"Awards & Tagging"....

Good Morning All, I hope this day finds you all doing well!....In the last few days, I have received two "Brillante Weblog" awards & I have been "tagged"! I am thrilled to pieces! Thank you, thank you!....The rules are with this award, that as soon as you receive it, you in turn give it to 7 other deserving blogs. The "BWA" is given for "brilliant photos & text"!, so needless to say it is such a humbling honor to think people are enjoying what you post!...So in turn, it is my pleasure to pass it on to some of my very favorite "blogging friends"!, which is fairly difficult , since I do have quite a few!
I was given the 1st "BWA" by Cammyk at "FRECKLEDFARM", one of the loveliest blogs ever!!.... you will visit over & over again!...The 2nd was from Rhondi at "ROSE COLORED GLASSES" who's blog is so inviting that you will never want to leave!.... I know that passing this award on to 14 blogs is a little silly, but I'm looking at it a little differently....The blogs I have chosen not only are "brilliantly done", but are ones that I enjoy everyday! They are little "glimpses into lives" & are written by ladies who have become my friends. I encourage you all to take the time to add a bit of beauty to your day & check all these posts out!

I am awarding the "Brillante Weblog" to the following.....
*Kim @ Ragged Roses....charming blog about life in England.....darling "etsy" shop too!


*Holly @ mommyholly.....observations of a young mother, beautifully done..."etsy" shop too!


*Rhonda @ Scooterblu's Whimsy....lovely blog!... thoughts on family life in North Carolina..


*Tracy @ Pink Purl.....life in Norway, great "etsy" shop & wonderful insights from London trip....


*Tonya @ Puddin Pop....lovely writings of homelife & sewing from Louisianna "mother of 7".....


*Carol @ Katherine's Dream...incredibly pretty blog of life in the UK....


*Donna @ Donna's Art... a talented painter who sees "art" in all things...go see her "etsy" shop!


*Cathy Louise @Simple things Small joys...exquisitely lovely blog about life & work in Australia


*Carol @ Clover Yard....charming everyday happenings about her home & family in Scotland....


*Annie @ Firefly Farm Style...beautifully done blog & photos!... & lovely on-line store....


*Pam @ Pam Kitty Morning...writings about life as a very creative woman!....


* Kathy @ Kathy's Cottage...sweet "heart pillows" in her "etsy" shop,... along with a great blog!!


*Beverly @How Sweet The Sound....incredible lady, with fabulous ideas & thoughts for the day...


*Mya @ Creative Musing with Mya....enjoyable blog, always a joy to read! & lovely "etsy" shop...

And here are the rules ladies.....Congratulations!!! You all have given me many hours of enjoyment & insiration!!....& I feel you all are good friends!......Take care.
*Put the logo on your blog...
*Add a link to the person who awarded you
*Nominate at least 7 other blogs
*Add links to those blogs on yours
*Leave a message for your nominees on their blogs

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And last but not least....I also was "tagged" by Michelle at "Mad Red Hare"!...How great were the last few days for me!!?... Thank you so much for thinking of me Michelle!...& please everyone, be sure & visit her delightful blog!!!.....

I have to admit I love to read these "taggings" because through them we get to know a bit more about each other. Here are the rules......

1. Link back to the person who tagged you.
2. Post these rules to your Blog.
3. Share 6 unimportant things about yourself.
4. Tag people at the end of your entry.

Six Unimportant Things About Me:

1- I love "big cities" & "very rural villages"...."suburbia", not so much!......

2-I LOVE dangly,"chandelier" earrings!!!....& not just for dressy occassions, but for everyday with jeans & a t-shirt!...

3-Very big into "basic good manners"...please & thank-you's, holding the door, thank-you notes & R.S.V. P.'s.........

4-I could watch the movie "Emma" every other day!.......(with Gwenyth Paltrow)

5-Love to collect children's books!...

