I will admit to being more than a bit surprised when my blogging friend, Ruth, suggested I take part in the WP Weekly Photo Challenge: My 2012 in Pictures. It’s a testament to her skills for persuasion that I’ve actually decided to take part, flu and all.
Here are 12 photos that I’ve shared this past year. Because the recipes of Mom and her Sister, my “Zia”, form the heart of my blog, it is only right that I begin with a photo of Zia, in her element, not long before her 90th birthday. With Zia to open the collection, who better to close than my Marilyn Monroe?
Thank you, Ruth, for the suggestion and encouragement. For those interested in seeing how this challenge should be met, click HERE to see Ruth’s response.
Click HERE to view the Challenge and its participants.
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Click to enlarge each individual photo.
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We will return to our normally scheduled programming on Wednesday.
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Lovely, especially the first and the last! 🙂
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Thanks. Have a great New Year!
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Lovely idea. I hope you recover from the flu quickly.
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Thank you, Maria. I’ll be fine soon enough and then I won’t have to worry about catching it again for another year, at least. 🙂
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Gorgeous post, John! Loved the photo of Zia when you first posted it, and it still made me smile today! With your love of roses, can I suggest that you visit my friend Glenda’s blog at Passion Fruit Garden? She’s based in Perth and grows over a hundred different roses, and writes regular posts on them. Here’s the listing for her “Rose of the Week” category:
http://passionfruitgarden.com/category/rose-of-the-week/
All the very best for a fabulous 2013! xx
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Thanks, Celia, for steering me to Glenda’s blog. I hit “Follow” after looking at the first few roses. They’re gorgeous! She must have a beautiful garden.
Thanks, too, for your kind words. No review of my year would be complete with a photo of my Zia, front and center.
I hope 2013 is a wonderful year for you and all whom you hold dear, Celia.
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Yes! Excellent choices in response to the challenge, John. I’m excited you decided to participate, flu and all. Wow. I knew your post would be wonderful. It is incredibly satisfying to see the summation of the Bartolini Kitchens efforts for 2012. Maybe you will inspire fellow food bloggers to follow suit and post their year in photos. Smidge? Greg? MD? Chica? Claire? Fun to make stock and now time to take stock of all the delicious posts we have heartily enjoyed. Happy New Year to you and feel better soon.
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I had been working on a few ideas, and now I see a nice lovely format! Happy New Year Ruth x
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Thanks, Ruth, for your generous comments and for convincing me to take part in the challenge. I never would have considered it had you not suggested I participate.
I hope 2013 is a wonderful year for you and yours, Ruth.
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I like each and every photo!! Of course, Zia touches my heart, her smile is very warming. I struggle with taking photos, but definitely see yours keep getting better and better! The shots of your roses are always stunning and the food of course, makes me want to sit down and join you!
Hope you feel better soon, there’s a New Year ahead of you with lots of cooking and photo shooting to be done!!
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Thanks, Lynda, for leaving such nice compliments and well-wishes. I’ll agree my photography has improved but your photography, as well as pretty much all of the blogs I follow, is in another class altogether. It is a skill, though, and just like making ravioli, the more you do it the better you become. 🙂
This “bug” is going to run its course, no matter what I do about it. I’ll be fine in a couple days.
I hope 2013 brings you and yours great happiness and peace, Lynda.
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John, how in the world did you narrow it down to 12? Love the photo of Zia. Sorry to hear you have the flu. 😦 Hope your feeling better soon. 🙂
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Thanks, Richard. I’m sure I’ll be back up to snuff in no time. As for choosing the pics, I went with the ones that had received the highest praise during the year. Why not consider doing it yourself? You certainly have plenty of photos from which to choose. 🙂
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A beautiful record of your year! Artichokes, figs, ravioli…. delicious! I hope you’re feeling better soon and ready to start 2013!
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Thank you so much. I’ll be fine soon enough. I hope the New Year is a joy-filled one for you and yours.
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Zia’s photo is my favorite! The dog at the beach comes second, the figs come third, the others tie for fourth place… 🙂
Flu = NOT FUN
Hope you recover quickly… Have a Wonderful New Year!
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Thank you, Sally. I, too, love that photo of Zia. She’s at her best when she’s making pasta. And that pic of Max at the beach pretty much sums up our trips to Michigan in Summer. He gets to romp without a leash and enjoys every minute of it.
As for the flu, well, this, too, shall pass …
Wishing you and yours the happiest of New Years!
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What a wonderful way to end the year. I have so enjoyed your wonderful food blog. I’ve learned much and fed my family well off your recipes. Glad you took Ruth’s advice. Praying for your speedy recovery. HAPPY NEW YEAR!
