Tuesday, July 17, 2018

Twists and Turns and then Splat

I took a break to deal with life. It used to be easier, but I am doing OK.

The road of life is full of twists and turns, a lot of bumps and quite a few roadblocks.  As we round corners we hope to be met by the bluebird of happiness, but sometimes it is a cackling crow.  I hate detours because I am directionally handicapped and always fear that I will lose my way, but somehow, miraculously, I find my way back home.  This is where I am safe, where I am loved and where my flowers grow.  Oh, there are hazards with steps and stairs, and more so recently, but I am familiar with the landscape, and I walk more carefully. The world seems to have become more harsh and more difficult to navigate and what I could have never imagined being acceptable is now tolerated and embraced. It is what it is, I say to myself, but I have tears for the children and what has been lost. I move forward, somewhat unsteady, with hope for today, some fear for tomorrows and with good memories of yesterdays.

I wrote that a month or so ago and decided not to publish.  However, I wanted you all to know that I really had not abandoned Blogger, but was just in a funky mood and not trusting my feelings.  I have, though, experienced some lovely times the past few months.  My family visited from the other side of the country.  That week brought me much happiness and it was a wonderful, busy time.  They moved away twenty years ago, and I still have an ache in my heart because of the distance between us.  Their visits mean the world to me. 

I went to a lantern festival in June with my sisters.  It was one of the most glorious sights I have ever seen and I got to share it with loved ones (and it was my birthday).  There were 13,000 people in attendance and approximately 12,997 lanterns went up in the air without much trouble.   Here, though, we were blessed by the kindness of strangers.  Perhaps, it was because they wanted to be helpful, or maybe they were afraid that we would burn down the field.  Our lanterns did eventually fly free, although, one was burning up as people ducked for cover as it passed up and down thru the crowd. 



Then I got my outside room.  It is smaller than I had hoped, but I love it and seven people and my large furniture fit nicely inside.   I have spent many hours out there, enjoying all the wonderful sounds of summer without the company of biting bugs and scorching sun.  Screens make me happy. I am still decorating it and redecorating it and moving things around.  I should get it right by the end of summer. The best part though, is having friends and family over to enjoy the beauty of a summer night with us. 



I have vacation plans this summer and I will be accompanied by one of my lovely granddaughters. What could be better than that! California, here we come! 

Thank you for stopping by. I am sorry that I have been missing for such a long time, and I will try to do better. 

74 comments:

  1. I totally understand your need to take a break from blogging. With all that is going on in the world, sometimes we just have to withdraw for awhile.I myself just got back. I see you retired 6 years ago. I retired 5 years ago. Somehow it's not quite what I had hoped it would be. Oh, I keep myself busy, yes, but osteoarthritis has spread through my body and my balance is somewhat off so I do understand what you say about navigating the landscape. I love your little outdoor room. It looks so cozy. It's a great idea. I can imagine sitting in quiet of night and just enjoying the serenity surrounding you.

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    1. I had a little scare with stairs, but now everything is OK.

      One month of retirement was enough for me and although it has been 6+ years now, I still can't get thr hang of it, except, of course, on Mondays.

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  2. I'm glad to see you blogging again, and glad to hear that there have been some good times for you in the past several weeks. I love the photo from the lantern festival! How beautiful and magical...

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    1. The Lantern Festival was so much fun. The gave everybody smores to make, had torch lights all over, and great music (and food). However, the scene of the 13,000 lanterns flying in the night sky was magnificent. They have these all over and if one comes near you, make plans to go.

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  3. I was wondering where you were! Nice to see you've had a lot of adventures and joy in the meantime. It is so important to balance out this crazy world with family and fun.

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  4. Glad to see you back in in fine fettle again. Your outside house is lovely.

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  5. I'm glad you're back, Arleen! I believe you can trust your feelings. I think that in this world there is always a tug of war between good and bad, kindness and evil, and we have been insulated from a great deal of that by oceans and good luck. And now the struggle has come to the fore in our continent. But I also think that goodness will prevail again. This is temporary. There, that's my two cents' worth.

    Time with family, away from the news cycle, is very healing.

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    1. Your two cents is worth a lot more, Jenny. Thank you for your kind thoughts.

      As hard as I try, the news cycle creeps in, especially when it came to the children.

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  6. LOVE your outside room. And that lantern festival.
    And share some of your feelings about the world (except that my fear and despair for today and tomorrows sometimes dominate).
    Welcome back, and I do hope that you continue to experience the high points of love and friendship.

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    1. I wanted to put in a video of the Lantern Festival but I could not get it to work. It was a frustrating effort. I have written a few posts in these past few months but I rethought them and did not publish. I want to write about something good, Sue, but the pickings have been slim. However, I am now on a hunt for the beautiful things in this world.