6- And when ordering an alcoholic drink ( very rare!)....I love "Lemon Drop Martinis"!

The six blogging friends I will "tag" today are....Have fun ladies!

1- Jill @ "Bailiwick"
2- Jennifer @ "Sis Boom Day Dream"
3- Holly @ "mommyholly"
4- Jamie @ "Simply Me Art"
5- Heidi @ "Celebrate The Seasons"
6- Jan @ "Jan & Tom's Place"

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In Search of "Gluten-Free" Recipes....for My Friend Judy

Good Morning Friends, I hope you all enjoyed a weekend filled with summer pleasures!.....We certainly did!........I was chatting with my dear friend Judy yesterday & she asked if I could do her a favor. Judy discovered a few months ago that she cannot eat "gluten". It really effects her digestive system & if eaten causes many adverse symptoms. She was asking me if I had any really good "gluten-free" recipes that a I could recommend?...And unfortunately I didn't!...So I am asking you all for a bit of help...If any of you have any delicious "gluten-free" recipes would you please share them with me,... so I could in turn give them to Judy! She & I would greatly appreciate it!!!....Happy Monday to You All.....Heidi XO

P.S. Be sure & visit Donna at "Donna's- In The Attic" for her "Turning Twenty Quilt Show" today!!!! We should all be in for a treat!

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"PINK DOORS"...... for "PINK SATURDAY"

It is after 1:00am,.... we just returned home from the "baby shower" I spoke of in my last post. I think it is safe to say, that the party was a huge success!...As promised I will write about it all next week!....& hopefully some of the photos turned out!...Anyway, I am off to bed...but tomorrow ( actually it is already tomorrow!) is "Pink Saturday" & there is no way I am not having my "pink" post ready. As many of you know, Beverly from "How Sweet The Sound" thought up the wonderful idea of posting & writing about things that are "pink" every Saturday! It seems to be growing every week, and is something we all are getting so much enjoyment from!...Anyway, since it is so late & I am so very tired, I am going to be "short & sweet" about my "pink" contribution this week.......I am posting photos of the prettiest "pink doors"!!! I have never thought about painting any of my doors "pink", but after seeing all of these...who knows??....perhaps a "pink door" is in my future!!!.....Hope you like them too!....I will see & visit you all in the morning!......"Nighty-night" all.......
Pink door #1......so lovely & such detail!
Pink Door #2..... The contrast of "shocking pink" against the black & white is so striking!.......
Pink Door #3..... So charming.......
Pink Door #4....."cracked & peeling"...but so lovely none the less!

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"Party Day"....a shower for Kanon James......

It's Friday, & finally the day has come!...tonight 2 of my girlfriends, Judy & Linda... & myself are throwing a "babyshower"!......Our dear friend Debbie is becoming a "gramdma"!,...Her daughter Deena, is the "mom-to-be"....with baby "Kanon" arriving in just a few weeks!.....We are all excited, since Debbie is one of the first in our group of ladies to join the "granny club"!!!...other than "me" of course!!! :) This "baby shower" has gotten bigger & bigger day by day, with almost 50 guests coming tonight!....We ended up changing the location from my house to Judy's, since my little grandson Andrew broke his leg & all...seemed a bit easier to have it elsewhere. Judy has an amazing home & I am confident that the evening will be a huge success!...Well I still have lots to do...so I better be off!.....I will take lots of pictures & be posting about the party next week! Enjoy your day!........LOve, heidi

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"Summer Sewing Day".......

Another beautiful summer day!....again very warm & sunny. I will however be enjoying it from my upstairs sewing room, buried under yards & yards of fabric!....I am making all the "crib-bedding" for a dear friend's first grandchild who is scheduled to arrive in the next few weeks! Each piece is turning out just lovely!...so fun to be working with flannels, "minky" & "tiny teddy prints"! So I wish you all a wonderfully enjoyable Wednesday!......See you all tomorrow!.....Heidi XO

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A "Tea Party" at the "house on the hill".....

