Monday, October 31, 2011
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Saturday, October 29, 2011
10-29-2011
We are experiencing our 1st snow storm of the season. Charlie called me Thursday evening on his way home from work to tell me he heard we were supposed to get 4-6 inches of snow this weekend. I told him he was crazy and that obviously was not the forecast for Pennsylvania.
Then, on my way to work yesterday morning, I heard the same darn forecast. From Philly! So, when I got to work, I checked the local news website. Sure enough, they were calling for lots of snow. And so was the weather channel. I refused to believe it. It seemed impossible yesterday afternoon with the temperature in the 50's and blue, sunny skies.
We went to deck hockey this morning for 0900. By the time we finished that around 1030, the minivan had a nice layer of big, fluffy, wet flakes over it. So did the parking lot. It's now about 1545 and I'd say we have about 4 inches of snow. the roads are trecherous and 32,000 people are without electricity. Wow! Happy Halloween! I supoose we could look at this as another trick from Mother Nature.
Then, on my way to work yesterday morning, I heard the same darn forecast. From Philly! So, when I got to work, I checked the local news website. Sure enough, they were calling for lots of snow. And so was the weather channel. I refused to believe it. It seemed impossible yesterday afternoon with the temperature in the 50's and blue, sunny skies.
We went to deck hockey this morning for 0900. By the time we finished that around 1030, the minivan had a nice layer of big, fluffy, wet flakes over it. So did the parking lot. It's now about 1545 and I'd say we have about 4 inches of snow. the roads are trecherous and 32,000 people are without electricity. Wow! Happy Halloween! I supoose we could look at this as another trick from Mother Nature.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
10-25-2011
Last night Lily was inducted into her Brownies Troop. Luke and I attended the ceremony. The treat afterwards was brownies of course!
Charlie continues to have rhonchi, rubbing, and wheezing throughout his lung fields. Will be calling the doctor today and asking for a respiratory consult.
Luke is going on a field trip today to Crystal Cave. Hoping he has a great time! He was supposed to have a playdate this past Saturday, but had a cold and we had to cancel it.
Charlie continues to have rhonchi, rubbing, and wheezing throughout his lung fields. Will be calling the doctor today and asking for a respiratory consult.
Luke is going on a field trip today to Crystal Cave. Hoping he has a great time! He was supposed to have a playdate this past Saturday, but had a cold and we had to cancel it.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
10-16-2011
Good weekend with out any rain! Yesterday we had deck hockey from 0900 to 1030. Then we did a bunch of running around. Charlie and Lily went to the high school football game last night and styed until half-time. It was Lily's first football game. Luke and I stayed home and watched Modern Marvels on Netflix.
Today we did stuff around the house all day and were very productive. Felt great!
Today we did stuff around the house all day and were very productive. Felt great!
Thursday, October 13, 2011
10-13-2011
It's raining.....again. We did manage to squeeze in a trip to Weaver's Orchard this past Saturday while it was sunny and warm. Of course, everyone in the tri-county area had the same idea and the place was packed!
Charlie continues with a hacking, non-productive cough. He's had it for about a month and had a CXR on Tuesday that they tell us is clear. Seems hard to believe given how his lungs sound. So, he's taking zithromax and an inhaler. Hope he gets better. He hasn't missed any work and actually sounds better than he did a week or 2 ago.
We continue learning about the ipad Charlie bought. We have a cable so we can hook it to the big screen TV and watch Netflix stream videos. The kids are enjoying a mirror app that distorts their features and garage band where they make up and play their own songs. Lots of entertainment value.
Charlie continues with a hacking, non-productive cough. He's had it for about a month and had a CXR on Tuesday that they tell us is clear. Seems hard to believe given how his lungs sound. So, he's taking zithromax and an inhaler. Hope he gets better. He hasn't missed any work and actually sounds better than he did a week or 2 ago.
We continue learning about the ipad Charlie bought. We have a cable so we can hook it to the big screen TV and watch Netflix stream videos. The kids are enjoying a mirror app that distorts their features and garage band where they make up and play their own songs. Lots of entertainment value.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
10-4-2011
We all had a wonderful weekend! After school on Friday I took the kids up to P&J's for a weekend sleepover. They went to Tobias' Aanimal Farm on Saturday for a fall festival and had a great time by all reports. Lily held a snake during a reptile show. Both loved the petting zoo and outdoor playground.
