~Sometimes the plans of mice and ..old ladies...~

He stays right here guarding the porch..but..

Do you see all of these??

and all of these too??
Well..they are SUPPOSED to go right here..

Yes...and here...
but..I have come down with the worst cold I have had in ..years! So..they sit patiently waiting on my front porch..while I ask my sweet husband to go out and give them a drink for me. No pictures of puffy faced me. Lots of juice and cold pills and hot tea.. and I was so ready to tackle the job too! Maybe tomorrow! (sniff, cough!)

~THE FIRST TIME EVER I SAW YOUR FACE...~

My wonderful family is what came from our 43 years together. It was a wonderful and difficult beginning and there were bad times but we made it. We actually grew up together in a way. He was there the day this was taken..I felt him next to me. I know he is happy that I have gone on and and learned to live again. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


The first time I ever saw him I was walkig across the quad to the school bus. I just stopped and stared at him. I thought he was the most beautiful boy I had ever seen and I still do. I believe in love at first sight because... it happened to me. I now know how lucky I was to have experienced it as I think it is fairly rare. A friend brought him to the school bus window when I asked who he was. It was nearing graduation and he would be joining the Marine Corp. We were introduced through window and the bus pulled away.
A few days later I saw him on the football field at lunch time. He put his arm around me for a picture someone was taking (how I would love to have that picture now) and quietly whispered "one day we will be married and have seven kids." I didn't reply but I remember how I blushed. We saw each other the rest of the school year, had our first real date alone on his graduation night. I remember we went to dinner and to a movie. He kissed me and said "Will you marry me?" I said "yes. Yes I will" and we turned and watched the movie. Shortly after that he left for boot camp. And...we did get married when he returned from Korea and we did have seven children! We were married for 43 years. I lost him on December 15, 1997 at 3:30 in the morning. I miss him. I always will. He was my heart and soul.
Mona

~ MY DAUGHTER'S GIFT~

This is my little refound treasure. My daughters gift.


I went Thrift shopping..or rather, second hand store shopping last week...to a store I have visited every Sunday for ages. Some weeks ago...up on a shelf that was nearly too high for me to reach...I saw a little napkin holder...and stopped...as it was exactly like one I used to own. I thought, "wow..that looks like the one Sandy gave me when she was little. Hmmm...what did I do with mine?" and walked on. Sandy is my oldest daughter. The next week on my walk through the store...I spied it once again high on the shelf among many other items..smiled to my self and walked on. Another week went by and again...on my walk through the store I again saw the little napkin holder and this time, I stood on tippy toe and reached for for it. I was able to wiggle it to where I could grasp it and brought it down and looked at it. I turned it over..and suddenly noticed a crack running the length of it...
My oldest daughter was just about 13 when she gave me a set of napkin holder and recipe box that matched. I had both pieces for years and at one time the napkin holder broke in half. I glued it together and used it on through the years. For some reason...I don't remember why, but I wrote my name on the bottom of it. Then...I noticed it. My name!

Faded, written in red ink..THIS WAS MY napkin holder! Then I realized that we had probably sold it at a garage sale...a long time ago. I hugged it to me and nearly cried. How could I have let it get sold at a garage sale?! It was a gift from my little daughter! I had looked for it a couple of times and wondered what had happened to it. I still have the matching recipe box and it is still stuffed with recipes. My little napkin holder is home where it belongs and looking at it I have to wonder what journey it has been on. My daughter, who is now turning 50 this April 5th will love this story. She is going to laugh that I bought it back for $4.00when it was probably sold for a quarter...but I would have paid ...a lot to get it back!
It's the little things sometimes..isn't it?
Love,
Mona

P.S. Joanne, from MY LITTLE COTTAGE IN THE MAKING was with me that day!! Good grief how could I have forgotten! I just remembered I was not alone but thought it had been Howard that was with me as he usually is. THANK HEAVENS it was you Joanne.
Joanne and I met for the very first time that very day, and had gone shopping. She drove clear up from Orange County to meet me and I didn't write about it but I should have at least made reference to it. She did an entire post on it. I love letting others with more experience in posting, handle some things and I knew she would do it justice. She had her little camera out constantly and I didn't take one picture. Taking pictures is something I am TRYING to get used to doing.
She did a great job writing on our visit! My head has been somewhere else lately. Sweet Joanne, please forgive me. I made comment on your blog, but I should have mentioned it here. I am learning about visits..referring to things etc.
AND FOLKS....Joanne Kennedy is one of the sweetest, kindest ever..and..LOL she listens! I blabbed on to her..and on.. (hanging head here!) How I loved meeting you, Joanne!!