Today's the "tea party" at the "house on the hill"...I know it seems quiet, but listen closely & hear?.....The stirrings & excitement... a party is near....
The water is boiling, ....one minute or two.... The tea will be "steeping"...... Please join us!......please do!!!........
And the "back door" is open, ......just waiting for you!.....

The linens have been chosen, ironed & starched.....
the sweet peas arranged among "tea cakes & tarts"!
There are stacks of "confections" both savory & sweet.....
Please pick up a tea cup & sit down for a treat!
The party is now.....friends are all gathered....the tea is being poured...let's enjoy it together!

Note: I special thank you to Jan, at "Jan & Tom's Place" for inviting us all to put on our own "tea parties" today!....Please visit her blog, where she has listed all today's participants!

Note: My very favorite tea is "Celestial Seasonings"....Candy Cane, ...peppermint will do as well!

Note: Heidi's "Cucumber Croissants" is the recipe I am posting.... they are delightfully delicious with tea!

CUCUMBER CROISSANTS:

*cucumbers, sweet butter & little croissants

* slice cucumbers approx. 1/8" thick......slice croissants in half length-wise....spread room temperature sweet butter on croissant halves.... add a layer of cucumber & serve as tiny tea sandwiches...Enjoy!

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Oprah Winfrey's "CALIFORNIA GUEST HOUSE"....

A "guest room"...I simply would NEVER leave!......LOVE the lavendar! A few days ago, I was again looking through some pictures I had saved....& what did I come across?.... but all the photos of Oprah's "guest house" here in California. A wonderful article had been written up in her magazine "Oprah At Home", a year or two back,....and I just couldn't throw it out! I am delighted I still had them...such fabulous decorating ideas! The colors, fabrics, wallpapers & antique pieces just come together to create a "guest" house that most of us wouldn't mind living in "year-round"! I hope you enjoy these glimpses into Oprah's incredible "California Guest House"!....... The "family room",.... warm & inviting.
Another view of the "family room"...I love the combination of powder blue & brown......The antique "penny" above the door is carved from wood & is a piece Oprah found when "flea-marketing"!!!.......
Another "pretty, purple bedroom"......
A view of the kitchen......

Kitchen continued......
A very "rosy" living area....I LOVE this room! Would be so so great in the winter, but also fresh & lovely for the summer months as well!....
A corner of the "dining room".....I certainly could use that incredible blue secretary here in my house!
Oprah's collection of "desert paintings"........on one of the dining room walls.....
And a tiny "upholstered jewel-box" of an office!......How many bolts did this little room take?....Lots & lots!!!!!!,... but so worth it!!!

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"Pink Saturday"...Sunrise, Sunset.....

Welcome to another very "pink" Saturday!....Beverly at "How Sweet The Sound" had this lovely idea of posting about things that are pink each Saturday. I believe this is our 5th "Pink Saturday" & it just seems to be growing & growing!
This morning I thought I would post two photos that I found a few weeks ago. I thought they were simply incredible!...The first is of a "sunrise" & the second is a "sunset". The colors of nature always leave me speechless with amazement!...these two photos are no exception. The "pink" of the skies plays beautifully off the deep shades of the water, creating an effect that seems almost "mystical"....something only described about in the pages of an old book of "fables"...... Enjoy!

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Independence Day...July 4th, 2008

Tomorrow is July 4th, 2008...."Independence Day" here in the United States. It is a day of celebration...of picnics, parades & fireworks!..... It should also be a day to remember how truly lucky we are to live in this country!....We live in the United States where we are "FREE". Free to live the lives we want, free to say what we feel & free to worship who & where we choose. We also need to be reminded that "freedom" does not come cheap. It is fought hard for...it is valiantly won for all of us, day by day, by a small few.....the men & women of the U.S. Military! So tomorrow, when you are relaxing & enjoying the day with your family, take a moment to remember that there are soldiers out there fighting to give you this day. A day they are not spending with their family, a day they are not watching fireworks with their children,.... but a day when instead, they are fighting for your "freedom"....so you CAN be home enjoying "Independence day" with those you love.......Have a lovely "Independence Day" &...be sure to "remember"......Heidi xo.