Charlie and I did the 4 Centuries in Berks Historic Homes Tour. This year the area explored was Wyomissing and it was the best tour to date. We loved it! Lots of great houses. It took us the entire day to do them all. We stopped off at Dunkin Donuts on our way and snacked on donuts and coffee on the drive between houses. Afterwards we went to Austin's for dinner. We really had a great time. It was a year ago that we had the hostage crisis next door. It sure was nice not to have that stressor this year!
As I type this it's early Tuesday morning and I'm on a rocking chair by a window in my bedroom. Lily is asleep in my bed and Luke asleep in Charlie's bed. Charlie left for his job in Wynnewood about an hour ago. The heat is on (we turned it on Sunday morning and knock on wood it seems to be working) and we are warm and cozy. Life is good!
Charlie and I did the 4 Centuries in Berks Historic Homes Tour. This year the area explored was Wyomissing and it was the best tour to date. We loved it! Lots of great houses. It took us the entire day to do them all. We stopped off at Dunkin Donuts on our way and snacked on donuts and coffee on the drive between houses. Afterwards we went to Austin's for dinner. We really had a great time. It was a year ago that we had the hostage crisis next door. It sure was nice not to have that stressor this year!
As I type this it's early Tuesday morning and I'm on a rocking chair by a window in my bedroom. Lily is asleep in my bed and Luke asleep in Charlie's bed. Charlie left for his job in Wynnewood about an hour ago. The heat is on (we turned it on Sunday morning and knock on wood it seems to be working) and we are warm and cozy. Life is good!
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
9-20-2011
Busy, busy, busy....that's how it feels around here! Getting into a routine with the kids being back in school.
Sunday Sept. 11th we went to the Gibney Family Reunion. At first I thought it felt weird to do something fun like that on the tenth anniversary of the terrorist attacks. Then I realized it was the perfect thing to do. Spending the day surrounded by family, sharing memories and creating new ones was a perfect celebration of life.
I volunteered in the kid's school on Thursday and got a lot done in the workroom for the teachers. It helps me feel connected to what's going on in their days.
Friday Gail Grill, a student of mine from last year, met me at the house after work. She is going to stay with the kids ,here at home, from 0545 until 0845 on Monday, Wednesday, Friday. That way Charlie can go to work in Wynnewood at his regular time (0515) and get a lot more done in his day. When he had to wait until 0845 to take the kids to school it put him at the job site around 1000. I really like Gail and think it will work out well. The kids met her Friday after school and didn't have a lot to say. Yesterday she came for the first time to watch them. Neither Luke nor Lily will give me many details. Gail said it went fine. The plan at this point is to do this while Charlie is working further away. Once he returns to local jobs, I'm hoping he can take back over the morning watch.
Saturday was the first day of fall deck heck at Ozzie's. Both Luke & Lily are playing this season. After hockey, Lily and I went to the Oley Fair. Charlie is getting over being sick and didn't want to go. Luke feels like he is getting sick and didn't want to go. Lily and I had a good time.
Sunday Lily and I traveled to Mom and Dad's to see Michael who is in from Kansas for a visit. Jill came over. I haven't see her in almost as long as I haven't seen Michael. I was expalining to Lily on the drive up that we don't have a lot in common with Jill or Michael other than the fact that we are family. Sad, but true. In any event, it was nice to have a visit. On the way home, Lily talked me in to stopping off at a Chinese buffet. That was probably the highlight of the trip, for both of us!
Sunday Sept. 11th we went to the Gibney Family Reunion. At first I thought it felt weird to do something fun like that on the tenth anniversary of the terrorist attacks. Then I realized it was the perfect thing to do. Spending the day surrounded by family, sharing memories and creating new ones was a perfect celebration of life.
I volunteered in the kid's school on Thursday and got a lot done in the workroom for the teachers. It helps me feel connected to what's going on in their days.
