Monday, September 24, 2018

Post #100 - Looking Back at the Spectacle


Heddal Stavkirke, Norway
This is hard.  I figured, with a major milestone such as 100 posts, I should do a "Best Of" post.  Best 10 posts?  Best 10 pictures?  Top 5 Most Popular posts (as defined by some Blogger algorithm?)  It wasn't clear.  So I went back to Post 1 and started reading.  Maybe inspiration would strike like the proverbial bolt of lightning.  Well, no such luck.  Instead, my list of favorite posts AND pictures ballooned like a warren of rabbits left to do what they do best … While reading Post 73 (3/9/18), I realized that it described a thorough analysis that I had ALREADY done of my first 12 months of posts - duh!  And it's probably no coincidence that Post 73 is one of my 5 most popular posts.
Maple leaves, Raby Castle gardens

OK, let's simplify, baby, and focus only on posts since 3/9/18.  Well, I got close, but some of my favorites were just too hard to jettison no matter when they were published - and who writes this blog, anyway?  So, here are MY top 10 posts (and to take the easy way out, they are in date order.  This post needs to get published SOME DAY in my lifetime!)

ONE: Down the Riviera, July 8, 2017

A Young Samurai
Reading this post still makes me break out in giggles, especially when I get to the photo of "A Young Samurai".  Not to mention Quiffy and The Hen.  This post, about my in-laws' allotment (read: garden) in the UK, was a breeze to write because "The Riviera" holds so many memories for all of us.  It is a beautiful haven that I eagerly anticipate each time we visit.

TWO:  Man with Hat, July 14, 2017

Of course, I had to include this one … maybe it will be visited more and put Spousal Unit back in the Top 5 Popular posts - you know, he asks about it all the time!  OK, serious now.  It meant the world to me to incorporate one of our love songs, If I Should Fall Behind, by Bruce Springsteen, into this Happy Birthday post for my better half.  And, importantly, my spouse became forever known in the blogging world as Man with Hat.


THREE: Helping Dreams Come True, September 10, 2017

I love making dreams come true, be they big or small.  It has been done for us, and now we are in the position to do the same.  In this post, I wrote about an epic trip with my Mother and my oldest sister, fulfilling some of their life-long desires.  Yep, it was epic - it took four separate posts to cover it all!
Fairmont Banff Springs

FOUR: Meadows of Muker, September 26, 2017

"An idyllic slice of the world - truly the epitome of the English countryside".  Can you tell I like walking the footpaths of the UK?  This post combined so many of my favorites - sharing the world's beauty as tour guide for others, walking/hiking, the UK, and captivating photos (in my opinion).
Near Muker, UK

FIVE:  Graduate with Hat, May 3, 2018

Pride.  Heart-popping, buttons-on-the-vest-busting pride.  Not that we had any doubt, but we were still pretty puffed up when #1 Daughter graduated from the University of Cincinnati on April 28.  And, of course, as a recent graduate she had the right to inform me that the title of the post, more accurately, should have been Graduate with Cap.  "But I get it, Mom; I get the nod to Man with Hat."  Thanks, sweetie.  I also loved the family time documented in this post, including a birthday meal with #1 Son (20!), and the nostalgic return to Cleveland.  We will always adore our Camelot Drive and Geauga family!!!
Chagrin Falls, Ohio

SIX: Awesome April, May 10, 2018

OK, I think you know by now that I like the outdoors and wildlife.  So this post caught my eye - how much the environment around us was changing in just six short weeks.  And the coyote snapped by my trail cam.  And the antics of an adorable black bear (from a distance) captured by a cam in Glacier National Pak - the whole world was waking up, just like that bear!




SEVEN:  May at Warp Speed, May 31, 2018

Our side deck
OK, I think you know by now that I like to check tasks off my list (even though I am supposed to be letting go of perfection).  Well, May was a banner month for "get 'er done"!  Landscaping, interior decorating, tea towels, the piano move, the list goes on!  At least I could say that putting together the patio furniture was just so I had somewhere to sit to drink my wine!
Lower level guestroom with headboard hand-made by Spousal Unit

EIGHT: Another Day in the Neighborhood, June 14, 2018

OK, I think you know by now that I like the outdoors and wildlife.  (Yes, I know I already wrote that … but I REALLY LIKE WILDLIFE.)  Check out this post for deer, beaver, ground squirrels, turkeys, turtles and our very own black bear!

NINE: Jumpin' June, July 5, 2018

Warning - slight risk of repetition … more "get 'er done" accomplishments and more outdoors photos!  At least this offers ME cooking (for a change) and a badger video.  And mushrooms, if you are weary of flower shots!
Father's Day breakfast in bed; galvanized steel bar tray was also a Father's Day gift

TEN: Hiking Journal Entry 14 - Highline Trail, July 19, 2018

We made it!  Aren't you glad?  Hopefully you read this far, because I do think this journal entry is the best in many ways.  Who wouldn't enjoy hiking the Highline Trail in Glacier National Park with 100 of your closest friends?  Seriously, some trails stand out for me (and we have hiked A LOT); this is definitely in my top 5, ever.  Mountain views.  Abundant flora.  Waterfalls.  Unique fauna (marmots and mountain goats).  And, of course, a day out with Man with Hat.

Linking to:

All Seasons

I Like Thursday



Sharon's Photo Souvenirs

Skywatch Friday

Wandering Camera

Wednesday Around the World

Willy Nilly Friday





37 comments:

  1. Hey Angie, do you happen to like wildlife and being outdoors? lol I couldn't resist. I'm happy for you that you're living in the wonder of Montana. Congrats to #100 post! It's a feat to be celebrated, so I say.