~What a beautiful Spring day!~

This is Howard and I on St. Patricks Day. We had a wonderful evening with family. Happiness shows.
We went to garage sales today. I bought a cookbook, a Christmas coffee table book and a lovely old copy of Dickins "Great Expectations." Also went out to breakfast and then shopping for some beautiful plants for our yard. My son in law has put in new curbing in our back yard and soon it will be lovely with flowers. He did it in a beautiful free form..and I took pictures while the work was in progress..so..I am proud for remembering to document it.
Our three new birch trees are growing and new leaves are just begining. I will have to take some before and after pictures. We planted them in the fall, watched them lose their little leaves for the very first time, and new ones are beginning to appear. It is almost like watching a baby walk for the first time. Well..ok..not really :) but it is fun to watch for a person who loves trees.

~ANGELS, THIS, THAT AND A CHANGE OF HEART..~

THIS: My HEADER was given to me WITH my name all beautifully written on it by Di at THE BLUE RIDGE GAL. Thank you again, Di. I love it. I have gone hatless...I mean headerless for months now so this is so nice. I think it is wonderful.

THAT: I am just going to put this out there. I enjoy decorating, sharing my little finds and visiting other blogs for ideas, beautiful pictures of lovely homes and the little ups and downs of every day living. Doing this and commenting on someones cute ideas, a recipe, new puppy, new grandbaby, and on and on, to me..is fun. It is a softer side of life in the face of a sometimes harsh world. I enjoy it. I am NOT oblivious to the pain in the world or the needs of others because I do this. I do not surround myself with any particular "type" of person. My blogger friends and off line friends are many and varied in their interests. Many of the ones I follow in the blogging world love their homes and gardens and families like I do. Personally I enjoy the sweet words, compliments, concern and warm encouragement when things go wrong that visitors bring to my blog. This does NOT mean I am looking for "adoration." I am not "insincere" nor do I think others are, and if I don't really like something, I say nothing...and if I do I praise. This is my business..and unless you know me and know me well..do not judge me. You are out of line to do so. My little story about hunger certainly in no way was meant to compare me with the suffering of people starving to death all over the world. I have never thought it necessary to advertise ones good deeds and when you do and get praise for it...well...do you get my point here? I hope so.

CHANGE OF HEART: I have decided to stop writing about my early life with Patrick. Your first guess as to why not is probably right. I have exercised my right to delete. I will find something else to write about.

Please note that my angels wing is broken. Be careful about wings. They break easily..as do hearts.

~A POSTSCRIPT about you...~

~Pat and our tiny Megan Elizabeth~

P.S. Just a note to say that..sometimes, I have fleeting moments..that sort of sweep over me and I wonder if all of you are real. I know that probably sounds sort of silly..but never in my life have I met women (and our Christer) with such beautiful souls...so willing to reach out, willing to help, to cry with you and laugh with you and pray for you. How can anyone ever doubt the immense good in human nature. You all move me to tears.

Please, those of you who take the time to read this ...do not judge my pat. There is so much you do not know. As I write this I hesitate in telling the story of our lives and as memories take over I wonder. Do I want to do this? I am sure some would say.."I would NEVER put my life out there..or hang my dirty laundry out there for the world to read!" And, perhaps you are right. Perhaps you are. If I get to that point ....I will stop. Pat is not here to defend himself. Biography's are risky. But there is beauty to be seen and shared also.
I will think on this, but Patrick was a writer..and I think he would understand. I think he DOES understand. Pat often stands at my shoulder...
Love,
Mona