Friday Gail Grill, a student of mine from last year, met me at the house after work. She is going to stay with the kids ,here at home, from 0545 until 0845 on Monday, Wednesday, Friday. That way Charlie can go to work in Wynnewood at his regular time (0515) and get a lot more done in his day. When he had to wait until 0845 to take the kids to school it put him at the job site around 1000. I really like Gail and think it will work out well. The kids met her Friday after school and didn't have a lot to say. Yesterday she came for the first time to watch them. Neither Luke nor Lily will give me many details. Gail said it went fine. The plan at this point is to do this while Charlie is working further away. Once he returns to local jobs, I'm hoping he can take back over the morning watch.
Saturday was the first day of fall deck heck at Ozzie's. Both Luke & Lily are playing this season. After hockey, Lily and I went to the Oley Fair. Charlie is getting over being sick and didn't want to go. Luke feels like he is getting sick and didn't want to go. Lily and I had a good time.
Sunday Lily and I traveled to Mom and Dad's to see Michael who is in from Kansas for a visit. Jill came over. I haven't see her in almost as long as I haven't seen Michael. I was expalining to Lily on the drive up that we don't have a lot in common with Jill or Michael other than the fact that we are family. Sad, but true. In any event, it was nice to have a visit. On the way home, Lily talked me in to stopping off at a Chinese buffet. That was probably the highlight of the trip, for both of us!
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
9-6-2011
Lots and lots and lots of rain. I made snickerdoodle cookies for us to have as an after school treat. And creamy homestyle chicken for supper.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
9-2-2011
Holy Cow....so much has happened since I last posted. Where to begin?
The day we returned from OCMD there was an earthquake in Virginia, not terribly far from where we were on the road driving home. We knew absolutely nothing about it until Dad called Charlie's cell phone and told us. The radio in the minivan doesn't work. It shorted out a few days before we left for the beach. Some of the towns we drove thru had sirens going, but we didn't think anything of it at the time. Another example of ignorance being bliss.
Then the weekend following our return we had Hurricane Irene. She was a pretty big deal up and down the east coast as millions lost power and experienced storm damage. We kept power, but lost 2 big trees next to the barn and lots of branches and leaves. The trees kept blowing in a scary way, so we hung out in our emergency closet and watched DVDs. Better safe than sorry. It was kinda fun. Like a camping adventure.
Then that Monday the kids started school. Lily thinks her teacher (Mrs. Reimert) is very nice. She's not happy there are some special needs kids in her class who act out, but overall seems okay with the state of things. Luke isn't too enthusiastic about school or his teacher. He wants to try home schooling. I'm asking him to hang in there until Christmas and then we'll re-evaluate.
This past Thursday marked the end of week 1 of the school year. We celebrated by having a scavenger hunt with treats all along the way. The kids loved it!
The day we returned from OCMD there was an earthquake in Virginia, not terribly far from where we were on the road driving home. We knew absolutely nothing about it until Dad called Charlie's cell phone and told us. The radio in the minivan doesn't work. It shorted out a few days before we left for the beach. Some of the towns we drove thru had sirens going, but we didn't think anything of it at the time. Another example of ignorance being bliss.
Then the weekend following our return we had Hurricane Irene. She was a pretty big deal up and down the east coast as millions lost power and experienced storm damage. We kept power, but lost 2 big trees next to the barn and lots of branches and leaves. The trees kept blowing in a scary way, so we hung out in our emergency closet and watched DVDs. Better safe than sorry. It was kinda fun. Like a camping adventure.
Then that Monday the kids started school. Lily thinks her teacher (Mrs. Reimert) is very nice. She's not happy there are some special needs kids in her class who act out, but overall seems okay with the state of things. Luke isn't too enthusiastic about school or his teacher. He wants to try home schooling. I'm asking him to hang in there until Christmas and then we'll re-evaluate.
This past Thursday marked the end of week 1 of the school year. We celebrated by having a scavenger hunt with treats all along the way. The kids loved it!
Yesterday Charlie and Luke bought BB guns at Wal Mart. They dream of wounding/killing the groundhogs that are all over the property. We shall see...
Today Charlie and the kids are at Dorney Park enjoying themselves. I had no desire to go and am enjoying the peace and quiet here at home. A win-win for everyone!