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    2. I hope you find bounteous quantities everywhere you look.

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  7. It is so nice to hear from you again! I think there really are periods when we don't feel like blogging, and sometimes it's because of feelings like you describe, but other times just because we are also taking more time to experience whatever it is that we are doing. The lantern festival looks splendid. If I had a lovely garden room like that I'd be so thrilled I'd want to be there all the time. And visits from family - these are always good. I am so glad you see you back , and hope that your upcoming trip is fabulous too!

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    1. Thank you Jenny, for your kind words. I was wondering of I had been gone too long for anyone to read my post. I would hate to lose my connection with all the lovely people who I have met through Blogger. These comments lift me up.

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  8. Welcome back. Isn't it fun and interesting to find our acceptance growing larger and more expansive as we move into eternity. I didn't say that right. When we cannot do all we wanted, we are happier with what we have and do.
    When I was a teenager, my dad built a screened in room around the patio. He called it the screen house. My sister was three or four. She called it the scream house, and so it remained, as long as we had it. May yours give you years of pleasure.

    xxoo

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    1. I agree, Joanne, age does bring acceptance, at least outwardly. Inside my churning stomach gives me away.

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  9. Arleen, your outside room is a time-portal into a more graceful architectural era. It's exquisite. I'm so glad to see your post on my reader. Good vibes. Also pleased with your reply to Jenny Woolf,"...all the lovely people who I have met through Blogger." How did you know I need to be called "lovely" sometimes?

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    1. Thank you, Geo. We had some nice Amish gentlemen build it for us, and are very pleased with the outcome. And, yes, you are definitely one the loveliest of the lovelies whose friendship that I have found on Blogger.

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  10. That little room is beautiful, and I suspect will become your refuge. Our 'similar' room is attached to the house, and at this time of year is used daily.

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    1. Thank you, Cro. We originally were going to have it attached to the house and spoke to several contractors about it. However, we liked the look of this stand-alone better and because it was not part of the house, we would be taxed less. That played heavily on our decision.

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    2. A wise decision; it looks beautiful.

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  11. The Lantern Festival looks wonderful and I do love your new outside room. I am sure it will get lots of use.

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    1. I so wish that I could have figured out how to get my video of the Lantern Festival to work on Blogger. They were magic moments.

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  12. I have never been to a lantern festival....wow, that is so beautiful!! Is that a regular thing there, or a one time event? So so pretty! So glad your family was able to come and spend time with you, precious precious memories! Oh gosh, I am so in love with your outdoor room.....that is so pretty and so inviting! Can't wait to see what all you do with it inside! Hope your week is going well, I am so glad to see a new post from you.

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    1. They have these Lantern Festivals all over the country. Look up Lantern Fest on the Internet and see if one is coming to an area near you.

      We are enjoying our outdoor room most days and nights. I am trying to decide whether to add a chandelier or a ceiling fan. Right now, with the heat of the summer, the fan seems like the practical choice.

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  13. So glad to see you back! You are truly a great writer. Your words just flow... it would be a shame not to share that gift with the world. I say that because I struggle to articulate what I'm trying to say and that is one reason I struggle blogging. But I've decided to just DO it and to stop overthinking so much. The lantern fest looks like so much fun. I LOVE screen also! What a great outdoor spot for you to spend time alone or with friends and family. I think a fan would be great. They make some pretty ones nowadays. I hope you enjoy spending time with your granddaughter. Look out California... here she comes :) Have a great rest of the week!
    Sherry

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  14. Thank you so much, Sherry, for being so encouraging. We all need a boost now and then and your words are so kind. I am so touched and will make it my job to pass this along to someone else today.

    I am so impressed with your DIY and your taste and energy. I sure could use a little of that.

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  15. It's so good to see you back Arleen. Your outside room is simply beautiful. The perfect place to spend your Summer evenings.
    It's good to read you have a vacation planned. Something to look forward to. X

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    1. Thank you, Jules. It is so nice to spend my leisure time in my own backyard, although, I should be working in the gardens. I use the excuse that it is too hot.

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  16. So good to find your post. Your outside room is so pretty. I know you are enjoying it. I took a break as well. It is good to be reconnecting. I am truly going to try to get back to this. Who knows!

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    1. Sorry, I published rather abruptly! Wishes for a good week. Hugs!

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  17. Dear Bonnie, it was so nice to see you again on Blogger. You have always been someone whose posts that I love to read. We have both been on this venue for quite awhile and both of us have taken a break now and then. I hope you continue your writing as I think you do it beautifully and with heart.

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  18. This is a lovely post, Arleen...as is your outside room. It is quite wonderful.

    Life keeps us on our toes...even if, these days, we can't stand on our toes...other than by doing it accidentally, one foot on the other! :)

    Take good care. :)

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    1. Thank you, Lee.

