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Posts Tagged ‘Weekend Getaway’

New Porch at the Carriage House Bed & Breakfast

August 25th, 2011 by carriagehouse

New Porch

It has been  a little while since I have posted pics of the renovation and you can view the page for more information.  The new porch is nearly complete and will be so awesome to sit on when we finally get some cooler weather.  When things get really crazy and stressful with the contractors, I sit back, close my eyes and imagine sitting in a rocking chair, which looked like the best executive chair you’ve come across, on the new porch with a cool breeze  gently fluttering the air.  Oh wait, I just went to my happy place.

One of the things I am most excited about is the new french doors leading in to the dining room.  These doors are really special.  They came out of a turn of the century house in Marshall that is being renovated.  They are beautiful beveled glass.  I think they will become a signature of the Carriage House B&B once they are in installed.  A company up in Texarkana picked them up earlier this week to build casements around them.  When they come back, I will post some before and after pics of them including a picture of the storage shed where they have been for no telling how many decades.

The kitchen cabinets are being installed this week.  I will try and get some pictures and post them tomorrow.

Spine-tingling Thrills on the Bayou

August 19th, 2011 by carriagehouse

For the ultimate Halloween experience, be sure to goblin’ up tickets to the 10th Annual Terror on the Bayou Halloween Festival in Jefferson, Texas each Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening, October 7-29, 2011. Three attractions – one location.  Tickets are now on sale at www.JeffersonRailway.com.

 The Runaway Fright Train will feature Creatures of the Night.  As you ride through the dark woods, you’ll feel the breath of the spirits encircling you. The scenes and haunters along the track will keep you at the edge of your seat and give you a laugh now and then, too.  G and PG-13 runs are oriented to specific age groups. The 7:30 run of each evening is family-oriented for ages 2 to 92, while the later runs kick it up a notch.

 For the ultimate Halloween experience, walk through the stalks of the Creepy Screamin’ Corn Maze. More than a dozen haunters in the maze will give you the willies. The Maze is more than an acre and includes a walk through the Piney Woods, through the Haunted Cemetery and culminates with the infamous 100-foot underground Tunnel of Doom. Don’t come alone – you will be spooked by more than Halloween ghosts!

 New this year, our 1800 sq. ft. CarnEvil of the Damned Haunted House, out in the middle of the Piney Woods.  Just the 2 minute walk to the house will get your heart pumping.  Something sinister is hiding there. You know something is going to jump out and scare you – you just don’t know where or when. In this Circus of Haunts, you will not be safe from fear.  So go ahead and scream – it won’t matter!

 Afraid of the dark?  Tour the Corn Maze and Haunted House from 6:00-7:00 each evening of the event, and then jump on the G-rated train at 7:30.  Get a thrill from the family-friendly haunters.

 Terror on the Bayou Halloween Festival will have something for everyone…Carnival games with prizes for all ages; glow sticks and other Halloween products; and concessions.  Plus free activities for the entire family when you purchase any event ticket. Mini-maze and mini-haunted house for children under 48 inches; movies and children’s crafts and games.

 The event will take place one mile from Jefferson at the Cypress Bayou RV Park, 1602 State Highway 49 East. The easiest way to order tickets is to visit the website, www.JeffersonRailway.com. Online ticket sales now available.  You can also buy tickets at the Historic Jefferson Railway depot during specific hours and at the event site during event hours. Train seating is limited so get your tickets early!

 10% Discount available for groups of 45 +

Receive a 20% discount on Maze & Haunted House tickets when you

buy a combo ticket that includes the Train.

