tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6610533873276576716Thu, 26 Sep 2024 04:26:45 +0000PhotographyActivitiesFamilyShoppingHolidaysHomeBloggingFoodieTravelRecipeFriend Makin' MondaysHello MondayWeatherFlowersSeasonsChristmasMumWorkGardenCraftsOrganizationReviewDawnDiscoveryFavoritesBirthdaysFontsMusicWashingtonArtBlogHerClimateCookiesDecoratingDesignEasterEventsFashionGenealogyHaulAnimalsBakingBlack FridayBusinessClothesConferencesCookingCultureCyber MondayDDJ DesignsEnvironmentFacebookFeaturesFireworksFriendsFuneralsHalloweenHealthLazinessLifeMonthlyNatureOn the HuntPalouse FallsProductsRainbowsRelativesStudioTechnologyThe BouqsThoughtsTimeWritinghttp://blueskiesandmudpuddles.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.com (Jack McCallum)Blogger220125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6610533873276576716.post-2292865221980129226Wed, 01 Jun 2016 07:00:00 +00002016-06-08T12:08:34.965-07:00Blogging Finally! The new blog is up and running.&nbsp; If you get the chance, please hop over to... http://blueskiesandmudpuddles.com Don't forget to leave us a note! We love to hear from you!http://blueskiesandmudpuddles.blogspot.com/2016/06/weve-moved.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jack McCallum)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6610533873276576716.post-488321845356928445Sun, 03 Apr 2016 07:00:00 +00002016-04-07T13:15:11.314-07:00Blogging (c) 2016 Jack McCallum All I can say is "Ugh!" You would think it would be a simple process to make changes to this blog, but apparently there is a world of complications involved.&nbsp; It looks the projected April 4th launch date of the new blog is going to have to be pushed back.&nbsp; On the bright side, it looks like it may only be pushed back a few days but I'm actually going to push ithttp://blueskiesandmudpuddles.blogspot.com/2016/04/updates-on-changes.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jack McCallum)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6610533873276576716.post-7976919173594756892Mon, 28 Mar 2016 07:00:00 +00002016-03-28T00:00:02.734-07:00Blogging My apologies for being absent from the Blogosphere but there are big changes happening, and one of the places those changes are happening is this blog.&nbsp; I'm super excited to reveal all, but for now I'm concentrating on getting everything ready for launch. My projected "live" date for the new Blue Skies and Mud Puddles blog is April 4, 2016, but it is dependent on a few tweaks that need to http://blueskiesandmudpuddles.blogspot.com/2016/03/big-changes-are-coming.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jack McCallum)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6610533873276576716.post-3953272228202044479Fri, 27 Nov 2015 00:19:00 +00002015-11-26T16:19:13.825-08:00 I know I and my family have a lot to be thankful for, and this holiday always is a warm reminder to make that thankfulness know.&nbsp; I hope all of you have a warm and wonderful Thanksgiving holiday, and that you spend it with those you hold near and dear.&nbsp; As for me, I'm skipping the shopping this weekend and focusing on family time.http://blueskiesandmudpuddles.blogspot.com/2015/11/a-time-for-thankfulness.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jack McCallum)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6610533873276576716.post-3933722535659671896Mon, 19 Oct 2015 07:00:00 +00002015-10-19T00:00:13.685-07:00FamilyPhotographySeasons The Family has been going through a rough patch lately (something I'll share a little later), so I decided that we would take a little trip to a Pumpkin Patch in the next county.&nbsp; It's a Pumpkin Patch we visit every year, and though we had discussed not going this year - I felt the Family was entitled to a fun day trip. Plus, what better way to pick out your pumpkins for the http://blueskiesandmudpuddles.blogspot.com/2015/10/day-at-pumpkin-patch.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jack McCallum)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6610533873276576716.post-512268133392740315Mon, 12 Oct 2015 07:00:00 +00002015-10-12T00:00:05.989-07:00ActivitiesPhotography My family love to take a drive around the area we live in.&nbsp; We're lucky.&nbsp; We live in this wonderful area where there is the ocean, mountains, forests, rivers, lakes, streams, and lots of trees.