Tags
#IAmDowntown, #OCanadayyc, Alberta, Birthday, Calgary, Canada, Canada Day, Canadian, celebrate, Diana Schwenk, humour, Hump Day Chronicles, living in the moment, Tourist in my own city, Urban Living
*** WARNING. THIS POST IS A TAD LONGER THAN MY USUAL POSTS. BUT DON’T WORRY, I’VE INCLUDED A LOT OF PHOTOS TO DISTRACT YOU***
“Sure,” they said, when I asked to take their picture. He told me he’s been in Calgary since 1992. “Awesome! I’ve been here since 1990,” I said.
Oops, look at me jumping into the middle of a story. Sorry about that!
Yesterday I went downtown to celebrate a birthday. Canada’s birthday, to be exact. She’s 147 and she’s looking ‘not too shabby.’
Anyway I asked this lovely family if I could take their picture because they looked so…
…well they looked so Canadian.
It was a gorgeous sunny day, about 24c when I headed downtown. I cut through Central Memorial Park and saw this.
I’ve always just assumed, by the clothing worn by this horseman, that this statue was in memory of those who served in WWI. Yesterday, I decided to walk up to the plaque and read it.
Would you look at that! It says, “In memory of the brave men of the province of Alberta who in the South African war of 1899-1900 gave their lives for their country’s honour.”
Hey Bulldog! Seems we’re loosely connected outside of the blogosphere 🙂
Bulldog isn’t the only blogger I was reminded of yesterday. This post seems to be following in the magical styles of Andrea who gives clear directions to would-be travelers when she visits other countries; minus the whole clarity thing she employs. And Ann who shares photos that complement the themes of her posts; minus the whole stay on theme bit she uses.
Leaving Central Memorial Park, I walked 4 blocks north and turned east onto Stephen Avenue. This is what I saw. Canadians everywhere, in every direction!
It’s not very clear, but if you click on the above picture and squint at the bottom right hand corner, you can almost see the table with cowboy hats for sale. And that’s because starting on Friday we’ll be welcoming hundreds of thousands of tourists who will be coming to the 102nd Annual Calgary Stampede and Exhibition!
What’s that I am hearing? I continued east to follow the music and came upon these two guys…
When they were done playing is the exact moment I spotted that very Canadian family in my first photo. So now that you’re caught up, let’s just move along, shall we? 😀
A whole gaggle of Canadians were gathered at Olympic Plaza and asked by the emcee to sing Happy Birthday to Canada.
How bossy!
She also told us to tweet out about the goings on using #IamDowntown or #OCanadayyc so I tweeted this picture out.
I am so compliant.
Hey! Stop laughing!
I didn’t stick around at Olympic Plaza, deciding instead to head north again into the East Village.
Look at all those Canadian flags on the roof of that building!
I turned west and stalked walked behind this family. I snapped this picture because I’ve just always thought that photos of people walking away were cool.
I’ve seen family portraits like that, they’re awesome – you should do a family shot like that – seriously!
Why are you still here??
I stopped to shoot this picture because I was remembering that last year at this time, the Bow River was so high that it almost covered that arch. As a matter of fact, the place I stood to take this picture was under water last year. If you click to enlarge the photo you’ll see that there is also vehicle traffic at a lower level below the arch.
They’ve been in Calgary since 1990. They’re originally from Newfoundland, and although I’ve never been to Newfoundland, I have met many Newfoundlanders and they are, by far, in my humble opinion, the friendliest people on earth!
See that little girl in the front? Did you notice her totally awesome over-the-shoulder-hand-bag? Well, when I told the family I was a blogger and asked to take their picture, she immediately insisted on putting my business card in her purse when I offered it. ❤
As I was walking away, I asked myself, “What kind of Nut Job asks complete strangers if she can take their picture?” Oh well…it’s not like I’m going to change that about myself any time soon. 🙂
Everywhere I went, every direction I looked, every time I turned around, I saw one or more Canadians.
Was there a convention in town or something? 🙂
~ HUMP DAY CHRONICLES ~
If you’re a Canadian, how did you spend Canada Day?
And if you’re not a Canadian, how did you spend Canada Day?
earthriderjudyberman said:
Just to clarify, Diana … We only had one bad day involving a dining experience in Montreal. I don’t want to judge that gorgeous city on a rude waiter or two. 😉 Our other visits in that city were wonderful. Quebec also was very welcoming. 😉
When we first planned to visit Paris, several people warned us about how rude Parisians were to Americans. Nothing could be farther from the truth. We had an excellent time there and have visited there four times.
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dianasschwenk said:
Judy, I’ve heard that about Paris – I’ve never been, but I hear that if you’re a people-watcher, that’s the place to go!