 

Friday & Sunday

 

Saturday
Runaway Fright Train………….$16.50 Runaway Fright Train………….$22.00
Corn Maze………………………..$15.00 Corn Maze………………………..$18.00
Haunted House……………………$ 8.00 Haunted House…………………….$10.00
Maze Combo Price………      …$12.00 Maze Combo Price………       …$14.50
Haunted House Combo Price…..$6.50 Haunted House Combo Price…..$8.00

 

Schedule

Runaway Fright Train

Creepy Screamin’ Corn Maze &

CarnEvil of the Damned Haunted House

Friday, October 7 and 14

Friday:

No G Run

G (family oriented)……6:00 – 7:00

PG 13 …………………..8:30

PG 13 …………………..7:00 – 10:00

Friday, October 21

Saturday:

G (family oriented)……7:30

G (family oriented)……6:00 – 7:00

PG 13 …………………..8:30, 9:30

PG 13 …………………..7:00 – midnight

Sunday:

Friday, October 28

G (family oriented)……6:00 – 7:00

G (family oriented)……7:30

PG 13 …………………..7:00 – 9:00

PG 13 …………………..8:30, 9:30, 10:30

Saturday, October 8

G (family oriented)……7:30

PG 13 …………………..8:30, 9:30

Saturday, October 15 and 22

G (family oriented)……7:30

PG 13 ……………..8:30, 9:30, 10:30

Saturday, October 29

G (family oriented)……7:30

PG 13 ……………..8:30, 9:30, 10:30, 11:30

Sunday, October 9, 16, 23

G (family oriented)……7:30

PG 13 …………………..8:30

Painting With Light Demonstration at the 2011 Fall Photography Weekend

August 17th, 2011 by carriagehouse

Plans are well underway for the 2011 Fall Photography Weekend coming up on November 11-13 here at the Carriage House Bed and Breakfast in Jefferson Texas.  After our wine tasting social hour, our resident photographer, Tom, and photographer, Craig Swancy from Weatherford TX will be taking all of the participants out for a Painting With Light Demonstration.

Craig told me this morning, “I’m ordering my goodies today to build some fun things for the Fall Photography Weekend at The Carriage House in Jefferson.  We’ll bring some color to your night time exposures.  Tom and I will present a few new and interesting tools to those who plan to attend.  I can promise that we’ll keep it it simple and certainly show you how to make these fun tools on a really small budget.”

To see a sample of their work, check out this video.  If you would like more information on the Fall Photography Weekend, please give me a call at 903-665-9511.

Always…Patsy Cline

August 11th, 2011 by carriagehouse

Patsy Cline

Pictured is the cast of  “Always……Patsy Cline”.  “Always…Patsy Cline” is the latest performance by Jefferson’s very own Opera House Theatre Players.  The performance will be Saturday, Sept. 3, at 7:30 pm in the Transportation-Visitor Center on Austin Street.   Tickets are$20 at Blessings Gift Shop 903-665-3895 or may be available at the door for$25 the night of performance.

Cast members are Stacie Hinds as Louise; Terry Sparks as Patsy, and the Bodacious Bobcat Band, all of  whom hail from north Louisiana and have played in the show to SRO audiences every performance.

For information on the performance, call 903-665-2310.

Jefferson Texas Weekend Entertainment for August 11-15

August 10th, 2011 by carriagehouse

 Gator (3)

 

JEFFERSON, TEXAS

WEEKEND ENTERTAINMENT

AUGUST 11-15, 2011

 

*    “NORTHEAST TEXAS REGIONAL FILM COMMISSION 5TH ANNIVERSARY

BASH”

Saturday, August 13 @ 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Location:  Jeffersonian Institute, 120 E. Austin

Information:  (903) 315-0793

 

*    “THE GREAT RECOVERY” DAVE RAMSEY’S FINANCIAL PEACE

UNIVERSITY CLASSES

Monday, August 15 @ 6:30 p.m.

Location:  Jefferson Central Adventist Church, 604 N. Walnut

Information:  (903) 240-0469

 

*       AUNTIE SKINNER’S RIVERBOAT CLUB & RESTAURANT

Thursday,  August 11:  “Karaoke”  @ 7:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.

Friday,  August 12:  “Auntie Skinner’s has Talent” Semi-Finals @ 8:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.

Saturday, August 13:  “The Pack”  (Classic Rock)  9:00pm-1:00 a.m.

(903) 665-7121

Auntie Skinner’s on Facebook

 

*        KARAOKE

Saturday, August 13 @ 8:00 p.m.-12:00 midnight

Location:  The Sandwich Shop, 123 W. Austin

(903) 601-2211

 

*      BINGO!

Location:  Pine Hill Nursing & Rehabilitation, 1307 MLK

Each Monday in August @ 6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.