BE ENCOURAGED! BE BLESSED!
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Thank you, Francine, for your kind words. I hope 2013 is a very good year for you and your wonderful family.
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All grand pictures indeed, but the picture of Zia and the caprese cocktail are still my two faves. Feel better soon, John…like by tomorrow! 🙂
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Thanks, Betsy. I may not meet your tomorrow deadline but I’ll get through this soon enough. On the plus side, this is probably the most rested I’ve ever been for New Years. 🙂
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All lovely photos, especially Zia and Marilyn Monroe. I am intrigued by the shadows in the Caprese Cocktails photo – the shadow in the back, I see someone offering a toast; the shadow in front, I see a bear and a mouse behind the bear.
Hope you get rid of the flu real soon.
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Thanks, Norma, for the compliment and well-wishes. Funny thing about those shadows. I was so intent on snapping the photos, trying to include the stemware and full shadows, that I didn’t even think about the shapes until later when I was uploading the photos. I could have rotated the glasses or rearranged their contents hoping for a better image. It’s always something, isn’t it? 🙂
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I am glad you did not retake the Caprese Cocktails photos.
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Thank you, Norma. 🙂
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Pingback: The twelve months of 2012 « Kerry Dwyer
This all looks amazing. You shouldn’t be surprised at all that she asked you.
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Thanks, Greg. You’re a talented photographer and that means a lot coming from you.
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Wonderful photos – all of them!
Sorry to hear you have the flu, John. I hope you make a speedy recovery and have a happy and healthy 2013 🙂
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Thank you, Marianne. I’ll be fine soon enough, rest assured.
Wishing you and yours a wonderful New Year.
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Love the pictures John! I’m not sure I could pick a favorite. I love your picture of Zia, because she’s a special person and an inspiration, but I cannot resist a dog in action!!! But, those figs are so gorgeous as is the picture of Florence! Wonderful photos! Happy New Year John!
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Thanks, Tanya, for leaving such a nice comment. This was a nice exercise and it afforded me a chance to go back through all of the year’s photos. What a year!
Have a wonderful New Year, Tanya!
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And what a year it was! Thanks for the re-cap. I love the figs, the jam ingredients and the dog in flight. Happy New Year, John and I hope 2013 is good to you xx
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Thanks, Charlie, for the compliments. That pic of Max still makes me smile. He gets out on a beach and becomes a puppy all over again.
I hope you and your beautiful family have a wonderful New Year.
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That Marilyn sure is a stunner and so is Aunt Zia! What a smile and such sweet, sparkling eyes. Have a very Happy New Year John. Take care and enjoy all the new year has to bring.
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Thank you, Geni, for your kind words. Zia is something, isn’t she?
I hope 2013 is filled with happiness and peace for you and your family.
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Lovely photos. I really like the one of Zia, in large part, I think, because I feel as if I know her so well from everything you’ve written. She sounds like a neat lady. And I was scratching my head over the Marilyn Monroe reference until I saw the picture! Very funny. 😉 I hope you have a Happy New Year!
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Thanks, John. You probably haven’t followed my blog long enough to know that Marilyn is but one of my “celebrity” roses. Along with Marilyn, there’s Queen Elizabeth, Judy Garland, Helen Hayes, & Elizabeth Taylor. Not knowing that, I can imagine you might have been a bit confused. 🙂
Wishing you and your family a most Happy New Year!
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Ha ha – I was expecting a photo of Marilyn Monroe movie star and I was about to say, “I bet Zia is better company and better cook!” Great pictures regardless – Happy New Year 😉
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Thanks, MD. Anything I can do to confuse my loyal readers …
Hope yours is a fantastic New Year!
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Not an original thought to offer! A lovely array of photos with your Zia in her right place as the Matriarch, and I also love both that perfect rose and the frolicking pup! Take care of the flu, John: sounds as if you won’t be dancing the light fantastic this year. But the we here are counting down the hours at the moment and you have another sleep to go 🙂 ! Happy New Year and thanks!!
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Thank you, Eha, for the compliments and well-wishes. Meeting you was one of this year’s high points, to be sure.
Here’s wishing us all a joyful and prosperous 2013!
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Yep, but then you have not read my ‘bossy’ comments on another blog, huh? Meant well . . . hope for well . . . get well . . . [OK, Eha!]
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I did read them and took them for what they were: well-meaning advice. I’ll be heading to bed very shortly, Doctor Eha. 🙂
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I enjoyed seeing the photo of your Zia – the matriarch of your family and the inspiration for all your wonderful recipes.
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Thank you, Colline. She’s something, isn’t she? Happy New Year!