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Monday, August 22, 2011
8-22-2011
Charlie and the kids are at the Jolly Roger Amusement and Water Park today. They packed a bag of drinks and snacks but forgot it here in the room. I called and offered to drive it to them, but they declined. lily in particular seemed pleased with the fact that they'd have to buy whatever they needed.
Kathy, Ben, and Adan left for home. Adan got 2 hermit crabs to have as pets before they left. It certainly made leaving much easier for him and was a stroke of genious on Kathy's part.
I'm hanging out solo in the hotel room. Doing a little puttering around the room. Reading. Snacking. Took off my nail polish. Will soon get a shower. Blogging. It's sunny and hot in the sun and I have no desire whatsoever to face that.
I was awake before sunrise, but didn't feel like getting out of bed and going to the beach for the photo op. We all slept/stayed in bed until around 0730. I suppose that's what vacation is all about.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
8-21-2011
Started today off watching the sun rise by myself on the beach. I saw dolphins swimming not too far off shore. It was so beautiful I told Charlie it was much more of a religious experience than going to church. I had problems with my camera, but managed to get some good pictures of both the sunrise and the dolphins as well as seagulls and some other kind of bird I find quite entertaining as it eats along the water's edge.
I came back to the room and Charlie, Lily, and I went for breakfast. Luke was still asleep in the room with Kathy, Ben, and Adan. We came back after hanging out for a while under a nice shady pergola and everybody but me went miniature golfing across the street from the hotel.
Once they came back we went poolside for lunch with eveybody for pizza. Charlie and Lily are still out there. Luke hasn't wanted to do anything but hang out in the room and watch TV since they got back from miniature golf. I'm in the room with him. The sun is pretty intense and I don't mind being in the air conditioning as opposed to the heat 1 little bit.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
8-20-2011
At the beach....Left home yesterday quite early, around 0600. Arrived at the beach around 1045. We changed into swimsuits and hit the beach for the afternoon. Clouds started rolling in along with some thunder that had the life guards clearing the beach. so, off we went to Grotto Pizza, which hit the spot perfectly. After our early dinner we took a drive south along the Coastal Highway to the end of the boardwalk and across the bay. Then we headed back to the hotel and met up with Kathleen in our hotel room. A long day for sure, but happy we arrived safe & sound and the kids are thrilled to be here.
This morning Lily and I headed down to the beach around 0545 to watch the sun rise and get some great pictures. Then we went to Dunkin Donuts for cofee. Charlie and the kids took a bike ride from our hotel on 145th street all the way to 1st street. There they went to Ripley's Musuem. They took the bus back to the hotel since they were too exhausted to ride their bikes back. We're currently hanging out in the hotel room, getting ready to go down to the beach soon.
This morning Lily and I headed down to the beach around 0545 to watch the sun rise and get some great pictures. Then we went to Dunkin Donuts for cofee. Charlie and the kids took a bike ride from our hotel on 145th street all the way to 1st street. There they went to Ripley's Musuem. They took the bus back to the hotel since they were too exhausted to ride their bikes back. We're currently hanging out in the hotel room, getting ready to go down to the beach soon.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
8-18-2011
Packed and ready for the beach. We plan on leaving tomorrow morning by 0600. I did not want to go and tried my best to weasle out of it. But Lily was very determined that I go and Charlie and Luke said they wanted me to go, although they would respect my decision to stay home. So....I'm going.
The kids are sooooo excited. They were in full gear all day today. They played in the barn with water balloons while I got us packed.
Praying for a safe, healthy trip.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
8-14-2011
Finished up back to school shopping yesterday. I took each child separately. They only needed a few things each. I did get them each a new pair of sneakers. So, they're all set.
Yesterday Charlie and the kids took the canoe to try to find the dock. They found it on an island about 3 miles fromhere. Charlie dis-assembled the whole thing and boated it across the river piece by piece. Then he loaded it into his truck and brought it home. Good thing they went yesterday because it's been raining ever since. The river is up 4 feet since yesterday.
Not too much going on today. Just chilling at home.
Yesterday Charlie and the kids took the canoe to try to find the dock. They found it on an island about 3 miles fromhere. Charlie dis-assembled the whole thing and boated it across the river piece by piece. Then he loaded it into his truck and brought it home. Good thing they went yesterday because it's been raining ever since. The river is up 4 feet since yesterday.