    I love that headboard. Your Man with Hat is tres creative. Seeing it has me wanting to build something big with nails.

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  2. Angie, what fun! It is fun for all of us to have a look back and smile!

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  3. What a fun review! Loved all of it, although I wouldn’t have minded seeing more from the small island, because I love those posts so much, Montana, England, or elsewhere though,your posts are always so interesting and visually a treat...it had to be hard to pick your favorites. This retrospect was a really good idea and one I could easily be tempted to steal..er, copy ... sometime down the road.

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  4. Well Congratulations on 100 posts! YES this would be HARD to do! I can't imagine going back through and picking ten top ones...loved yours! (The bear in the tree, oh my!!!)

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  5. Beautiful series Angie, love them all.

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  6. Having happened upon your lovely blog only recently, Angie, I loved clicking on each post and reading and enjoying each one. Fabulous narratives and gorgeous photos. I must say.....love, love, LOVE the view from the place you post.

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  7. Congratulations on your 100th post! I always love coming by and seeing the wildlife and sharing your adventures. Looking forward to the next 100!

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  8. 100 posts, Congratulations. Just don´t stop there. :)

    Love the little Young Samurai.
    Nice post. You came a long way.

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  9. When we were younger and I was Man Who Put Up The Tent, our trips to
    WensleyDale were frequent and a drive over Muker way a must. I enjoyed your top ten Angie. Very windy here in Greece. We may have to stay extra days.

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  10. Hello Angie, congrats on your 100th post. I have enjoyed all your post and your beautiful photos. I love wildlife too. Fun post. Have a great day and week ahead.

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  11. Angie ~ what a great idea and congrats on your 100th post ~ Wonderful photos!

    Happy Day to you,
    A ShutterBug Explores

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  12. You were quite busy and such wonderful photos and stories. Blogging really does out do journaling, doesn't it. I'll have to go back and see what me last 100 posts were. I've jut begun my 9th year. Thanks for visiting the Gardening Spot, too.

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  13. What a wonderful review and your photos show the beauty of your day and travels. I love the headboard that the "man in the hat" made, it looks grand. Congrats on your 100th post, it's a great accomplishment.

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  14. Love the bears and the little Samurai. The views in Glacier National Park are stunning!

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  15. You go to a lot of beautiful places and it appears (vaguely) that you enjoy the outdoors and perhaps animals, too? I think I will have to go back and read a few of your posts to refresh my memory. Isn't the Banff Springs Hotel in the most stunning setting? My husband and I had afternoon tea there a few years ago and the view was superbly sensational!

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  16. Congratulations on your 100th post..so many beautiful places and photos in your posts. Will never tire of the outdoors, animals, plants and flowers photos. Spousal unit seems to be very handy!

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  17. Congrats on #100! Since we are new to your blog we enjoyed the look back.

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  18. I LOVE your guestroom headboard! Love it. That would look SO great at our cottage -- I need to show this to Rick. Not that it's his skill but you never know!

    Congratulations on 100 posts. The first 100 are the hardest, I think. And it's fun to have this look back, being a new reader! Thanks for finding me on Marmelade Gypsy!

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  19. I had to laugh Angie on your comment on my blog. Yes, beer and powdered donuts! And no I'm not pregnant...lol They became a tradition when my hubby went to a Walgreens (in the bottom of our hotel) when I was tired and cranky after a day of traveling and told him to buy some snacks. I had to laugh at the time and now they are part of our Disneyland trips. Happy 100! Kit

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  20. A nice selection here. I too love the English countryside, but it's been decades since I've been there.

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  21. Hi Angie, I just left a nice long comment on this fab post but got thrown off yet again by Spanish internet gremlins. I hope it reappears soon but in case it doesn't just wanted to say how much I enjoyed your Top 10 and hopefully visit again when I get back to Normandy.
    Maggie.

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  23. samurais and bears and mountains oh my! Congrats on the blog!!

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  24. I'm pretty sure that I could never choose a top 100, much less top 10 photos or posts!!! Congrats on the milestone and keep posting your wonderful photos.

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  25. congratulations! A lovely landmark.
    Amalia
    xo

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  26. ...first off, I try not to reread my first posts. You sure have seem some gorgeous sights. I have one question for you, how long did it take to pull this wonderful post together? Thanks Angie for stopping by, enjoy your weekend.

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  27. Wow great capture . Keep commenting on my blog because I love your comments.

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  28. I think you are being too modest. You have a lot of outstanding photos in every post. Google one of your more unique photos and see where you find it. You might be surprised. I think everyone should watermark, not just for yourself but for people who are looking for the source of that great photo.

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    Replies
    1. An older photo works best. Look at April 4, 2018, your collage with the quirky person made of signs.

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  29. What a great "Top 10", and congrats on 100!! I think I would have a hard time narrowing it down, but your selection here is wonderful!

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  30. Hello, wonderful photos and post. The bear images are great, awesome sightings. I always enjoy all of your post it is hard to pick a favorite. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Happy Saturday, enjoy your day and weekend. PS, thanks for the comment on my post.

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  31. Too hard to pick a favorite out of this amazing collection. All i know is - whoever gets to adventure with you is lucky.

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  32. Hi Angie, congratulations on 100 posts. Sounds like there was lots of hiking and wildlife involved :-)

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  33. How do you even begin to select your favourites from 100 posts! You picked some wonderful ones. It was wonderful browsing them with you. Beautiful photos, and of course, I love the outdoor ones :)

    Thank you so much for linking up on Wandering Camera.

    -Soma

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  34. You can also print your blog into a book which I had done for the first 10 years of it..Something to leave to my daughter or something...Fun to look back on posts and thank you for sharing some of your favorites Angie...Michelle

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