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Mmmmmmmmmmmm peaches and figs! Great year in review, John.
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Thank you, Teri. Those figs made a delicious jam!
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John, beautiful photos!
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Thank you, Judy. 🙂
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All these photos are great, but the one of the homemade mozzarella + tomatoes makes my mouth water. (Now I’m off to raid the refrigerator for a poor commercial substitute…)
Hope you’re feeling better soon! What a bummer to have the flu over the holidays. 😦
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Thank you so much. Making mozzarella is tricky business but, when successful, a platter like that one pictured makes it all worthwhile. It is such a trea!
I’ll be fine soon enough. I’m just glad that I felt fine for Christmas. I had a very good time with my family and would have hated to have missed it. Thanks for the well-wishes.
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Gorgeous pictures!!!
I love seeing everyone’s year in pictures…it is such a special way to view the year!
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Thank you and you’re so right. This challenge gave me the opportunity to review the year through my photos, certainly a different experience for me. It was definitely worthwhile.
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Beginning with your Zia on ravioli day, what else could it be but a feast? A feast of scrumptious ingredients, fresh and bursting with their natural flavours. Beautiful. Happy New Year to you and your family, John.
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Such a nice thing to say! Thank you.
Wishing you and all whom you hold dear a New Year filled with Peace and Joy.
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Thank you John. 🙂
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So sorry to hear you have the flu John. Hope you are better soon. Fabulous shots from the year that was 2012. May 2013 be the most incredible year!
🙂 Mandy xo
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Thanks, Mandy. I’m on the end and will be fine in no time. Better watch out! 😉
I hope when 2014 comes around, you’ll be able to say that 2013 was the best year ever.
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Very special photos! I love the photo of the Caprese Cocktails with the shadows. And Max playfully enjoying the water is a favorite, too, but Zia leads the way. I hope you both have a very special year in 2013. I have really enjoyed spending time with you this year, John. I am sure you’ll be delivering up some more special recipes and family memories in the coming year! It’s a wonder to me that you have so many family recipes to choose from! 🙂
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Thanks, Debra, for writing such nice compliments — but you always do. 🙂
I’ve enjoyed getting to know you and your family, Debra, in 2012 and look forward to getting to know you better as 2013 progresses. I was very fortunate to be raised in that two-flat where there were 3 very talented cooks at work every day. Those 3 ladies really knew their stuff! It’s a pleasure learning their recipes. You can almost feel their presence in the kitchen.
Wishing you and your wonderful family a very Happy New Year, Debra!
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Lovely stuff John,
Happy New Year,
Conor
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Thanks, Conor. I hope 2013 is a good year for you and your family.
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Lovely to look back John, it’s been a fun and busy year hasn’t it! wishing you th every best for 2013, and looking forward, so much to seeing what it bring us all. Claire x
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It has been a good year, Claire, and getting to know you has been one of its bright spots. Have a wonderful New Year!
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Ah, Zia, Max and Marilyn…all beautiful! A very Happy New Year to you John and looking forward to 2013…
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Thanks,Tanya. Looking forward to the new treats and dishes that you’re going to prepare for us in 2013. Happy New Year!
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Loved the photo of your Zia, so special! Beautiful collection of photos!
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Thank you so much.
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Great choices for your year-end gallery!
Happy New Year, John!
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Thanks, Marie. It was a fun challenge, definitely worth the time.
Hope you and your beautiful family have a wonderful New Year!
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Lovely set of pictures, John. Have a good celebration tonight and a very Happy New Year:)
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Thanks, Roger. I hope 2013 proves to be a great year for you and Jenny.
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John, your photos are so striking. Each one is special in its own way, but it’s your picture of your Zia that touches my heart. I remember this picture from the original post; she looks so lovely, like everyone’s favourite aunt! Second is that picture of Max at the beach; it simply captures the essence of a day well spent.
Feel better soon! I was sorry to see you’ve ha the flu, but hopefully you’re back on your feet for New Year’s. Wishing you all the best for 2013 and looking forward to more good things from the Bartolini kit hens!
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Thanks, Mar, for writing such a nice compliment and for the well-wishes. No pictorial review of the year would be complete without Zia in the forefront. Without her help, I would have run out of recipes long ago. As for Max, well, to know me is to know my Max. 🙂
I’ll be back at 100% in no time, not to worry. I hope 2013 is a very good year for you and yours, Mar.
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Your photos have me craving summer food John! Especially the Caprese and peaches. Mmm! Happy New Year to you and Zia! Looking forward to following along (and making more of your delicious food) in 2013! 🙂
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Thanks, Kristy! I hope you and your wonderful family have a fantastic 2013. I look forward to going on another round of culinary voyages with you all.