Note: A special "thank you" to Kari & Kijsa for encouraging us all to post about "flags" & "freedom"!!!.....And treat yourself!...visit their beautiful blog! They are always posting the most wonderful ideas!

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"The Cleaning Continues".....

A little" glimpse"of my collection of ironstone....all "sparkling clean"!...... Well, if you read this blog yesterday, you would know that I have lots to accomplish in the next week or so. With a "baby shower" in a week and a half, I am trying to get lots of my housecleaning, yardwork & sewing done this week, so I won't be trying to squeeze it all in at the last minute!............However, being an ENORMOUS PROCRASTINATOR, I found every excuse in the book yesterday, not to do a thing!!??...I did a bit of sewing & straightening, then went to my grandson's swim lesson, to lunch, the bookstore & then home to swim!..not alot checked off the"list"! ........So this morning I need to get my act together & get to work!...I have accomplished a bit of dusting & furniture polishing so far, & things may be headed in the right direction!.... Here's to a day of "accomplishing"!!!!....See you all tomorrow!
Note: I have not posted many photos of my own home lately, but the ones here this morning are my own!...all dusted & cleaned!
An old "flower basket" filled with blooms...a perfect backdrop to these newly made "shell boxes".......all white & summery!
One of my living room end tables...very well-dusted!!!..... One down, many to go!!....Off to continue my "tidying"!....too-dah-loo!!

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BUSY DAY........

Tuesday, July 1st, 2008........The first day of July & a hot one here at our house!...Today is going to be a busy one! I am "knee-deep" in designing & sewing nursery bedding, blankets & bibs!....all to be presented next week at a baby shower we are giving. The shower is for a dear friend's daughter...& we are thrilled to be giving it! However, the shower is in about 10 days, & I have lots to accomplish!....
And since it will be taking place both inside our home, as well as on our patio, I really want to have the yard & the garden looking their best too!....So let's just say I have a bit of "tidying up" to do to make it "party worthy"!...
And then there is the "housecleaning", "baking", etc. etc.! With a full house,... including a busy 4 year old, 3 large dogs, 3 cats & 90 degree weather.....let's just say there won't be lots of sitting around today! :)
So I am off to start!.....but where?...Sewing room?...Garden?...Kitchen?
I'll keep you posted!..........Happy Tuesday!...Heidi XO

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"Summer Recipe Swap" @ "Kathy's Cottage"....

It's Monday morning & my mouth is already watering!....Today Kathy, @ "Kathy's Cottage" is hosting a "Summer Recipe Swap"...I am a fairly decent cook, but I will admit that my "summer recipes" are a bit in need of some imagination!....So needless to say, this "swap" is one I have been so looking forward to!!! THANK YOU KATHY!!!.......So here goes!..... Kathy has asked us all to submit easy & healthy recipes for summer. An easy request really....However, since my "summer recipe repertoire" is so lacking, I will be posting 3 warm weather "desserts" instead. I LOVE to bake, & seem to have tried more than my share from the wonderfully "sweet section" in my recipe box!
My first recipe is for Ina Garten's, "Frozen Key Lime Pie". I'm sure you are all familiar with Ina, from the "Barefoot Contessa", her show on the Food Network & her lovely series of cookbooks. This pie of her's is so easy....& so amazingly delicious!....Would be wonderful served possibly after a spicy dinner of Mexican "carne asada", rice & corn pudding!