Prizes & refreshments  -Free-

(903) 472-841

 

*      TURNING BASIN RIVERBOAT TOURS

200 Bayou St.

Tuesday-Friday @ 12:00 noon & 2:00 p.m.

Saturdays @ 10:00 a.m., 12:00 noon, 2:00 p.m. & 4:00 p.m.

(Weather permitting)

Closed:  Sunday & Monday

(903) 665-2222

www.jeffersonbayoutours.com

*      LONE STAR CARRIAGE COMPANY OF JEFFERSON

Historical tours of Jefferson by horse & carriage and Mule Drawn Wagon

Specializing in weddings

Friday-Sunday, August 12-14

(Weather permitting)

Groups and special events available by appointment

Departs from corner of Austin & Market (across from the Jefferson Historical Museum)

(903) 926-8216

www.jeffersontexascarriage.com

Call for reservations

 

*      JEFFERSON PEDAL POWER

122 E. Austin

Bicycles, Trikes, Tandems, Surreys & more

By reservation

(903) 926-5167

*      HISTORIC JEFFERSON RAILWAY

Saturday, August 13 @ 2:30 p.m. & 4:30 p.m. (Day Excursions)

8:00 p.m. –  Free Ghost Stories & 9:00 p.m. – Ghost Train

(903) 665-6400 or (866) 398-2038

www.JeffersonRailway.com

 

*       LAFAYETTE STREET VINTAGE VEHICLES CAR MUSEUM

112 W. Lafayette

Friday & Saturday, August 12-13 @ 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.

(903) 240-6180

Call for additional tours

 

*      CULBERSON HOUSE HISTORIC HOME TOUR

403 N. Walnut

(903) 665-7888

www.culbersonhousebandb.com

*  By reservation.  Call for tour times

 

*    HOUSE OF THE SEASONS HISTORIC HOME TOUR

409 S. Alley

Daily @ 11:00 a.m.

(903) 665-8000

      Reservations required

www.houseoftheseasons.com

*    SINGLETON’S VIRGINIA CROSS HISTORIC HOME TOUR

401 Soda St.

Saturday, August 13 @ 1:00 p.m.

(903) 665-3938  (903) 665-8518 or (214) 725-6232

Call for reservations & additional tour dates and times

 

*   THE GROVE HAUNTED HISTORIC HOME TOUR

405 Moseley

Saturday, August 13 @ 2:00 p.m.

Sunday, August 14 @ 11:00 a.m.

(903) 665-8018

www.thegrove-jefferson.com

Call to confirm tour

*   EXCELSIOR HOUSE HOTEL & JAY GOULD RAILCAR TOUR

211 W. Austin

Tours:  Monday-Friday @ 2:00 p.m.

Saturday & Sunday @ 1:00 p.m. & 2:00 p.m.

(903) 665-2513

Call to confirm tour times

www.theexcelsiorhouse.com

 

*   JEFFERSON HISTORICAL MUSEUM

223 W. Austin

Open daily:  9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

(903) 665-2775

www.jeffersonmuseum.com

 

*    H & D EXOTIC DEER FARM AND OTHER EXOTIC ANIMALS

359 P.R. 5730 & Hwy 729

Open:  Sunday-Friday (Closed:  Saturday)

(903) 665-2238

Reservations required

 

*   THE GRACEFUL GHOST PADDLEWHEEL STEAMBOAT ON CADDO LAKE

Tuesday-Friday @ 12:00 noon, 2:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m.

Saturday @ 10:00 a.m., 12:00 noon, 2:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m.

Sunday & Monday:  Closed

Pontoon Boat tours at any time with prior  reservation

Location:  Shady Glade Marina, 510 Cypress Drive, Uncertain, TX

(903) 789-2238

www.gracefulghost.com

Call for reservations & additional tours

 

*  BILLY CARTER’S GO-DEVIL TOURS ON CADDO LAKE

Location:  Johnson’s Ranch in Uncertain, TX

(903) 789-3213

Call for reservations

www.caddoguideservice.com

 

*   CADDO OUTBACK BACKWATER TOURS

Personalized Tours of Caddo Lake

Uncertain, TX

(903) 789-3384 or (903) 679-9138

Call for reservations

www.caddooutback.com

 

*   CADDO LAKE PADDLEWHEEL TOURS “THE SWAMP THING”

Uncertain, TX

(888) 325-5459 or (903) 789-2101

Open:  Tuesday-Saturday @ 10:00 a.m., 12:00 noon, 2:00 p.m. & 4:00 p.m.