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Wishing you a quick recovery and lots of R and R. All of your photos are gorgeous however, I love Zia and all of here stories and her smiles, so of course she is my favorite. As far as your still shots, the one of your peas is quite stunning. However, I can’t really choose as I love them all. Take care of yourself and wishing you the very best in 2013! BAM
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Thanks, BAM, you are so very kind. Zia is the very heart of this blog. Her photo had to be front and center. This was an interesting exercise for me. I’ve never considered the photos to be separate from the food/recipes. To go through them and select some to stand of their own was a new experience, one that I enjoyed.
Don’t you worry, BAM, I’ll be in tip-top shape in no time.
Wishing you and your family peace, love, and joy in 2013.
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I would LOVE to spend a day with Zia. Imagine what I could learn! I’d also take that dog to the beach. 🙂
Happy New Year, my friend!
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Zia is the most welcoming person, Maureen. She would love to have you visit and you’d both have a wonderful time. Max was meant for the beach. He absolutely thrives in the water. He’s something to see.
I hope you and your family have a Healthy and Happy 2013!
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Pingback: Weekly Photo Challenge: My 2012 in Pictures | Promenade Plantings
Lovely picture of Zia. I also favor the crocuses….. Happy New Year John!
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Thanks, David. You should consider participating, for you’ve shared so many wonderful photos.
And a Happy New Year to you and yours, too.
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I guess the flu influenced some of your choices after all, i see bowls and bowls of vitamin c! I missed the beach post though somewhere along the line, what a happy happy dog! Have a lovely day john, the sun is out!! Hope you are feeling better.. c
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Thank you, Celi. I had a better night last night, even Dr. Max gave me more room. He must think I’m improving. That pic of him at the beach was one of a number I shot when I visited Zia last Summer. I shared one in my Vacation Post and this one was on Facebook.
Isn’t the sun glorious? What a great start for the New Year! I hope 2013 is a good year for us all!
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These photos are incredible John! Happy New Year to you too! I love that one of Zia but then again the Ponte Vecchio in Florence is wonderful too, with the way you captured the reflection. The shadows that the Caprese salads make are so cool, it almost looks as if it’s a monster chasing a bear.
Your beautiful photos make me wish for summer light; only five more months to go.
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Oh I forgot to say, get well soon!
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Thanks, Eva, from my sickbed to yours!
I hope you’re feeling better soon, too.
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Thank you so much, Eva, for always being both complimentary and encouraging. As luck would have it, this is the coldest morning yet but the sun is glorious for the first time in well over a week. At some point, I’d like to get all bundled up and take a few photos for my posts. We’ll see. I can almost hear Mom telling me to “Get back into bed!” 🙂
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I made a gigantic pot of vegetable soup, I would suggest you do the same…nothing like home made soup when you’re not feeling well.
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Thanks, Eva. As luck would have it, next week’s post is the recipe for Mom’s broth. I’ve got a few quarts of it in my freezer that I made last week for the post’s pics. I, also, have a few quarts of turkey stock I made after Thanksgiving. I’ve never been so prepared! Fortunately, although I’ve still a good cold, I’m doing much better than that first night. I’ll be back to my ol’ self in no time. 🙂
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Glad to hear it.
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Thanks, Eva. I hope you’re feeling better, too.
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Oh no, the flu? Boo. I hope you’re feeling better, John. I hate hearing that your sick 😦
Your photos are simply perfect. I’m glad we aren’t supposed to pick a favorite! This is a beautiful selection. I just love Zia’s photo. You can’t help but see what a great 2012 it was for you. Cheers for another great one in 2013!
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Thank you, Sarah. These things have to run their course and mine is certainly doing that. I’ll be fine, rest assured. In the meantime I’m taking it easy. All’s well.
I must say, Sarah, that I’m glad you’ve returned to the blogosphere. It’s a better sphere with you in it. 🙂
Wishing you and your DH nothing but the best in 2013.
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Okay, good. I’ve been thinking about you, hoping the bug would leave 🙂
Thanks, John. Your kind words mean a lot. We wish YOU the best in 2013 too! I’m really looking forward to this blog this year, as you can imagine, I’m sure 🙂
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🙂
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Happy New Year, John! Beautiful photos, I hope to see a lot more this year. Take care and get well soon 🙂
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Thank you, Giovanna, for the compliments and well-wishes. I’ll be fine soon enough. Have a very Happy New Year!
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I’m sorry that you have had the flu. I hope that you return to full health soon. Have a wonderful New Year John. I thoroughly enjoyed your last year of posting and your photos were a nice reminder of some terrific dishes that you made.