~POST ST. PATRICK'S~

And who can for get Rory..the family pet.
Three of the Grands..and..
Shamrock cookies and some sort of stone cake with green frosting?? No idea..but it was delicious.
I GOT this one. Corned beef..and cabbage..of course!
More Irish bread..not a clue what it is. Am I fired? :)
I stopped my grandson and checked his plate out. Since he is a film maker..I mean a real one, he was very understanding and cooperative. Bless his hungry little heart.
An Irish potato dish that looks like scalloped potatoes but something is different...darned if I know what. NOT an expert on this ..and Maryalice, the cook was off talking to guests and family.
This is a snap of Irish Soda bread. Loved the dish..not fond of the bread.
Irish music all evening..and a bit of cutting up and dancing..but..most we got into old, old videos which had everyone screaming at laughter at the 70's and 80's hairdo's. Whataday! :) I did absolutely terrible at taking pictures and planning and..I was tired. (excuses.. :)

~Con't ..JUNE 18,1954 YUMA ARIZONA

I continued my story at 1AM this morning..completed it at some ungodly hour and published it. Gone..I searched...gone. I finally found it..in posts way down the list..and the date said it was written on Saturday March 14the and published at 10:45PM or some such nonsense. My background color keeps changing itself..
I am soooooo confused. What are they doing?
Anyway..my story is on here if you scroll down to last Saturday. I am not sure how to contact them..but it makes me nervous. I worry about losing some of my stuff or all of it for that matter.
Anyway...so have a great day! :) I am exhausted..sleep deprived and bummed out!
Love,
Mona

~NOTE SONG'S has honored us as BATHROOM DIVA'S ~

I am so honored to have my daughter become a Bathroom Diva and for allowing me to share in the glory.
I am undeserving...but thank you all the same.
Please do visit Shelia at SONG NOTES. She does such a great job and this time has shared her talent for wonderful posts with me and my daughter. We are grateful and honored that she has bestowed the title of "BATHROOM DIVA'S" upon us.
I bow to you "Sheila of NOTE SONGS Most High" ~Smiles~

Love,
Mona

~IRISHMEN AND LUCK~

We will have a big party with all the family. There will be Irish music, corn beef and cabbage and my daughters will do the Irish jig and everyone will try it. There will be at least a few dreams of how to get rich..and everyone will know that we won't and it make for laughs.
Being Irish and being raised by Irish people and marrying an Irishman...I can tell you this, the Irish ARE lucky for the most part...and I don't mean money wise. Actually I don't think gold has a great deal of meaning to them. My Irish family were all dreamers and the dreaming meant more than the gold itself.

There were always dreams of riches..but not much else. They loved to share stories and dream of ways to find wealth. I loved my Irish childhood, rich in love and rich in dreams and wonderful stories of Fairies, wee people and pots of gold at the end of rainbows.
Then one day I realized...if we have no dreams...we have nothing.
We are a big family with lots of love...and by the way...every single one of my children have green eyes..all seven. ~smile~ So did Patrick and so do I.
Happy St. Patricks Day...and lots of love and hugs.
May the road rise to meet you and may the wind be ever at your back..
Love,
Mona

~A DESK FULL OF ROSES~

If I am going to spend so much time at this computer..I want it cozy, cute and comfy and even a bit messy. Isn't that what home is all about?
This little footstool is a luxury under my desk for my tired feetsies. The top comes off so it can be washed. Little ties hold the plush little cushion snuggly in place. PERFECT!
And this little footstool opens to reveal a place to hold magazines, etc.
Of course a clipboard is a must have and it HAD to be an old one. New wouldn't do. More waiting. I was delighted with this one. It fits nicely in the old hymnal holder.
This little item spins and is great for pens, pencils etc. I also use it to hold note cards and envelopes.
I got stapler, scotch tape holder and the staple remover one at a time as they appeared on Bea's ebay site. FINALLY I got all of them! See the little letter holder in the back? It has a handle and slots for envelopes both front and back. It was a silverware holder..but I used it for mail.
I called my friend one day and told her I badly needed bulletin board, told her what I wanted..and in a week or so it was delivered clear from Missouri. Love that woman!! Hi Bea!! :)
These are old hymnals from an old church. My friend's husband bought and painted them and she added the roses. I bought two and hung them on the wall behind my chair. They are great to hold my clipboard, magazines and papers of all sorts. I hung them right under the bulletin board. Convenient spot. I spin around and everything is right there. ~sigh~