      Toes and heels and other parts connected, should be firmly on the ground. Unfortunately, there are times when they like to take a Trip, and we land in embarrassing positions. There is never any dignity in falling, especially when it’s in public.

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  19. Arleen, I read dozens of posts of many different styles but I don't comment on many of them but always feel compelled to respond to your very 'human'touch!
    I think we have much in common.
    BTW, we would call your outside building a gazebo; do you use that word in the US?
    CLICK HERE for Bazza’s capricious Blog ‘To Discover Ice’

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    1. Thank you, Bazza. I enjoy your interesting blog also. There is always something to learn from your posts.

      Yes, my outdoor room is also called a gazebo. We used to have a simple gazebo that we put up every year. It had a canvas top and netting to keep out the summer bugs. This new one is a permanent structure with screens.

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  20. What a gorgeous summer house, and your house looks fabulous too. I'm glad you have family and friends to visit with and a trip to CA sounds great. I think what's going on in this country is taking a toll on all of us who can still tell right from wrong, truth from lie, and so on. But we have to stay strong and take comfort in the lovely things in life. Of which there are still many.

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  21. The lantern must have been exquisite. Puts a fireworks display to shame, doesn't it. Just the photo got me there, and I can see them, floating, floating...

    That is a remarkable summer house. (not jealous, nope. not a bit) I would have to be pried out of that forcefully. What a great place to sleep on a hot night!

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    1. I have thought about doing that, Mittens, but nighttime sounds can give me the bejeebies.

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  22. We all need to take a break away from blogging at times. Love your outside room....A wonderful place to enjoy the summer.

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    1. A break from most things is usually a good thing. The mind needs to rest.

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  23. I have only just returned to blogging after a break of 2 months. Yes, we must let nothing become a chore or a tyrant; as older folk we are entitled to please ourselves finally.

    That is a very pretty outside room and a lovely flower bed. I am envious.
    And I rather enjoyed your first paragraph too.

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    1. Blogging is a wonderful venue to meet people from different places and with different thoughts. It enriches us in so many ways, especially when people connect and care about each other. I have been a recipient of so much good will and it lifts me up and gives me value when I need it. I hope to continue writing.

      Your posts are so honest and well written and I always look forward to hearing from you. You are a very strong lady, Friko. I used to be, but not so much lately. I need to get my mojo back.

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  24. I've never seen a lantern festival. What a glorious sight!

    Your outdoors room is delightful! You will have some precious hours there.

    It is so good to see your name. Come back to visit whenever you can.

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    1. These Lantern Festivals are being held all over the country and if one is in your parts, I highly recommend going to it. It was a magnificent sight to see.

      I am getting my money’s worth with my summer room.

      Thank you, Susan.

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  25. It's lovely to see a new post from you, and don't worry. No longer how much time passes between your posts, we'll patiently wait for your new ones and welcome you back with open arms and hearts.

    Your screen house is fabulous. I can imagine sitting in there playing cards... or just listening to nature. Either one would work for me. I know you'll enjoy it for many years.

    I've only seen lantern festivals on TV, and they always put a tear in my eye, (must be all that smoke!) so participating in one must have been magical.

    Enjoy California... and keep smiling. Don't let the world beat you down. (Yeah, I know. That's a tall order some days.)

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    1. I like to listen to music in there and also converse with friends and family. Sometimes, though, it is just perfect being alone in there with my thoughts and listening to the sounds of nature. I have nodded off once or twice.

      Going away with my granddaughter will be good for me. I love my “Traveling with Mamama” excursions. I also get to spend some time with my daughter and two of my other granddaughters who live out there. You just had the joy of seeing your grandchildren and Grandmother to Grandmother, isn’t time spent with them the best!

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    2. YES! There's nothing like a grandchildren "fix" to see things right with the world again.

      Guess what? There's gonna be a lantern festival in Atlanta later this year! Now, if I can convince my hubby that he wants to go...

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  26. So glad to see you....we all need a break once in a while. Your outside room is so gorgeous. I have "outside room envy" LOL. It really is quite special. Please show us the inside when you are finished with it.

    xo

    Jo

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    1. Thank you, Jo. It is not that big a room (10’x 12”) and I do wish we had done 12’x12’, but we were unsure of space. However, it does fit us comfortably and I am very happy with it. I have rearranged furniture in there a few times but I think I have gotten the right look now.

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  27. Life is just plain hard sometimes, isn't it? We think one thing is going to happen and it doesn't or, worse, we think something will NEVER happen and it does. My life, like yours, has been full of ups and downs and so I know a bit of what you have gone through.

    No matter how long you are gone I will always come back around to say Hi...Missed ya!