Saturday, August 6, 2011
8-6-2011
We got our back to school packets in the mail today. Wow did the summer go fast! I don't know Luke's teacher and haven't heard of anyone else we know in his class yet. Lily's teacher I know vaguely from volunteering last year in the school work room. She doesn't seem overly warm & fuzzy. Hoping I'm wrong about that. We haven't heard of anyone we know in Lily's class yet either. I put out emails and a posting on Facebook.
This morning Charlie & the kids went to Sam's to buy a new bed for me & Charlie. We HATE the bed we bought a few years ago. But....we are making interest-free payments on it until 2013. Out of a misplaced sense of I don't even know what, I insisted on sleeping in that God awful bed at least until we paid it off. However, I have been having too many aches and pains and think the bad bed has something to do with it. So....Charlie talked me into a new bed. $319 from Sam's Club.
The other big ticket item Charlie and the kids purchased while at Sam's was a big screen TV. 32 inches. Now mind you, we still do not have any kind of cable or satellite television service. So we'll be using the big screen for DVD's and the kids to play Wii. Maybe we'll look into a video streaming online service in the future. I knew they'd come home w/ a big screen even though I told Charlie not to. I wasn't at all surprised. He sent Lily into the house when they got home to break the news to me. Not worth getting upset over. plus, I was all hepped up over the school packets.
This morning Charlie & the kids went to Sam's to buy a new bed for me & Charlie. We HATE the bed we bought a few years ago. But....we are making interest-free payments on it until 2013. Out of a misplaced sense of I don't even know what, I insisted on sleeping in that God awful bed at least until we paid it off. However, I have been having too many aches and pains and think the bad bed has something to do with it. So....Charlie talked me into a new bed. $319 from Sam's Club.
The other big ticket item Charlie and the kids purchased while at Sam's was a big screen TV. 32 inches. Now mind you, we still do not have any kind of cable or satellite television service. So we'll be using the big screen for DVD's and the kids to play Wii. Maybe we'll look into a video streaming online service in the future. I knew they'd come home w/ a big screen even though I told Charlie not to. I wasn't at all surprised. He sent Lily into the house when they got home to break the news to me. Not worth getting upset over. plus, I was all hepped up over the school packets.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
7-31-2011
Charlie took the kids to Dorney Park on Friday with Kathy and Adan. They had a great time and didn't get home until after 11 pm! It was the perfect day to enjoy the water park because with the heat index it was 104!
Dad fell yesterday into his boat while baling out water from his dock. Today he's very stiff and borrowed a cane from Gram Ada to walk this morning. Thank God he didn't break his neck!
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
7-22-2011
Record setting heat today....106 degrees. I made plans for the kids to go to work with Charlie this morning until 0900. Then Kathy would pick them up and bring them here to stay inside in the comfortable air conditioning.
The 1st sign that things were not going as planned came when I arrived home and couldn't open the kitchen door. Lily had turned on the whole house fan. What this does is suck in air from outside the house. Not good when the temperature outside is 106. And they did not have on any of the ceiling fans. So, they all sat in the living room on the sofa. Sweating. And red. And wilted. Not good. The temp. in the living room with the AC running was 89.
I was not at all pleased. I basically sent Kathy and Adan packing. It took several hours to get things back to 'normal'. Of course, having air conditioning on such a day is a blessing. Even more so when used properly!
Thursday, July 21, 2011
7-21-2011
It's 102 degrees outside. The kids and I have been inside all day. Luke is watching a DVD and Lily was watching Mario on the laptop.
Tomorrow is suposed to be even hotter. Kathy was supposed to watch the kids at her place. Since they do not have air conditioning I made the suggestion that Kathy come to our house. So that's the game plan.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
7-16-2011
We went to see the final Harry Potter movie in 3-D yesterday afternoon. I'm sooo glad we did. It was wonderful! The best 1 in the series. Charlie and I both cried at the end. And I'm so happy we saw it in 3-D and before I started hearing chatter about it from others. VERY, VERY GOOD!
Afterwards, we stopped off at Schells b/c Charlie had to use the bathroom. He and the kids got ice cream to top off the afternoon.