Closed:  Sunday & Monday

Additional tours by appointment

Call for reservations

 

*   JEFFERSON CARNEGIE LIBRARY

301 W. Lafayette

Monday-Thursday @ 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

Friday @ 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Saturday @ 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Closed:  Sunday

(903) 665-8911

www.jeffersoncarnegielibrary.com

Free internet access

New Gator Park in Uncertain Texas

August 8th, 2011 by carriagehouse

Gator (1)

 

Gator (2)

 

This past weekend, we had the honor of hosting my mom and niece here at the Carriage House B&B.  It is always nice to have family come visit us.  We love getting the chance to catch up with them and the chance to play tourist here in Jefferson.

I think the biggest thrill for us all this weekend was going to Captain Ron’s Gator Park in Uncertain, Texas.  Captain Ron is a dear friend of ours and he gave us a grand tour of his new gator park and petting zoo Friday afternoon.  If you are thinking that you don’t remember this place last time you were here, it is because it just  opened a few weeks ago.  We will be recommending this place from this point on.  This is one of those experiences that you can only get here in the swamps.

The petting zoo is full of unusual and unique varieties of chickens, goats, turtles, pigs, and birds.  But the biggest thrill of all is the gigantic pond teaming with alligators.

Captain Ron held off on feeding them until we got there.  As soon as these primitive beasts saw the chicken on the bamboo pole, the water came alive.  It was obvious that the large gator was the alpha male of the pond.  He tried his best to keep the others away from the feeding area and only a few of the brave and nearly as large gators even dared to come close.  We all stood in awe as these large beasts jumped straight up and out of the water to snatch the chicken right off of the pole.

Since the show, Swamp People, started airing on TV, we have had several people come out to Jefferson and want the “Swamp People” experience.    You do not have to run all the way down to Louisiana’s bayou country to have a Swamp People vacation.  Caddo Lake is a one tank getaway from most of Texas, Arkansas, and Oklahoma.  

I will get everything set up for you.  We will send you deep into the dark and mystical swamps in a go devil in search of gators in the wild and get you up close, and personal to a gator feeding on chickens.  At the end of the day, we will send you to a restaurant where you can sit under Bald Cypress trees draped in Spanish Moss and eat some fried gator.  By the end of the weekend, you will be able to say “Choot ’em,Liz”, and smile at the memories.

Give me a call at 903-665-9511 to book your Swamp People vacation.

 

Where’s Waldo…I mean Gator?

August 6th, 2011 by carriagehouse

 

Here is a fun puzzle for a hot Saturday.  Find the Gator in this picture.  Somewhere in the lily pads is Alley Gator floating by.  Can you find him?  “Don’t Choot em Liz”

Play-cation…Jefferson Texas Style

August 5th, 2011 by carriagehouse

Caddo Lake

Ugh!  It is the dog days of Summer and the heat has gotten everyone down.  There is only one place that I want to be this time of year…in the water.  Fortunately for me (and for you), Jefferson sits right smack in the middle of two lakes.  There is plenty of water action to keep me wet and cool this incredibly hot summer.

About 20 minutes to west of Jefferson is Lake o’ the Pines with it’s open waters and beautiful Pine Tree covered hill sides.  Lake o’ the Pines is a perfect destination for boaters and fisherman alike.  After a long hot day on the water, you can enjoy one Lake o’ the Pines many beaches and swim or enjoy a romantic picnic.

About 20 minutes to east of Jefferson is the ethereal and mysterious Caddo Lake.  Covered by moss draped Bald Cypress trees, you can spend hours drifting in and out of the many bayous and sloughs on this otherworldly lake.    This location is so beautiful and unique that many different movies have been filmed here, and once you have seen this eerie swamp, you will no why.

