weeks away. He is thrilled, but not for reasons involving gifts. No, that means there will soon be palm trees and flip flops in our future! And John G's. Oh yes!

I do have to go back to the doc's office for fasting blood work. Duh me...didn't even think about that aspect yesterday ahead of our visit, so I will bundle up and head out soon. Poor me.

If you need me today, I will soon be back, sitting at the dining room table with Christmas cards, labels, and stamps, writing, folding and stuffing. And staying warm.

Have yourselves a ginger peachy hump day. Stay warm, and spread the cheer, y'all!



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Tuesday in Mayberry

Yesterday did not go as planned. So what else is new?!

We did go to the Wal-Mart and pick up the photo cards and I did get all the labels printed out, so at least I made SOME progress. Yes, I am sending out photo cards this year, since we have two new family members. My peeps wanna see them, and so they will.

MM had to take the mower out to his next project and needed me to go pick him up, so that was that. He needs me--I go. It works both ways.

Ansley performed in her HS band concert, so we had a quick dinner and enjoyed the Christmas music. They did a great job.

Today is another opportunity to complete the cards...or not. But first...wellness check up times two this morning. Check.

Tonight is our annual Christmas party for the sistas, so that will be fun.

Tis the season of busy-ness. It's all good. And the missing sun is expected to arrive this morning, now that the rain has stopped.

It's another day in paradise. And the kitties are clean and so ready to go out and play!

Life is never dull around here, y'all.

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Liquid sunshine

The rain and overcast continues. Again. At least is isn't snowing! We are grateful.

So we enjoyed Ansley and Haley2 at their music recital last night. Both girls played the piano and sang, and Ansley played her clarinet (girls are second and third from R). Great job, pretty gals!



Today mission: Christmas cards! Gotta get myself in gear and get that accomplished. This is my once-a-year communication with many long time friends, many not in the Internet. I do look forward to hearing from everyone to keep up with what is going on in their loves and lives. It is important to me. Plus, this year I get to share our new daughter-in-law and granddaughter with them!

Blessed. And busy. MM is tinkering on the Moho, since that will be fired up soon.

Yep, life is busy but good around here. We make our own sunshine!

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Christmas finery!

Here we are, all gussied up at the Christmas party last night, with Brian, Faith, Amy, and Jason:







We clean up pretty good when we have to, of course those young folks always look good!

This was a Christmas party given by the land company that MM did all that mowing for, so that is why the two of us got invited. Owner Scott throws quite a party! MM and I both enjoyed the photo slide show of the many people and projects completed this past year, and seeing all the awards presented to the folks. A band, good food, adult beverages, good people...held at the beautiful Brasstown Valley Resort, a place especially worth visiting at Christmas. What's not to love? We did. Thanks, Scott!

So the sista luncheon was great. Joy and her church Sharp Sisters provided the music, and a great time was had by all.



Even Santa paid us a visit.

Spread the joy, y'all! HO, HO, HO...

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Saturday stuff

MM and I enjoyed Ansley and the high school chorus performing at the local Kris Kringle Market last night:



The kids sounded awesome, and there might be a rumor that I was sitting in santa's lap, but don't believe everything you hear. Or see.

Today is chock full. Sista luncheon down south over the mountain, annual Advent wine party back here in the afternoon...that I may have to miss, because I have to be all gussied up and at a fancy dinner party by early afternoon. With my sweet escort. And camera.

Murphy's Law that everything piles up in the very same day, right?

Where are my magic slippers?

Life is good, y'all!



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Ding, dong

NOT a sound one wants to hear late at night...the ringing of the door bell. We get up, turn on the light...and no one is there. Not once, but two freaking, annoying times!

In our sleep haze, we should have realized that the motion sensor lights had not come on, which would have happened if an actual person had approached the door, but who is thinking rationally under these circumstances? We did smarten up and unplug the dang ringer. Note to self: change the battery on the pusher button more frequently!

Happier news is that Joan, Jennie, Joy, and I all enjoyed friend Mary Ann's annual Christmas Tea at Charmed Accents yesterday, where we all managed to find a Christmas gift or two. And wonderful food, as always:



The photo would have been a little more interesting if that guy hadn't moved into the frame just as I snapped it as I was going out the door. There was a crowd of folks there, for sure.

We expect another cold front tonight to follow this all day rain. Oh yes, it is definitely December here in the GA mountains. High 60s is just a tease. We know it. Bugger. MM is still able to do some mowing and clearing up dead limbs and stumps and stacking to burn when the pile gets big enough. Yep, that guy stays busy and outta trouble. And that's a good thing!

He would rather mow than do any Christmas chores, like shopping, wrapping, decorating, etc. Smart guy, that MM is.

Have yourselves a ginger peachy day, despite any inclement weather. We sure will...or at least try!

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Thursday in Mayberry

Sunny and 66. I like it!



That us gray must coming off the water. The photo is a bit dark.

I had two helpers after school yesterday, adding a snowman to the window on the door to the deck:






Alex didn't like the head being so far from the body, but Will wanted it that way. I wonder how many times these pieces will get (destroyed) moved around between now and Christmas? The joy of wee boys.

Who has their Christmas shopping finished? Not me, but I've made a lot of progress...and will make some more today.

Life is good in Mayberry, y'all! Hope yours is too.

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Thanksgiving Feast

Both the ham and turkey were tasty last night, along with a ton of wonderful side dishes:



And tasty desserts galore:



Pound cake, pecan pie, pumpkin parfait, peanut butter pie, custard pie, caramel pie...I am probably leaving something out, since I stopped at the peanut pie when I discovered it. Yummy luscious!

And yes, Peaches, there are leftovers today. Come help us finish them off. Please, since all the crowd left this morning to go to their homes. We do expect Haley and her gang back tonight for round two.