Then we came home and started watching Harry Potter DVDs that we have.
A nice way to spend a Friday afternoon as a family!
Today we did work around the house all morning then ran errands in the afternoon. Charlie and the kids are coming up from the dock and I'm making roasted potatoes and hamburgers for supper.
Afterwards, we stopped off at Schells b/c Charlie had to use the bathroom. He and the kids got ice cream to top off the afternoon.
Then we came home and started watching Harry Potter DVDs that we have.
A nice way to spend a Friday afternoon as a family!
Today we did work around the house all morning then ran errands in the afternoon. Charlie and the kids are coming up from the dock and I'm making roasted potatoes and hamburgers for supper.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
7-12-2011
We sure have been enjoying our summer. Last Friday Charlie was off and spent the day with the kids. They went miniature golfing, had lunch at Five Guys Burgers and Fries and then went to Blue Marsh Lake. Unfortunately, they weren't at Blue Marsh very long when thunderstorms moved in and they had to leave.Still and all, they had a very enjoyable day.
Sunday we went with P&J on a bus trip to Baltimore Inner Harbor to the National Aqarium. We spent the entire day at the aquarium and had a very nice time. Lily's favorite things were: the escalators, buying a turtle braclet and necklace, being with family, and the revolving doors. Next time we can save a trip and just go to the mal(ha,ha).
Yesterday, I took the kids to Blue Marsh for the afternoon. It was so cookin' hot, even I spent almost all my time in the water. we had lots of fun. When we pulled into Blue Marsh the kids told me Charlie paid on Friday even though no one was at the guard house and they had an "honor box" set up. I explained that Charlie and I believe in karma and even though we may not be reward that day for doing the right thing, eventually we will be. Luke goes, "well mom...how's that workin' for ya?" Too funny!
Kathy has been taking them swimming to Debbie's on Wednesdays and Fridays when she watches them.They play "name a body part" on the way home. She told them they could not name inappropritate body parts. then she dropped her glasses and said "oh, nuts." They immediately jumped on her for saying an inappropriate body part. they're quick!
Sunday we went with P&J on a bus trip to Baltimore Inner Harbor to the National Aqarium. We spent the entire day at the aquarium and had a very nice time. Lily's favorite things were: the escalators, buying a turtle braclet and necklace, being with family, and the revolving doors. Next time we can save a trip and just go to the mal(ha,ha).
Yesterday, I took the kids to Blue Marsh for the afternoon. It was so cookin' hot, even I spent almost all my time in the water. we had lots of fun. When we pulled into Blue Marsh the kids told me Charlie paid on Friday even though no one was at the guard house and they had an "honor box" set up. I explained that Charlie and I believe in karma and even though we may not be reward that day for doing the right thing, eventually we will be. Luke goes, "well mom...how's that workin' for ya?" Too funny!
Kathy has been taking them swimming to Debbie's on Wednesdays and Fridays when she watches them.They play "name a body part" on the way home. She told them they could not name inappropritate body parts. then she dropped her glasses and said "oh, nuts." They immediately jumped on her for saying an inappropriate body part. they're quick!
Monday, July 11, 2011
Monday, July 4, 2011
Saturday, July 2, 2011
7-2-2011
Great start to the long weekend. Yesterday I took the kids to Blue Marsh for a couple of hours to play in the sand and swim. They had a great time. I did too, except that I stepped on a bee and it stung me. I had to send the kids alone to the minivan to get me baking soda to put on the sting. They crossed the parking lot by themselves. I was quite nervous, but it couldn't be helped. They did a great job taking care of me, then getting right back to fun and games.
Today we enjoyed time down at the dock. Charlie did some fishing from the canoe. Luke took the kayak out for a little fishing, although he stayed tethered to the canoe for safety.Lily swam. I read. we had hamburgers and chips dockside. Very nice. Now we're pooped and hanging out in our bedroom watching a Harry Potter DVD.
Today we enjoyed time down at the dock. Charlie did some fishing from the canoe. Luke took the kayak out for a little fishing, although he stayed tethered to the canoe for safety.Lily swam. I read. we had hamburgers and chips dockside. Very nice. Now we're pooped and hanging out in our bedroom watching a Harry Potter DVD.
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