    God bless you,my friend-you know I care- xo Diana

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    1. Yeah, that is what life is like, highs and lows always coming fup on us. My biggest problems are nothing compared to others, and I remind myself of that all the time. Your loving, generous heart, Diana, has gotten you through some very difficult times. Love and kindness can bounce us back.

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  28. That outdoor room looks like the perfect place to kickback with a really good book and some lemonade, and I love it. That Lantern Festival looks like it was quite fun, and I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Sometimes, it's just good to unplug and forget about being on line or blogging, but it's good to see that you're back and in good spirits. Sending some HUGE Hugs your way! RO

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    1. Thank you, Ro, and right back at you. It is hard to unplug, but every now and then the power goes out.

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  29. Your Outdoor Room is gorgeous! The Lantern send off is breathtaking, tho' it would worry me here to have any since of the extreme fire hazard here in the Desert and I always wonder about the debris when they land? I too have felt like you, it is difficult, during these troubling and turbulent times when things have become acceptable that are simply unacceptable, to have an acceptance of it all. I do worry for the Younger Generations having to run damage control behind older people doing reckless things with such little regard to long term consequences and carefully built international relationships being seriously eroded and compromised. I think we do have to live in our Moments, enjoy our individual Journey... and Trust others to walk their Journey out satisfactorily too. Glad you were surrounded by Family and Friends... it used to be easier for me to Deal with Life too.

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  30. I came to visit via Sue in Suffolk, so "hello" :)

    Your outside room is an absolute delight, I would love something similar but our usually fickle climate would make it unusable for most of the year. This summer, of course, has been different but you can have too much of a good thing and the UK is not used to drought.

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    1. It is nice to meet you, Jayne and thank you for stopping by. We also have fickle weather and we might have gotten some of the rain that was supposed to have gone to the U.K. it has been raining since April, and the last two weeks have brought dangerous and deadly flooding. We have just enjoyed two very nice days but rain returns tomorrow.

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  31. So lovely to see and read this post from you.
    Your outdoor room just looks great, and a trip to California with your grand-daughter sounds amazing.

    My good wishes

    All the best Jan

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    1. I am soon off to California. Thankfully, I am going to one of the few areas that is not burning.

      All the best to you too, Jan.

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  32. Glad to see you posting. I took a lot of July "off" and it gave me a needed rest. I'm happy to get back to blogging more regularly and keeping up with my blog buddies. Wishes for a great trip to California.

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  33. I am enjoying the cool and rainless weather at the beach in California. It is a nice break for me from back east, however, they could use some some of our wet weather.

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  34. I remember watching my parents (independent, strong people, both) grow more timid about venturing out and away from home and I thought 'I'll never be like that'! Well, guess what? I totally am! Sigh.
    I want to try those lanterns. They look so lovely! And your sun room is delightful! I asked for one similar and got a log cabin. But I love it an all is well!

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    1. I have become more and more a stay at home lady. I never thought that could happen to me, but it did. However, that makes it all that more sweet when I use my wings to fly.

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  35. A lovely post, well worth waiting for. The lantern festival looks and sounds to have been a lovely occasion and your garden room looks delightful, very elegant.
    Enjoy your holiday with your grand-daughter and come home refreshed.

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    1. Thank you, Rosemary. I am enjoying my holiday immensely. This part of the country is so entirely different and it helps clear the cobwebs away. The weather is sunny and the temperatures are perfect where at home it is still raining and hot. We all need a break now and then.

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  36. You're still around..thats good to hear!

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  37. wow i loved your way of expression my friend and i think that you can write a beautiful book by yourself!!!

    loved your powerful positive approach towards life and it shines through your wonderful lifestyle!

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  38. Dear Arleen, you returned to Blogger, just as I was checking out for several weeks. I'm so glad you are back. I've decided that posting each Sunday is a goal, but if I need time off, I'll take it.

    The thing is that you seem to have been in somewhat of a malaise for a short time. That happens to me also, especially when I have a bout of ill health. I see all my plans being disarrayed and set aside and I feel somewhat bereft and unmoored.

    But both of us seem to have a deep down resilience--we have a fine sense of survival and we take ourselves by the scruff of the neck and say, "All is well." that is, well in the long run. I have a deep belief that all works out---in the long run.

    I'm so glad for you that your family came to visit and that you and your sisters experienced the lanterns together. AND....that you have the outdoor room. I hope to post soon about my own outdoor room.

    It would seem that your life and mine are somehow in sync!

    Take care, please, and be gracious to yourself. Tender to your needs. Peace.

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  39. Dear Dee, I am very curious as to what is the end of your sun room story. I had always wanted one, but it made better sense for us to go with this model. We can use it from April (with the help of a heater) to possibly November. The contractors tried to talk us into having windows, but at this point in life, this screen room is perfect for us. Unfortunately, with the weather we had this summer, we did not get to use it as much as I would have liked.

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