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Thank you so much, Karen. You’ve always been so complimentary, as well as encouraging, and I look forward to your comments.
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Oh, dear.. see what happens when I’m late blog reading? I find out a fellow blogger has been struck by that nasty flu that’s going around!! I’m so sorry to read this.. and am wishing I could airmail you some comfort food!!! I’m so glad you did the year in photos.. I was really struck by the high calibre of photos you’ve taken.. the shine on the peas is so gorgeous.. the rose is so beautiful.. and one of my favorites has to be the look on Max’s face.. it’s a look of pure joy as he frolics in the waves:) Of course, Zia’s beautiful face was the perfect way to begin.. Anyway, I hope you feel like frolicking with Max again soon!! Take care, John! xx
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And.. those figs!! That’s a photo that should be enlarged and framed in your kitchen I think!
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Thanks, Barb. That’s a great compliment and suggestion. My kitchen’s walls are not “free” to hang anything. It’s an old building. Still, when I win the lottery and redo my kitchen I’ll be sure to take your advice. Guaranteed.
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😀
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You are so sweet, Barb, and I know you would send food if it was at all possible. This “thing” just has to run its course. I’ll be fine.
Thank you for being so complimentary about my photos. That’s high praise coming from someone whose own photos I so admire. Of course Zia, Max, an Marilyn had to be included. The others just kind fell into place. Although some were the most favorably commented upon, not all were. If I do this again, I think I’ll follow your lead and post those that are the most popular. Once I find those 3 or 4 photos, maybe I’ll do stick figures for the remaining 8 or 9 images to make a dozen. 🙂
Thanks again for your compliments and concern. This, too, shall pass …
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John, I’ve so loved following you this past year. Each of the photos you’ve picked illustrate why…at the center of them all is a large, generous, caing heart. That you would put your beautiful Zia first, bounding Max in the middle and Marilyn’s beautiful rose at the close underscores what we’ve all come to know about you….you take the precious things in life seriously and you have fun with the rest! Happy to know you John and wishing you all the best a year in a good life can bring! And I so hope you’re feeling well by now!
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That is such a kind thing to write, Spree — and that’s why I so enjoy visiting your blog and seeing your comments on mine.Your kind and generous spirit is evident in every entry you post and comment you write. It’s been a pleasure meeting you this year and, in fact, it’s been a highlight.
Wishing you and yours every Happiness in the New Year!
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Pingback: Weekly Photo Challenge: my 2012 in pictures « What's (in) the picture?
What a beautiful year! May 2013 be spectacular, grace-filled and DELICIOUS! 🙂
xo
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Thank you, Kathryn. Wishing you and your loving Conductor the same. 🙂
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Zia and Max are my favorites of course, but they are all beautiful! 🙂
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Thanks, April.
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A beautiful and well celebrated year of joy and blessings. Wishing you an amazing 2013!
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Thanks and I hope 2013 is a wonder-filled year for you and your family, too.
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Wonderful wrap up, such a colourful, warm, varied and delightful year. I’m so glad I got on board to see most of it first hand but the compilation, and the juxtaposition of the images together is very effective. Happy New Year… ok I’m a bit late but I’m catching up 🙂
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Thank you, EllaDee, leaving such a nice compliment. Photos aside, I am glad to have “met” you this year and hope that 2013 is a great year for us all.
Don’t feel like you have to write something on my posts that you might have missed. I know what it is like to go away and return to an Inbox full of notifications. Feel free to skip mine. 🙂
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I won’t get to everyones posts Ifrom holiday time but I don’t want to miss any of yours, and it might take me a while but I will read them… that’s one of the great things about the email notifications, they’re there to go through at leisure… otherwise I’d get bit lost… and I always find I want to leave a comment for yours not like I have to 🙂
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That’s very kind of you to say, EllaDee. Thank you.
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I love Aunt Zia’s dress (my daughter’s favourite colour is purple). She has a great smile and looks quite strong for someone who was going to turn 90. I must get some tips from her on what not to eat. I love Max’s photo too and the rose of course, a single stem on my dining table would bring a smile on my face. Thanks for sharing. Best wishes!
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Thank you, Liz, for leaving such nice compliments. Zia is something, isn’t she? One of my favorite days with her each year is ravioli day. (Another is sausage day.) We chat and reminisce while we make enough ravioli to fill her freezer for the next few months. Couldn’t be a better time. 🙂
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Zia, sure is something and you’re truly fond of her. I can visualize ravioli days and sausage days, and all the chatting and reminiscing that goes with it. She must be fond of your too! Have a great weekend!
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So, true. You, too, have a great weekend, Liz.
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