See the little file holder? All covered with roses..and the file tray? I have finally won another one and it is on it's way. These are very old and hard to get. The gold clasp had to be repainted on the file holder...and the key was intact. LOVE it.
I have a tiny room all to myself with my huge oak desk with shelves and little drawers. The walls are lined with bookshelves which are stuffed with books. I reread my books over and over. Is ..reread..a ..word? Oh well..
Hope your weekend was peaceful. Thanks so much for your wonderful comments on my story. You are all so encouraging. I love you for that!
Mona

~POLITICS, PAIN, AND ROCKING BOATS~

Yesterday, I found this old blond basket, took it to the back yard and painted it a deep brown, went to Lowes's and filled it with flowers. I like it. For now. But that is not what this post is about.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I have been asked a few questions by ENGLISH COTTAGE IN GEORGIA and I feel so honored that she cared enough to do that. Thank you, Lucy.
First, like anyone else..I have my opinions on some things..and yes, of course our Government and political issues are part of it. I have my opinions on religion, God, the universe..how to raise children, how to keep house, how to do most everything. I am, what they call a senior citizen..and have been around for a bit, and..I also have opinions on how to keep friends and leaving some issues alone is one of them. Only with long time and very close friends can I truly be up front but after 50 years they know and love me just as I am ..and only with them would I take the chance of clashing. And of course we do from time to time. Even sister's disagree. I can verify that!!
I am not on here to stir up anger but when you put yourself out there..you always take that chance.
On blogs..we can do what we wish. I have already said all of this. IF you want to be offensive...it is your choice. IF you want to sound off on your politics...goodness..do it! I have read a lot of these blogs..and for the most part...we all try not to step on each others toes. Now and then we boil over. Remember that it is just venting...and we HAVE a right. PLEASE, do NOT throw the baby out with the bathwater. Think about this. NO..I am not referring to myself, nor has anyone said anything to me. I am just making a general comment.
I try to find the positive in every blog. Today your blog might not really interest me...and tomorrow it might. Who knows...
Here is the deal. OF COURSE I want to please. Some will say they don't give a darn..and they probably don't. Good for them, I say!! Others keep things pretty general and stick to decor, recipes, babies, doggies and the like. Some stick to their every day lives...and I think that they are in the majority. IF it includes decorating..then...that is what they post about. SO many interests...

Some are grieving..and it is heart rending to read about, and we gather softly around and give as much support as the written word possibly can.

I have sat at this computer and sobbed at the death of Becky's son at SWEET COTTAGE DREAMS. It was late at night when I came across the news. I was stunned. I had just spoken to her on the phone and she was delightful. I was helpless. ALL I had were words and they fell completely short. I wanted to call her..and of course I couldn't. I didn't know her that well. And...what could I say? So I wrote. We all did.

Then there is Red Tin Heart, going through the loss of her beloved John..and major surgery. Music is her comfort..but all of us want in some way to help. Again..words.
The people we meet on here are all different and it is a world of it's own. This is a new way of living and peeking into hearts and minds and the very souls of beautiful people. Just enjoy. Be nice (and don't fight with your sister..Lucy) LOL I am NOT offended by talk of politics. If I disagree...I just disagree..but..I will love you anyway. I promise! :)

No..I probably will never post a table scape or if I did..it would be a one time thing. But who knows. I certainly never thought I would write a "blog" and didn't even know what one was until I found Mary's LITTLE RED HOUSE while looking for something on the net, clicked on it out of curiosity and here I am. ~smile~

Now...here is the clincher.. (because I am writing too much.) I was asked by ENGLISH COTTAGE IN GEORGIA about the "hunger" post..and why it got the reaction it did. I don't know. Some have never ever been hungry but no one wants to think of others going hungry and there are many out there that KNOW hunger personally. I am one of them. It isn't fun and it is degrading, and it is far more prevalent than we even know. One man told me that he went to a park and drank water and ate grass. So...it happens.
Lucy also asked me "How exactly did this experience impact you?" I wrote back to her and answerd her but it impacted me just exactly like it did Scarlet O'Hara. "As God is my witness I will never be hungry again, no, nor any of my kin!" I meant that, and as I write this...I am seeing to it that they do not!
She then asked me "Do you feel that the time of hunger was an expeience without a lesson, or do you feel that this is an experience which you never want to have again but appreciate the hardship you went through?" I think what I wrote above says it all.
She also said in reference to my early marriage "I think it would be really hard to keep the boat from rocking." Well...I am going to tell you about a "rocking boat" that capsized and was up righted more than once. This is my story and my blog and I will try and be as honest as I can be.