My parents went once and they loved it there. 🙂
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earthriderjudyberman said:
Well, I’m so sorry that we missed this party. The farthest north we got on our travels was Syracuse where we did see a lot of Canadians. But they were Canada Geese just wandering thru Onondaga Lake Park in Liverpool, NY. We also visited Watkins Glen by Seneca River.
I loved your photos and story, Diana – especially the “I’m so compliant” tweet. Very amusing. I think that I’d react the same way. We’ve loved our visits to Canada at Algonquin Park, Montreal, Quebec and Toronto when we lived in Syracuse. Thank you for the happy reminders that there’s a whole other section of Canada that we have yet to see. 😉
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dianasschwenk said:
If you ever come to west Judy, let me know – I’ll be your tour guide!
Incidentally, I am originally from Montreal, a great city with a European flair. I often tell foreigners if they can only visit one city in Canada, make it Montreal. 🙂
Diana xo
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earthriderjudyberman said:
Diana … Thanks for the offer to be our tour guide. We did love Montreal. While we did have one bad experience there while dining out, we had several more delightful ones that prompted us to return. I loved the city’s vibrancy, its great food and the music – jazz – that we heard on the street while heading to another great restaurant.
We also bought two lithographs in Montreal that make me chuckle every time I look at them. One is by Normand Hudon, “L’objet d’art du Balcon d’art” (1988). Nuns are leaving an art exhibit carrying the painting they’re in as priests head toward the same shop. The other is by John Der, “Papa c’est a ton tour.” It’s of a little hockey player waking up his very sleepy Dad to go play hockey. 😉
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dianasschwenk said:
haha, we do love our hockey Judy!
I’m sorry to hear you had a bad experience in Montreal. In the rest of Canada I often hear people say that Quebecers are rude. It was not my experience growing up there, but I think I understand why others think that.
When I first moved out west, I had to learn not to say everything that popped into my head, or offer my unsolicited opinion to everyone. Apparently, that’s rude.. who knew?
Quecbers shoot from the hip, they are direct. They don’t mean harm. They’re simply starting a discussion… and if they tell you that you look stupid in that dress, they’re just doing you a favour…
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Caitlin | belong with wildflowers said:
You keep being you, picture asking + all, because you are wonderful! I loved this little inside look to Canada. I’ve dreamed of moving there one day since I was a teenager. Thanks for sharing!
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dianasschwenk said:
Really Caitlin? Where do you live?
Diana xo
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elizabeth2560 said:
Happy Canada Day.
BTW, great to see how you define yourself “I told the family I was a blogger” 🙂
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dianasschwenk said:
It’s fun Elizabeth – I think in another life, I was a journalist!
Diana xo
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Jacqui Murray said:
Jennifer sent me and I’m so glad she did. I love patriotism and string basses so this is a hit. Thanks, Diana!
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dianasschwenk said:
Hello Jacqui and welcome! I’m so glad Jennifer sent you over – she’s awesome!
I’m headed to your place now to have a look around!
Diana xo
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peakperspective said:
What a beautiful day, what a memorable day. Much happiness to Canada!
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dianasschwenk said:
Thank you so much!
Diana!
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Janet Davis said:
I spent Canada Day watching whales and icebergs while sailing in Bonavista Bay, Newfoundland, where we’ve only been Canadians for 65 years! I’m a seventh generation Newfoundlander, but only a 1st generation Canadian!
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dianasschwenk said:
Hi Janet!
Yes! Newfoundland did not join Canada until 1949! I love how you spent Canada Day Janet. One day I will make it out to visit your beautiful province!
Diana xo
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Jennifer's Journal said:
I hope you do visit us one day, Diana. xo
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dianasschwenk said:
Oh I SO want to Jennifer. ❤
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Jennifer's Journal said:
Hey, Janet. So nice to see you here with your comment! I love how you spent Canada Day too. Livin’ the life! 🙂
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Minuscule Moments said:
Diana i really enjoyed your sun filled Canadian day and the fact you ask complete strangers to pose for you. One of my favourite countries to visit.
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dianasschwenk said:
Thank you so much – Canada loves visitors! ❤
Diana xo
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loisajay said:
First of all: Jennifer sent me! Second: I love this post! I am one of those stalkers who takes pictures of people walking away. There is just something fun about that. And second: Yes! I am one of those nut jobs who asks people if I can take their picture (when I am not taking a pic of them walking away), and they always say ‘yes.’ Happy Birthday to Canada and Happy Fourth to me in the USA!. Great post, Diana.
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dianasschwenk said:
Hi Lois and thank you for visiting talktodiana! I’m glad I’m not alone in my photo taking boldness. It always amazes me how happy people are to let me take their photo.