Don’t forget that the Carriage House B&B is running a Kitchen Remodeling Special.  $79 for any room, any night.  Since the kitchen is the room that is being remodeled, we are unable to serve breakfast.   This is $60 savings over our regular rate.

Ways to Escape the Heat in Jefferson Texas

August 4th, 2011 by carriagehouse

Historic Jefferson Museum

It is miserably hot here and everywhere else in the South.  It is hard to believe that it can get this hot anywhere outside of the Sahara Desert.  This has been one of the most brutal and unforgiving summers that I have ever lived through.  Last night at 8pm, my thermometer read 104 degrees.

A photographer friend of mine keeps posting pictures that he took in last winter’s snow storms on Facebook.  I stare at them and dream of cooler and much wetter days.  My soul needs a rainy day.  So I sat down and thought of ways to cool down this weekend.  Here is my list.  Tell me whatcha think.

Eat a Blue Bell Ice Cream store from the Jefferson General Store.  Our general store still has an old fashioned Soda Fountain so you can cool off and be nostalgic all at the same time.  If you aren’t in the mood for a cone,  how about a root beer float?  Just think how good you will sleep when you come off your sugar high.

Take a dip at one of the many beaches at Lake o’ the Pines.   Seriously, there is no better way to cool down then by jumping in the water and Lake o’ the Pines is one of the prettiest lakes in East Texas.

Take a ride in a go-devil on Caddo Lake.  I will even help you set this one up.  Imagine how much cooler you will feel with the wind blowing through you hair as your boat skips across the swamps and bayous.

Spend a day in the air conditioned comfort of our many museums including the Jefferson Historical Museum.  This beautiful red brick building was built in 1890 and has been both a federal courthouse and a post office.  Today it is one of the most interesting museums in all of East Texas.

We only have a few rooms left here at the Carriage House B&B.   Don’t forget that we are running a construction special while we restore and remodel the kitchen, we used the concrete repair specialists near me option to find some of the best experts out there!

August 3rd, 2011 by carriagehouse

Water Lily

JEFFERSON, TEXAS

WEEKEND ENTERTAINMENT

AUGUST 4-7, 2011

*     “INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC OF DIFFERING CULTURES OF CHRISTIANITY”

Performed by:  Dan & Charlotte Smelser on period and ethnic instruments

Sunday, August 7 @ 11:00 a.m.

Location:  1st Methodist Church, 305 W. Henderson

(903) 665-3268

 

*       AUNTIE SKINNER’S RIVERBOAT CLUB & RESTAURANT

Thursday,  August 4:  “Karaoke”  @ 7:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.

Friday,  August 5:  “Auntie Skinner’s has Talent” Preliminary Round III @ 8:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.

Saturday, August 6:  “8-Track”  (Classic Rock N’Roll)  9:00pm-1:00 a.m.

(903) 665-7121

 

*        KARAOKE

Saturday, August 6 @ 8:00 p.m.-12:00 midnight

Location:  The Sandwich Shop, 123 W. Austin

(903) 601-2211

 

*      BINGO!

Location:  Pine Hill Nursing & Rehabilitation, 1307 MLK

Each Monday in August @ 6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.

Prizes & refreshments  -Free-

(903) 472-841

 

*      TURNING BASIN RIVERBOAT TOURS

200 Bayou St.

Tuesday-Friday @ 12:00 noon & 2:00 p.m.

Saturdays @ 10:00 a.m., 12:00 noon, 2:00 p.m. & 4:00 p.m.

(Weather permitting)

Closed:  Sunday & Monday

(903) 665-2222

www.jeffersonbayoutours.com

*      LONE STAR CARRIAGE COMPANY OF JEFFERSON

Historical tours of Jefferson by horse & carriage and Mule Drawn Wagon

Specializing in weddings

Friday-Sunday, August 5-7

(Weather permitting)

Groups and special events available by appointment

Departs from corner of Austin & Market (across from the Jefferson Historical Museum)

(903) 926-8216

www.jeffersontexascarriage.com

Call for reservations

 

*     JEFFERSON PEDAL POWER

122 E. Austin

Bicycles, Trikes, Tandems, Surreys & more

By reservation

(903) 926-5167

www.JeffersonPedalPower.com

*        HISTORIC JEFFERSON RAILWAY

* Friday, August 5 @ 8:00 p.m. –  Free Ghost Stories & 9:00 p.m. – Ghost Train

(Note:  due to heat conditions, the train may not run on Friday evening.  Final

determination will be made each Friday @ 5:00 p.m.  Please call to confirm.