Towels are in the wash, and the house is quiet. Well, except for the washer and dishwasher. I miss the little peeps already, but two kitties are happy to be alone again! Two little girls wanted to give them lots of loving.

Safe travels, everyone. Come back now, ya hear?!

Life is so good with family and friends around. And sweet kitties.

Check.

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Turkey day!

Nan and I are doing last minute chopping and stuff. All the family be gathering around 5...at Amy's house!



The ham is on a rack above the big bird in the smoker...constantly basting the bird...good planning. And even better eating! Talk about flavor!!!

Sunny but cold here in Mayberry today, but life is mighty good. We are blessed.

Happy Friday, y'all! Have yourselves a ginger peachy day. We sure will.

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Flurries!

Hello, snow shower. This won't be a problem for sister Nan driving up here today, because it won't stick. The ground is too warm, and with all the traffic, it certainly won't stick to the highways. This is the best kind of snow, in my humble opinion. Here, then gone.

Global warming...yeah, right.

So most of the boring chores are now done, thankyouverymuch. Haley is preparing dinner tonight, and the kids will all be here at our house. Tomorrow, the rest of the gang arrives. Beds are ready. Bring on the chaos!

It's a good thing I checked on the turkey thawing process yesterday. It was still a hard bird, even after 4 days in the fridge. Oh nooo! MM discovered the spare fridge was set way too high. Holy moly...frozen birds are not good! Thaw, baby, thaw.

It's all good. Bird will be ready by Friday. Disaster averted.

Life is never dull in Mayberry. Well, except for when we are doing pesky chores.

Happy hump day, y'all!


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Rainy Tuesday

This poor crane looks lonesome.



Yesterday was a good one. I went to Will's preschool to watch the Thanksgiving program and have lunch with the kids...



But first, I had to help the buyer of old Freddie get a wire transfer sent to us. Seeing Freddie hooked up with his new owner and watch the taillights depart was a very welcome sight!



Enjoy your new home, Freddie! Bu bye!!! Safe travels.

So I have been missing in blog action. I have been busy with boring, non-newsworthy stuff. Important stuff, to be sure.

We have lots of family coming for the holidays, so that means a bit of cleaning and (boring) stuff. Folks begin arriving from So. GA tomorrow, then from central GA and Virginia on Thursday. Friday is our turkey day, because that is what worked best for our kids visiting with their other family members. Thanksgiving is a movable feast, set for whenever we as a family can gather. We are expecting 28, but there is always room for a few more here around our table(s).

MM will be smoking a ham and turkey, and everyone is arriving with side dishes. No one goes hungry! More details and photos to follow...in between talking, laughing, and a whole lot of BettyDamnCrockering.

Life is rainy but good in Mayberry, y'all, especially when friends and family can come together for a special, fun occasion. Blessed!

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Wonderful Wednesday

Yes, I know today is Thursday, but I want to tell y'all about my adventure yesterday...Wednesday.

Joan, Dinah and I enjoyed successful morning retail therapy, a nice lunch at the Olive Garden, and then this:






Image credit for the fabulous high kickers is from the Internet. No photos were allowed.

What a performance! These gals are incredibly talented. I learned something I did not know--they are NOT touching one another when they are doing that fancy kicking! Who knew???

And not just dancers in the program, but singers...Santas...a cutie young ballerina...dancing bears and toy soldiers...and a virtual backdrop that was pure Christmas magic. I want a re-do.

We all had big smiles throughout the whole performance. And we wanna see it again next year!

After another fine Italian dining experience at a different location, we safely arrived back in Mayberry, making plans for another outing.

Girls just wanna have fun. And so we will.

Life is good in the chilly mountains, Peaches!

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Monday's color is brown

Brown leaves



Brown blanket for a gray boy



...who escaped and got locked outside all night and is now enjoying his beauty sleep...

And brown leftover cake!




Maybe it will be an awesome Monday after all, especially with this blue sky. Forget the color brown (except for the cake). The new color for today is BLUE...and in a good way, not a sad way.

Come have some awesome happy cake!

Ciao, y'all!

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Saturday in Mayberry

We had a lovely dinner and visit with long-time friends the other night.  Brian said he expected a photo on the blog, so here it is:

Anne and Bob (retired Delta captain) visiting here in Mayberry with Leslie (a private pilot).  We had a great time reminiscing about when we all lived in the W Palm Beach area (where Leslie still lives), catching up on kids and grandkids.   Anne and Bob are enjoying life on a private airstrip south of Atlanta.

Old friends and good food are always a welcome combination.  We need to do this again.  Any time.

Today is overcast, but at least we have warmer, fall-like temps…until the next cold front arrives on Tuesday.  I am firing up the oven and baking this today, and finishing up a few chores:

Oh boy oh boy.  Yummylicious, but not to be touched until tomorrow night.

Happy Saturday from Mayberry!

This old pot

After a lot of effort, this cast iron pot is ready for use:






The apple cider soaking, Brillo scrubbing didn't work well, and I definitely did not want to spray oven cleaner on an item that would eventually contain good, despite that being a suggested restoration method.

Instead, I used (for the first time) my self-cleaning oven to remove the years of rust. It was just an old yard sale find, but it is a nice size and worthy of being restored and loved again.

Three rounds of lard baking later, a thorough cleaning with only water, the pot is drying and ready for business.

And will be properly stored between uses.

In other exciting news, Mayberry is above freezing and getting a bit of rain. I am cleaning wood floors. My two assistants are napping. Naturally.

MM is repairing a solar panel. The fun just keeps on keeping on around here.

We both need goals as inspiration to get (crappy) chores done. Friends are coming for dinner Sunday night. Yes...deadline! Check.

And now back to my grocery list. Break is over.

Happy Friday, y'all!

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