Frozen Key Lime Pie: serves 8

For the crust:
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (10 crackers)
1/4 cup sugar
6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter, melted

For the filling:
6 extra-large egg yolks, at room temperature
1/4 cup sugar
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
2 tablespoons grated lime zest
3/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (4 to 5 limes)

For the decoration:
1 cup (1/2 pint) cold heavy cream
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Thin lime wedges

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
For the crust, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and butter in a bowl. Press into a 9-inch pie pan, making sure the sides and the bottom are an even thickness. Bake for 10 minutes. Allow to cool completely.
For the filling, beat the egg yolks and sugar on high speed in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment for 5 minutes, until thick. With the mixer on medium speed, add the condensed milk, lime zest, and lime juice. Pour into the baked pie shell and freeze.
For the decoration, beat the heavy cream on high speed in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment until soft peaks form. Add the sugar and vanilla and beat until firm. Spoon or pipe decoratively onto the pie and decorate with lime. Freeze for several hours or overnight.
Note: feel free to use regular lemons if "key limes" are not available.....& remember, cold limes are easier to zest, but room-temperature limes give up more juice!

My next recipe is also from Ina Garten, ......"Orange Pound Cake". Oh mercy this is good! It has an incredibly "fresh" taste & aroma...simply incredible! Each bite is "citrus-y & sweet"! There are three ( but easy!) steps to this cake,... making the actual cake, the syrup & then the glaze....Each adds it's own depth of flavor, making the final outcome outstanding! This cake would be a wonderful addition to a "summer brunch" or in the afternoon with a tall iced tea!

Orange Pound Cake: makes 2 loaves

1/2 pound (2 sticks) unsalted butter at room temperature

2 1/2 cups sugar, divided

4 extra-large eggs, at room temperature

1/3 cup grated orange zest (6 oranges)

3 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon kosher salt

3/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice, divided

3/4 cup buttermilk at room temperature

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Glaze:

2 cups confectioner's sugar, sifted

3 Tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice

Heat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour 2 (8 1/2 by 4 1/2 by 2 1/2-inch loaf pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper.
Cream the butter and 2 cups of the granulated sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment for about 5 minutes, or until light and fluffy. With the mixer on medium speed, beat in the eggs, 1 at a time, and the orange zest.
In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, combine 1/4 cup of the orange juice, the buttermilk, and vanilla. Add the flour and buttermilk mixtures alternately to the batter, beginning and ending with the flour. Divide the batter evenly between the pans, smooth the tops, and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until a cake tester comes out clean.
While the cakes bake, cook the remaining 1/2 cup of granulated sugar with remaining 1/2 cup orange juice in a small saucepan over low heat until the sugar dissolves. When the cakes are done, let them cool for 10 minutes. Take them out of the pans and place them on a baking rack set over a tray. Spoon the orange syrup over the cakes and allow the cakes to cool completely.
To glaze, combine the confectioner's sugar & the orange juice in a bowl, mixing with a wire whisk until smooth. Add a few more drops of juice, if necessary, to make it pour easily. Pour 1/2 of the glaze over each cake.

And my last dessert is from decorator, Carolyne Roehm's book, "Summer Notebook".... "Blueberry-Orange Tart". Tart's are surprisingly simple & would be the crowning glory to a meal of barbequed steaks, potato salad & broccoli "hash"!

Blueberry-Orange Tart: serves 6-8

1 1/4 c. flour

1 stick unsalted butter, melted & cooled

4 1/2 Tablespoons powdered sugar

5 1/2 c. fresh blueberries

1 c. granulated sugar

juice of & finely grated zest of 1 orange

2 tablespoons quick-cooking tapioca

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a med. bowl, combine the flour, butter & 3 1/2 T. powdered sugar. Press dough in a thin layer on the bottom & sides of an 8" square pan. Refrigerate for 30 minutes or until firm. Prick dough all over with fork and bake crust for about 25 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from oven & cool.

2. In med. sized saucepan, combine 4 cups of blueberries, granulated sugar, orange juice, and tapioca. Blend well & let stand for 15 minutes.