Saturday, August 6 @ 2:30 p.m. & 4:30 p.m. (Day Excursions)

7:00 p.m. – Free Crafts & Carnival

8:00 p.m. –  Free Ghost Stories & 9:00 p.m. – Ghost Train

(903) 665-6400 or (866) 398-2038

www.JeffersonRailway.com

 

*       LAFAYETTE STREET VINTAGE VEHICLES CAR MUSEUM

112 W. Lafayette

Friday & Saturday, August 5-6 @ 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.

(903) 240-6180

Call for additional tours

 

*      CULBERSON HOUSE HISTORIC HOME TOUR

403 N. Walnut

(903) 665-7888

www.culbersonhousebandb.com

*  By reservation.  Call for tour times

*    HOUSE OF THE SEASONS HISTORIC HOME TOUR

409 S. Alley

Daily @ 11:00 a.m.

(903) 665-8000

      Reservations required

www.houseoftheseasons.com

 

*    SINGLETON’S VIRGINIA CROSS HISTORIC HOME TOUR

401 Soda St.

Saturday, August 6 @ 1:00 p.m.

(903) 665-3938  (903) 665-8518 or (214) 725-6232

Call for reservations & additional tour dates and times

 

*   THE GROVE HAUNTED HISTORIC HOME TOUR

405 Moseley

Saturday, August 6 @ 2:00 p.m.

Sunday, August 7 @ 11:00 a.m.

(903) 665-8018

www.thegrove-jefferson.com

Call to confirm tour

*   EXCELSIOR HOUSE HOTEL & JAY GOULD RAILCAR TOUR

211 W. Austin

Tours:  Monday-Friday @ 2:00 p.m.

Saturday & Sunday @ 1:00 p.m. & 2:00 p.m.

(903) 665-2513

Call to confirm tour times

www.theexcelsiorhouse.com

 

*   JEFFERSON HISTORICAL MUSEUM

223 W. Austin

Open daily:  9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

(903) 665-2775

www.jeffersonmuseum.com

 

*    H & D EXOTIC DEER FARM AND OTHER EXOTIC ANIMALS

359 P.R. 5730 & Hwy 729

Open:  Sunday-Friday (Closed:  Saturday)

(903) 665-2238

Reservations required

www.hddeerfarmtours.homestead.com

*   THE GRACEFUL GHOST PADDLEWHEEL STEAMBOAT ON CADDO LAKE

Tuesday-Friday @ 12:00 noon, 2:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m.

Saturday @ 10:00 a.m., 12:00 noon, 2:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m.

Sunday & Monday:  Closed

Pontoon Boat tours at any time with prior  reservation

Location:  Shady Glade Marina, 510 Cypress Drive, Uncertain, TX

(903) 789-2238

www.gracefulghost.com

Call for reservations & additional tours

 

*  BILLY CARTER’S GO-DEVIL TOURS ON CADDO LAKE

Location:  Johnson’s Ranch in Uncertain, TX

(903) 789-3213

Call for reservations

www.caddoguideservice.com

 

*   CADDO OUTBACK BACKWATER TOURS

Personalized Tours of Caddo Lake

Uncertain, TX

(903) 789-3384 or (903) 679-9138

Call for reservations

www.caddooutback.com

 

*   CADDO LAKE PADDLEWHEEL TOURS “THE SWAMP THING”

Uncertain, TX

(888) 325-5459 or (903) 789-2101

Open:  Tuesday-Saturday

Closed:  Sunday & Monday

Call for reservations

www.caddolakepaddlewheeltours.com

 

*   JEFFERSON CARNEGIE LIBRARY

301 W. Lafayette

Monday-Thursday @ 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

Friday @ 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Saturday @ 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Closed:  Sunday

(903) 665-8911

www.jeffersoncarnegielibrary.com

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