Too end this I just want to say, rant and rave all you want to about politics. My teakettle usually begins to whistle about this time and I move on to the kitchen to make tea. IF I disagree with you or if I agree with you..you will eventually know as we get to know one another. Actually, I try hard to keep an open mind. One of the things about getting older and maturing is that you feel things more deeply but are able to stay out of the fray. I have both Democrat and Republican friends. Some loved Bush and some hated him. IT IS THEIR BUSINESS. It is NOT that I am afraid of giving my opinion but..it seems pointless to do that when I may love everything about that person but their politics, so why rock the boat? Is that so hard to understand?

I think I hear the teakettle whistling... :)
Hugs,
Mona

~RETURN OF OUR SONS TO IRELAND..~

Patrick dreamed of returning to Ireland, he talked and planned and read everything he could about the country. His father was from Ireland. How happy he would have been to know his sons finally realized his dream..even if he did not.
My son Patrick and his wife, Cheryl, brought me this marble egg from Ireland. They made a beautiful video of their trip and had it set to Irish music. What a beautiful country!
My next to the oldest son, Mike, and his wife Cindy, brought me these lovely Irish lace curtains from Ireland when they returned home. They know I LOVE roses

~SAN FRANCISCO 1954 continued but.......~

Before I go on with my story..which is just below this post, I just wanted to say that...THE BLUE RIDGE GAL has begun a new post called NICKLE CHERRY COKE and takes you on a journey back to the 1950's through the 70's. If you love history as I do, give it a peek. Her pictures are fantastic.
A sweet blogger friend of mine once told me.."This is YOUR blog. You can write what you like." But as I told Kathleen from RURAL MAINE LIFE, "I am sure you have heard the rather new saying, "dance like no one is watching and sing like no one is listening"..well, blog like no one is reading. This is our space to create, vent, show off, give our opinions and so on. I am in no contest here. As they used to say in the Old West, there is always a faster gun. At first I thought, I cannot do this! My home is not all that pretty, I don't have a huge talent for decorating..nor am I that crafty. I am..an average older, now gray haired Grandma and Great Grandma and I do love to show my little finds from thrift stores.

I am having fun. I am afraid I have no special recipes to share..but..you all know where you can go to find those and so do I! ~smile~
For perfection in decor, for posts to make us laugh, for gorgeous photographs..we all know where to go and soak up beauty. For a rip roaring motorcyle trip and a good laugh, and common sense that will amaze and delight, you just might want to try WORDS OF WISDOM FROM A SMART MOUTHED BROAD! For low key comfort, coziness and caring..there is always SWADDLE COTTAGE ..and the list goes on and on. My thanks to Debbie, AliceMary, Joanne, especially to Christer and so many of you. You add so much to my life every single day, and to bj and Penny and Patti. What a rich tapistry of people that write on here. There are blogs for everything...and I am sure there are even the ones that are a wee spicy. It is all on here. As all of us have..there is our favorites list that says who we love to follow. What a great thing we have going here.
I have to smile because the people pleaser in me wanted to...keep up. I can't. I am doing my best..and that has to be enough. I had to realize..I don't HAVE to keep up..so I am doing what interests me. My daughter Dawn once wrote a little song..and one of the lines in it went like this:

It is ok to feel the fool..
You can join in there are no rules,
So relax and smile...
Sing and dance awhile..
You'll be surprised to see..
This..is me??

So in a sense I am singing and dancing my heart out.
Besides...and this is the important part...I have the most WONDERFUL followers ever!
In my mind and heart, you all have wings! Thank you for being there, for reading and for giving me the courage to stay with blogging. My continued story is below if you are still interested...and thanks.
Love,
Mona

~IT'S NOT RAINING VIOLETS....OR ROSES~

Beatrix Potter, have you ever seen the opening scene in one of her stories? She leaves home, and her little cottage is a delight in itself. An overgrown entry, with a thick oval wooden door. She goes out with her easel to paint on a beautiful grassy hillside and gets caught in a Spring rain and rushes home with her collie dog to a cup of hot tea and a cozy fire to write of the adventures of her woodland friends. Peter rabbit, the real one, is her desk top companion. A simple life at it's most beautiful.