I’m grateful to Jennifer and you for dropping by.
Diana xo
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Pingback: Friday Bouquet #2 | Jennifer's Journal
dianasschwenk said:
Thanks Jennifer! You’ve made my day! xo
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Jennifer's Journal said:
My pleasure, Diana. It may not drive much traffic to your blog, but you are someone I appreciate so very much. You deserve recognition. ❤
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dianasschwenk said:
🙂 ! ❤ Thank you so much!
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ladyfi said:
Looks like a wonderful day out.
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dianasschwenk said:
It was a load of fun, thank you ladyfi!
Diana xo
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rachelcarrera said:
What fun! I love all your photos, and yes, even the family walking away. I always do those at the end of a portrait session. Canada Day is always such fun! My BFF lives in Toronto and I try to spend at least a month with her each year. She always gets so tickled at how much I love the Canadian flag. She always buys me maple leaf items when I’m there. 🙂
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dianasschwenk said:
She sounds like a jewel of a friend. How did you meet her?
It was a beautiful day, weather-wise and other wise. Glad you enjoyed the pictures Rachel. 😀
Diana xo
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rachelcarrera said:
We actually met in Miami at a Monkees concert in the early 90s. LOL! Yeah, I envy your weather (as well as a lot of other stuff Canada has to offer). Thanks for sharing all the details! 😀
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dianasschwenk said:
haha you should come in the winter Rachel! 😉
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rachelcarrera said:
Actually, I LOVE it there in the winter. (I’m one of the odd ducks that LOVE snow.) Every time it snows there, my BFF emails me a photo or video. LOL
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dianasschwenk said:
Rachel, now I’m questioning your sanity! 🙂
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rachelcarrera said:
LOL! You aren’t the first one who has. 😀
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Sheryl said:
Canada Day looks like a really fun day. I love the red shirts. They look so festive.
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dianasschwenk said:
Where you are the red, white and blue, we’re the red, white! ;p
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Eric Alagan said:
What a great birthday bash – Many thanks for the pictures, as it helped to bring me there 🙂
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dianasschwenk said:
Glad you enjoyed it Eric!
Diana xo
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stuffitellmysister said:
What fun pics and folks! Thanks for the tour….loved it! Happy Day. Every Day! ♥
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dianasschwenk said:
Why, thank you very much my dear – Happy every day to you too and a special wish for your 4th of July celebrations!
Diana xo
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Jean said:
Sure were some patriotic folks that you met. Glad the weather was fabulous in Calgary. We enjoyed C-day (sounds like a Caesarean birth.) in Vancouver. Went for a 52 km. ride which included an evening ride to a large free botanical garden with a rise and view of city.
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dianasschwenk said:
Wow Jean – that sounds wonderful! Will we be seeing a pictorial post from this trip?
Diana xo
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Family to the 5 Power! said:
Happy Canada Day! Great photos and an interesting post. As a serious hockey family, we’ve enjoyed your awesome country on countless weekends over the years. If my son is playing in Canada, we know the team he’s playing is going to be GOOD!
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dianasschwenk said:
Aww, that’s so kind of you to say! Thank you!
Diana xo
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Wyrd Smythe said:
Happy Canada Day, Lady Di! Have you ever seen the gigantic flag the Toronto Blue Jays bring out to celebrate the day? (Icing on the cake, they had an exciting win against the Brewers yesterday!)
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dianasschwenk said:
No I’ve never seen that Smitty! I don’t follow sports really, although seeing any game live is very exciting!
Happy 4th of July to you on Friday!
Diana xo
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Wyrd Smythe said:
Thanks! The 4th of July is a bit weird for me, since it is (or should be) my wedding anniversary. Ah, well, so it goes. 😕
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dianasschwenk said:
ohhhhh mental note to self: If I ever get married, don’t do it on a holiday….
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Wyrd Smythe said:
Yeah, it messes with your head (although having fireworks at our wedding was kinda neat). I had an beloved uncle who died on the 4th, so there’s actually a double-whammy involved!
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dianasschwenk said:
Ouch! So sorry to hear that. My dad’s father died on my dad’s birthday. 😦
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Wyrd Smythe said:
Oh, that’s a good “Ouch!” too! Bummer!!