&nbsp; And, at this time of the year, everything seems to be more alive.&nbsp; It is a feast for the senses.&nbsp; Colors are more vibrant; temperatures are crisper; every smells clean; and http://blueskiesandmudpuddles.blogspot.com/2015/10/favorite-time-of-year.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jack McCallum)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6610533873276576716.post-6651081106466741764Mon, 05 Oct 2015 04:49:00 +00002015-10-04T21:49:18.556-07:00BusinessClothesDawnDDJ Designs Exciting news! Dawn has been bugging me to do something.&nbsp; She has been wanting to start her own business, so she and I sat down and talked about what it would look like.&nbsp; In the end, we decided on tee shirts and sweat shirts. Dawn is super excited, and she is filling a little notebook with ideas she has for future designs.&nbsp; It's nice to see her so enthusiastic about something http://blueskiesandmudpuddles.blogspot.com/2015/10/tee-shirt-designs.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jack McCallum)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6610533873276576716.post-2600274420251182722Mon, 07 Sep 2015 07:00:00 +00002015-09-07T00:00:09.218-07:00BirthdaysDawn Today is my little sister's birthday.&nbsp; Okay, let's face facts... She isn't "little" anymore.&nbsp; However, to me, she will always be my little sister.&nbsp; To you, she is Dawn.&nbsp; To me, she is Monkey.&nbsp; To you, I am Jack.&nbsp; To her, I am Frog. But, I digress... On this joyous occasion, I would like to share a sampling of the reasons why I am so very grateful for her birthdayhttp://blueskiesandmudpuddles.blogspot.com/2015/09/happy-birthday-dawn.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jack McCallum)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6610533873276576716.post-6630926980810114604Thu, 13 Aug 2015 07:00:00 +00002015-08-13T00:00:01.303-07:00Shopping I don't know about you, but when I was a kid I looked forward to the closing of summer.&nbsp; I didn't do it because I wanted to return to school (far from it), but I always knew that once August arrived - school supplies would be featured in the stores. I love school supplies.&nbsp; Some might call it an obsession, but I love stocking my office with different colored pens, 3-ring binders, http://blueskiesandmudpuddles.blogspot.com/2015/08/school-supplies-season.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jack McCallum)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6610533873276576716.post-2459457819579651694Wed, 12 Aug 2015 07:00:00 +00002015-08-12T00:00:03.942-07:00ChristmasCraftsHalloweenHolidaysShopping The other day I took the Fam to the craft store to pick up a few things.&nbsp; We had such a good time, that I thought I would take this opportunity to share what we bought.&nbsp; One of the first things we bought were these fabulous little tablets.&nbsp; We loved how colorful they were and the upbeat messages they carried. I could not believe the stores are already displaying http://blueskiesandmudpuddles.blogspot.com/2015/08/craft-store-haul.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jack McCallum)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6610533873276576716.post-7917184459034200715Mon, 10 Aug 2015 07:00:00 +00002015-08-10T20:42:20.110-07:00GardenThis year the family planted a garden.&nbsp; We did it a little differently, though.&nbsp; We planted our little garden in buckets.&nbsp; You know the kind... those 5 gallon buckets you can buy at any home improvement store.&nbsp;&nbsp; We simply bought a bunch, I drilled holes in the bottom of them to allow for proper drainage, and we filled them with potting soil and planted little start plantshttp://blueskiesandmudpuddles.blogspot.com/2015/08/bucket-garden-harvest.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jack McCallum)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6610533873276576716.post-2653395662113300570Mon, 10 Aug 2015 07:00:00 +00002015-08-10T20:42:41.698-07:00Recipe One of the favorite dishes my family enjoys during those hot summer days is Mum's Southwest Greek Salad.&nbsp; We had it the other night, so I thought I would share the recipe with all of you. You'll need a can of black beans, a can of corn, sweet peppers, a Walla Walla onion, pine nuts, romaine lettuce, grape-sized yellow and red tomatoes. For the dressing, you'll need 1 tablespoon http://blueskiesandmudpuddles.blogspot.com/2015/08/recipe-southwest-greek-salad.