A little lamb is a sure sign of Springtime. Only two more weeks. I wonder if it is too late for bulbs? Probably.
I need to get out and start digging in the dirt..and soon. I have held myself back from hitting Home Depot for plant and flowers but it is getting harder and harder to do. Back east I would have a good excuse, but here..not really. One reason I am hesitating is that California has a way of throwing in a hard freeze just when you think it is over and sadly your plants are suddenly mush. Tomorrow...I AM going anyway. I NEED FLOWERS. If it rains I want it to rain Violets!

~DECORATING WITH TOYS..WHAT ELSE WOULD YOU EXPECT..~

When one has lots of children...and not much money ..or time..one decorates with what they have. Thus toys.

I will make this short. When I was a child we lived in Portland Oregon. We moved to California after my little brother died. He choked on a peanut. My toys were left in Oregon with a promise they would be brought to me. They never were and a set of little blue and white china was among my dolls, buggy, and other toys. I have looked my whole life for them..I wanted to replace them. Or..replace something... I found these about four years ago in an antique shop..but I left them My husband said "GO back and get them!" I did. I loved him for that! Thank you, Frank.
This isn't just any bear. He is soaked with tears..mine. And he has heard me laugh. He even danced with me once. Yeah..he did!
These are handmade by a friend and are only 8 inches tall. 35 years old now. I always find a place for them.
Tiny tea cart, picnic basket, clay teapot and cup and...wait..someone stole the cheese! I see the mouse..but..where the heck is the cheese?!! My sweet daughter, Mary, gave me these things. The one on the left is Mary.

~JUST EVERY DAY LIFE FULL OF LOVE AND SOMETIME A CRISIS..OF SORTS~

Mel is doing so much better...I think she is almost smiling...and so am I. Of course we have had encouragement and good advice from friends who care..and that is always a help. A few prayers never hurt either...
Joanne at My Little Cottage in The Making has been a God send. So willing to help and so kind. She loves animals and it shows. Look at todays post! ~smile~ And Dena...at Swaddle Cottage..so open and kind and understanding. Blogging can be lots of work when you first start...but worth every minute. Lots of love flowing out there and lots of kind, wise words. God is good!

~EMILY'S ANN'S GREAT DAY~

Getting her Grandpa's beard just might keep her occupied until it is our turn. Happy, happy Emily!


This always such a great day..I wish her Great Grandpa could have lived to see her. Maybe he does. I hope so. Her Godparents are on either side of my Grandson, Adam.

~EASTER BUNNIES...I AM SO READY FOR THEM~

I already have lots of bunnies and here are a few. I just add at least one each Easter. What a pleasant thought Easter is. I am ready to get things out and enjoy!

I have been ebay shopping again. I saw these little Lefton Rabbits and couldn't stand it and decided to add to my Easter goodies. So..they came today. These are my first Leftons.

~LITTLE GIRL BLUE~

Mele has not been happy this past week. She is doing better. A lot better. She slept a lot better last night than she has for a week. In this picture she was exhausted. She had spent the night trying to find some place she felt safe. I could not stand it and stayed up much of the night and played on the computer while she slept on the floor as far over in the corner under my desk chair as she could get.

Truthfully...I am rather reluctant to talk about this incident. I have no answers. I know what some learned people have told me..I know what I have witnessed and I am shocked to some extent and at a loss for any answers that make sense to me.
This incident spooks me and makes me unhappy. Suffice to say that Mele is better. I was actually able to take her into the room last night and she didn't struggle to get away or dash off the bed and out of the room the moment I loosened my grip. My husband thinks it is my dog. He did NOT raise her and we are both fairly new in his life. I don't want him upset so I am trying hard to down play this thing. Ihave had her checked and she is fine, healthy and totally normal. She has had every shot a dog can have.

Last night I put her under the covers and she stayed..not moving..as though knowing I was trying to give her someplace she felt safe. I finally took our top quilt and pushed it to the bottom of the bed and made a make shift cave for her. She stayed the entire night. I truly expected her to be gone this morning but she was not. So..I have hope this is passing.

I am very aware that there are wonderful ladies on here that I think highly of and want to like me and not think something is WRONG with me..or my little dog for that matter. We are getting through this. Probably the less said the better as we know nothing really. I have faith. It is definitely getting better. Much better. :)