3. Cook the blueberry mixture over medium heat until mixture comes to a full boil.Reduce heat and cook for 5 minutes more, stirring constantly & lightly crushing berries with a slotted spoon against the sides of pan. Add orange zest, then remove from heat. Cool for 15-20 minutes.

4. Pour cooked mixture into baked tart shell & chill for 30 minutes. Top with remaining blueberries & continue chilling.

5. Before serving, sift remaining 1 T. powdered sugar atop tart.

I want to take this opportunity to again "thank" Kathy for thinking this swap up, & putting it together for us all to enjoy!....I cannot wait to visit all the blogs to see what delicious recipes are awaiting!........Happy Swapping!......Heidi XO

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"Pink Saturday" & "The Fanciful Twist's Mad Tea Party"

Note: I have posted twice today.....My first post is for "Pink Saturday" hosted by my wonderful friend Beverly. And my second post is "The Fanciful Twist's Mad Tea Party" hosted by the darling Vanessa. I have thoroughly enjoyed doing both! What a wonderfully busy day this is!....Fondly, Heidi XO

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"A FANCIFUL TWIST TEA PARTY".....hosted by Vanessa

This morning was a day like any other, a bit dark & gloomy,...with dampness in the air. As I was finishing my cup of morning tea,....a soft, cool breeze delivered the news,...the party, the "Fanciful Twist's Mad Tea Party"....hosted by the extraordinary Miss Vanessa, in celebration of her 200th blog post!
I quickly dressed in my "party finery", and headed down the winding road. As I passed the ancient oak, I looked up through the mist, catching a tiny glimpse of the manor.
As I came upon the large stone structure, I paused....Miss Vanessa was peering out, motioning me to come inside. The walls behind her were lit with color & filled with excitement! I forgot my "prim & proper's", opened the door & began racing up the stairs!...........
Since receiving this wondrous invitation....my imagination had been twirling with "thoughts of the unknown"...the room, the food, the party...what would it all be like? As I gathered together with the other guests, outside the tall French doors leading to the great hall, my heart thumping & feet tingling with excitement.....Miss Vanessa swung open the grand doors! The "Fanciful Twist's Mad Tea Party" was beginning!...& I was there!
As the others & I carefully entered the room, our breath was being taken away....The room was simply glorious! We were swept up in the colors of pink, red & the deepest blue. The sight & scents of towering floral arrangements, along with the hauntingly lovely music of a trio of harps filled the air!....Red, red roses were tucked everywhere.......

And massive bouquets of "ocean blue" hydrangeas, occupied all the corners of the sweetly scented room! I was in heaven....in every direction was "beauty" in some form.

As we neared our table, I couldn't help notice the dozens of "tea cups"!..Not your everyday tea cups, but ones that were painted & trimmed & rimmed in sweet sugar!..... Along with the tea, we were served "pink champagne"....teasing our noses with bubbles.

And on silver trays, lined with sugar-dusted petals....we chose from confections of all kinds. The tiniest pink cakes adorned with "fairy dust" & set in lace...................... Ribbon candy in long, looping strips.....to nibble with warm tea. The varigated colors of the candy, was mesmerizing & the taste decadent!......

We were encouraged to dance, to the lilting music that was played throughout the afternoon. How could one resist?....Afterall, dancing under a ceiling of pink allows your feet to feel light as marshmallows. You are swept away in a "cloud of musical perfection"!
The afternoon was a splendid one.....one I will never forget. After having one last sip of tea & a final bite of cake....it was sadly time to go.
I thanked Miss Vanessa for the invitation...for the most exquisitely charming day. A day of folly, frivolity & fun! It will be a "treasured memory" I carry always......

I say my "to-ta-loo's" & am off for home.....A "lovely day of days"...I will hold dear forever.

Note: Again a very special "thank you" to Vanessa @ "A Fanciful Twist" for offering to celebrate her 200th post with all of us! What a grand day we are in for! Off to all your blogs!.....Enjoy, Heidi XO

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