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jack McCallum)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6610533873276576716.post-170983674881329552Wed, 05 Aug 2015 07:00:00 +00002015-08-05T00:00:02.302-07:00Fonts<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 <![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 9]> http://blueskiesandmudpuddles.blogspot.com/2015/08/fontalicious-fun.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jack McCallum)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6610533873276576716.post-7170992410542432815Tue, 04 Aug 2015 07:00:00 +00002015-08-04T00:00:01.333-07:00MumTechnology I finally stepped into the 21st century and bought a smart phone.&nbsp; I know... I know... The last mobile phone I purchased was back in 2007.&nbsp; It was one of those LG Chocolates that were suppose to not only be good mobile phones but also be really good for playing music.&nbsp; FYI... It wasn't.&nbsp; At the time, I cringed at the purchase because it was a lot of money for a phone, but Ihttp://blueskiesandmudpuddles.blogspot.com/2015/08/stepping-into-21st-century.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jack McCallum)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6610533873276576716.post-1615890844841485841Mon, 03 Aug 2015 07:00:00 +00002015-08-03T00:00:08.951-07:00FoodieRecipe A great summertime treat my family loves is Crab and Cucumber salad.&nbsp; It is fresh and cool, especially on these hot summer days, and it is one of those dishes that can serve as a nibble or a meal.&nbsp; Even better, it is quick to make - less than 10 minutes if you have all the ingredients at the ready.&nbsp; So, I thought I would share the recipe with you... All you need is an http://blueskiesandmudpuddles.blogspot.com/2015/08/recipe-crab-and-cucumber-salad.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jack McCallum)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6610533873276576716.post-4335262216598066147Wed, 15 Jul 2015 07:00:00 +00002015-07-15T00:00:08.838-07:00Photography I've have been a busy bee.&nbsp; Between starting the process of shutting down one business and starting a new business, I've been snapping photographs for weddings and engagements.&nbsp; June is always the time for weddings (and engagements), but this year has been a lively one. Here are a few videos I created from a wedding and engagement session I did in June.&nbsp; Just be aware that http://blueskiesandmudpuddles.blogspot.com/2015/07/busy-bee.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jack McCallum)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6610533873276576716.post-469961283171300874Fri, 29 May 2015 07:00:00 +00002015-05-29T00:00:01.892-07:00FavoritesJune is here in a few days! Can you believe it?! I'm shocked at how quickly this month has flown by, but it has and I have a few favorites to share. This spiral-bound notebook is my first favorite.&nbsp; I bought this notebook at Barnes and Noble for my mum.&nbsp; She lost her last notebook and had been lamenting the loss, so I bought her a new one.&nbsp; The notebook is to mark the 25th http://blueskiesandmudpuddles.blogspot.com/2015/05/may-favorites.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jack McCallum)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6610533873276576716.post-2455491751202151379Mon, 25 May 2015 17:53:00 +00002015-05-25T10:53:01.502-07:00Holidays It's Memorial Day.&nbsp; While most of us look at this as a 3 day weekend filled with grilling, camping, and the unofficial start of summer, for others it is a time to remember those who have passed before us and to honor those who fought for our country.&nbsp; However you celebrate this holiday - please take a few minutes to remember those you've lost and honor those who stood up to defend http://blueskiesandmudpuddles.blogspot.com/2015/05/memorial-day.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jack McCallum)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6610533873276576716.post-5884007572616195881Tue, 12 May 2015 07:00:00 +00002015-05-12T00:00:06.755-07:00HolidaysMumReview On Sunday, May 10, 2015, a lot of people in this country was celebrating their mums.&nbsp; Not this family.&nbsp; It wasn't that we didn't think Mum was worth celebrating, but rather we didn't want to celebrate Mum on the same day everyone else was celebrating.