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bulldog said:
Now that I realise you assisted the Brits in their war against us, I need to reassess our friendship… Oh what the hell you are to nice not to like and remain friends with… although your friendly banter with the Americans might just have a return now from the South Africans … lol… I loved this post and definitely not your normal, but it was so enjoyable you should do it more often…
Just for your info in case you didn’t know… 244 Canadians, all volunteers died in the Boer War… not the best of wars for the British and their colonies… seeing it was the British that started the concentration camps that gained such popularity by the Germans in the second world war… 26 000 women and children lost their lives to diseases in these camps… Oh well it all happened so many years ago now that all is forgiven… just thought you might like a bit of our history…
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dianasschwenk said:
so we fought against you? 😦 Darn Brits were always dragging us through their wars back then!) Thank you for your forgiveness. ❤
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bulldog said:
We chirp the Brits like you chirp the Americans… lol
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markbialczak said:
I am not a Canadian, but I am a fellow nut job! I totally take strangers’ pictures all the time. Sometimes I even tell them afterward that they’ll be in my blog, Diana, and give them my card, just like you did. Sometimes I just put their pictures in my blog, no notice at all. Maybe that’s even nuttier, I suppose.
Congratulations on making me feel totally left out for not being a Canadian yesterday. I love the color and pageantry of Canadian day in Calgary. It was beautiful, and you caught it very well, indeed. I’m glad the arch is again an arch and not an underwater fish ornament.
Let’s see. On Canada’s big day, I was writing two blogger blog stories, and I was going to city hall in downtown Syracuse to play my quarterly taxes, and I was golfing in my golf league. On Friday, my dear wife Karen and I will be doing something to celebrate America’s birthday. We want to see fireworks, but haven’t decided where yet.
I love all your pictures today, Diana, and the post did not seem long at all to me. 🙂
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dianasschwenk said:
Awesome Mark – if feels good not to be the only nut job! Thank you!
As for feeling left out:
I have heard this before. We Canadians know that everyone wants to be a Canadian as shown in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWQf13B8epw
If you and Karen ever make it to Calgary for a visit, I will declare you honourary Canadians and provide tour guide services to you in Calgary and to our national park in Banff!
I noticed you said you were playing your quarterly taxes. Did you mean paying. Or was it a clever way to compare paying your taxes to playing the lottery; as in you never know if you’re going to win or lose?
Thank you for graciously making your way through my unusually long post Mark.
Diana xo
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markbialczak said:
Bad typo. Down boy. Of course paying, not playing.
Yeesh.
Karen and I will graciously take you up on your companionship when we find our way up to your lovely part of our world, Diana!
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dianasschwenk said:
🙂 !
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cyclingrandma said:
Gorgeous- have to get there one day!
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dianasschwenk said:
That would be wonderful Lisa, I would be delighted to show you around. 🙂
Diana xo
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Val Boyko said:
Happy Day indeed 🙂
I did a cultural quiz to see which country’s values I was most aligned to …. came out Canadian 🙂 Which makes some sense as I’m a Scot living in the US!
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dianasschwenk said:
Val that is just wonderful! Were you born in Scotland?
Diana xo
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sedge808 said:
Looks like u had a great time.
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dianasschwenk said:
I did Gavin, thank you!
Diana xo
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Margot Schwenk said:
Dear Diana,
What a beautiful story about Canada Day and the people. Dad and myself are so proud to be Canadians. There is no other Country like that where people can enjoy the freedom and we are so happy and thankful for all the things we were able to achieve and to give our children a better future.
Happy Canada Day.
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dianasschwenk said:
Thanks Mom! I’m glad too that you immigrated to Canada and that me and Mike grew up here. ❤
Diana xo
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Jennifer's Journal said:
I feel as if I was there with you, Diana. Wonderful, wonderful photos! Calgary did Canada proud on her birthday. 🙂
We painted our little town, and ourselves, red and white as well. There were walking parades, shows, music, bbqs, cake, flag-raisings, and fireworks. Everyone was in a patriotic community spirit. We had such fun.
Thanks for mentioning the friendly Newfoundlanders. xo
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dianasschwenk said:
Sounds like you had a great Canada Day too Jennifer! And regarding the Newfoundlanders; I’ve been saying they’re the friendliest people on earth for a long, long time because it’s true!
Diana xo
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Jennifer's Journal said:
🙂 ❤
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bodhisattvaintraining said:
I had my long hair cut very short on Canada Day, and then came home from a few days up the coast 🙂
Loved your post, and photos.
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dianasschwenk said:
Sounds like a great way to spend Canada Day! Thanks so much for stopping by! 🙂
Diana xo
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billgncs said:
happy birthday 🙂 – so if someone is wearing a bright red shirt, they’re Canadian ?
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dianasschwenk said:
I would never make such a bold claim Bill! I said they ‘looked’ Canadian…and I believe that besides the red, there are maple leafs and the word Canada or Canadian all over their clothes too! 😀
Diana xo
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billgncs said:
are you labeling them ? 🙂
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dianasschwenk said:
LOL, they labeled themselves, so to speak, but I think I may label you! ;p
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billgncs said:
just teasing – looks like you live in a really neat place.
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dianasschwenk said:
haha! I think I do!
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