&nbsp; Why? Because restaurants, parks, and other places we would go are packed with people.&nbsp; So, this lovely woman was http://blueskiesandmudpuddles.blogspot.com/2015/05/celebrating-mum.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jack McCallum)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6610533873276576716.post-289962275049244267Tue, 05 May 2015 07:00:00 +00002015-05-05T00:00:07.146-07:00FlowersPhotography Every March and April, the fields where we live spark to life with great bursts of color from the daffodils and tulips.&nbsp; When May arrives, those bursts of color come from the variety of irises. I love irises, so I thought I would share a few photographs I took of these dainty, yet brilliant flowers. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Happy Tuesday!http://blueskiesandmudpuddles.blogspot.com/2015/05/blooming-irises.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jack McCallum)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6610533873276576716.post-2568932906988584023Mon, 04 May 2015 07:00:00 +00002015-05-04T00:00:03.826-07:00FavoritesWell, I haven't been as good at blogging this year as I had planned.&nbsp; I know... I know... Same story - different day.&nbsp; But since I was a bit lax on keeping up, I thought I would include a Favorites post.&nbsp; This time, I'll cover my favorites from March and April. My first favorite is Arcona's White Team Purifying Cleanser.&nbsp; I received a sample of this product in a beauty baghttp://blueskiesandmudpuddles.blogspot.com/2015/05/march-and-april-favorites.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jack McCallum)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6610533873276576716.post-1424854057268299118Mon, 23 Feb 2015 08:00:00 +00002015-02-23T00:00:18.708-08:00Recipe Many moons ago, I worked for a company that specialized in seafood.&nbsp; The plant I worked at manufactured surimi (imitation crab meat), and did a lot of research and development.&nbsp; While there, I got to indulge in a crab dip that was made by one of my co-workers using the surimi the company made.&nbsp; It was so good, I got the recipe from her and brought it back to Mum. After some http://blueskiesandmudpuddles.blogspot.com/2015/02/recipe-crab-dip.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jack McCallum)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6610533873276576716.post-6779961339328058033Wed, 18 Feb 2015 19:34:00 +00002015-02-18T11:34:31.481-08:00FamilyPhotography It never ceases to amaze me how people can all witness something, but see it in as many different ways as there are different people.&nbsp; This was especially true when I took Mum and Dawn out to enjoy the sunshine and snap a few photographs. With cameras in hand, we went out to capture the spring-time weather we've been experiencing all winter.&nbsp; Here are a few images we snapped. http://blueskiesandmudpuddles.blogspot.com/2015/02/perspective.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jack McCallum)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6610533873276576716.post-4085007664058909904Fri, 13 Feb 2015 08:00:00 +00002015-02-13T00:00:08.425-08:00Recipe Are you looking for a fabulous treat to celebrate Valentine's Day? Well, I've got the one for you! Even better? It doesn't have to be Valentine's Day to enjoy it! My family loves this quiche.&nbsp; Even better, we love veggie quiche.&nbsp; Here is the tried and true recipe we use.&nbsp; It's easy and a crowd pleaser. First, put the tablespoon of EVOO into a fry pan and add the peppers, http://blueskiesandmudpuddles.blogspot.com/2015/02/recipe-veggie-quiche.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jack McCallum)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6610533873276576716.post-2718796124335731322Thu, 12 Feb 2015 08:26:00 +00002015-02-12T00:26:07.750-08:00CookiesHolidays I remember being in elementary school and having to fill out all those little Valentine's Day cards for my fellow classmates (and teacher) every year.&nbsp; It was a total event... Mum would take Dawn and I to the store to pick out the perfect boxes of Valentine's cards for our respective classes.&nbsp; Once we got home, Dawn and I would settle in at the kitchen table and pick out the perfect http://blueskiesandmudpuddles.blogspot.com/2015/02/valentines-day-cards.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jack McCallum)0