No Facilities

Random thoughts, life lessons, hopes and dreams.

Here Comes the Sun

Dan Antion
1 minute
,

Cee hasn’t restarted most of her challenges yet – that’s okay, we all deserve a break. Last week, we were covered in snow and ice, and we were beginning our third week of life under gray skies. On Saturday, the sun broke through. We almost didn’t recognize it. Yesterday, it was sunny again. The snow is gone, the sidewalks are dry – it’s still cold, but the sun feels good.

Today’s gallery contains lots of sunny images taken as I walked the past two days.

I hope everyone has a wonderful week.

Squirrel
We still had snow on the ground on Saturday
Light shining on snow
The bunny turned on the light and ran off
Long shadows
I smiled when I saw those long shadows
Birch tree
I’m worried about that birch tree
birds
The birdseed buffet has been put out
Green field
I love seeing those sharp shadows
Sunrise
We were treated to bright sunshine this weekend
Caterpillar shadow
What do you think – Caterpillar?
sunrise over park
Sunrise behind the playscape
Sunrise
Those trucks might be here to remove that birch tree :(
Bird shadow
I think it’s a bird. Not sure what kind
Squirrel in tree
Some of the squirrels like to be up high when they eat
Park
The snow is gone (for now)
sunset
Sunset through bare trees on a clear night
Flag in sun
Old Glory blowing in the wind on a bright sunny day

Books on Gateway Clipper

Knuckleheads — The Evil You Choose — When Evil Chooses You — Secrets held Against Evil

All five of my current books are now available in audio book form thanks to Amazon KDP’s Virtual Voice process. The voice is AI generated, but I can honestly say, it’s pretty darn good. The audio books are reasonably priced (all below $7 US) and, if you already own the Kindle version and want to add an audio version, you can do that for $1.99. There is a five-minute sample on the book page for each book. If you’re interested, click on any of the Dreamer’s Alliance book links below the image or on the link below for my latest book.

Bridge to Nowhere

103 responses to “Here Comes the Sun”

  1. screed64 Avatar
    screed64

    Great pics Dan. I would love a few days of your (melting) snow. A humid 93° F this week. 3 T-shirt changes before lunchtime.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Humid 93° why I like having four seasons. It’s the part of summer that makes me wish for winter. I hope yo have a cool breeze.

      Like

      Reply
  2. Darlene Avatar
    Darlene

    Always good to see the sun. We are so spoiled here, we had 3 cloudy days and complained bitterly. Considering we get 325 sunny days a year we are pathetic!! Great pics!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      3? I think we had 11 days in a row with no sunshine at all. Other days were “Partly Cloudy” and were cherished.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Darlene Avatar
        Darlene

        I know. I lived in Vancouver BC for 25 years, we had months without sun. I couldn’t believe I was complaining on day 3! How quickly we get spoiled. BTW, I’m reading When Evil Chooses You right now.

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
        1. Dan Antion Avatar
          Dan Antion

          Vancouver would certainly train you to appreciate the sun. I lived in Seattle for three years. Thanks for letting me know you’re reading When Evil Chooses You – I hope you enjoy it.

          Liked by 1 person

          Reply
  3. Oddment Avatar
    Oddment

    I needn’t say I’m groaning here. It’s like Whac-A-Mole in my head: no matter what I try to think of, the song pops up! Nonetheless, I share in the sentiment; we too have had the sun after endless dark days, and it’s wonderful to see actual shadows again! Gorgeous shot of the bare trees — and definitely a caterpillar.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      I’m humming right along with you, Maureen. I couldn’t resist. It’s one of my favorite songs and totally appropriate. Thanks for the confirmation on the caterpillar.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  4. Dave Astor Avatar
    Dave Astor

    To misquote the title of an Arthur Miller play, I like the photos of what you might label “All My Suns.” :-)

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      That’s good, Dave. Have a great week.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Dave Astor Avatar
        Dave Astor

        Have a great week, too, Dan!

        Like

        Reply
  5. Suzette Benjamin Avatar
    Suzette Benjamin

    Wonderful photos Dan, loved the buffet! Nice.
    The bright sunshine photos are a welcome treat. Thank you for the delights!
    P.S. the squirrel perfectly centered on the tree branch…is an amazing photo!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks Suzette. I’m glad you like these. Some of the squirrels just sit and eat near the pile of peanuts. This guy always runs up into the tree.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Suzette Benjamin Avatar
        Suzette Benjamin

        Thanks again Dan. We have a fresh portion of snow and more grey skies here. Nice to see the sunshine bright photos and critters…

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  6. Ginger Salvatore Avatar
    Ginger Salvatore

    Omigosh. I had to wear sunglasses when I was out feeding the birds! 😁 And seeing shadows again is a great treat!

    That one leaf definitely resembles a caterpillar and the other leaf could be a hummingbird!

    The sun shining through the bare trees actually makes a nice photo.

    Old Glory looks like she’s having a grand time enjoying the sun and breeze!

    Thanks for cementing the video in my head.🥴

    Enjoy this first Monday of February and may it be followed by a perfect week.

    Ginger💞

    Sent from my iPad

    >

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      If you’re going to have a song stuck, Ginger, that’s a good one (I’m still humming along).

      The flag really did look like it was having a good time. Drying out in the sun after weeks of wet cloudy days.

      I wish I had taken a video of that leaf. It was moving in the wind and the bird looked like one of those drinking birds we had as kids.

      I hope you’re wearing sunglasses all week long. I think we deserve it.

      Like

      Reply
  7. Rivergirl Avatar
    Rivergirl

    You’re frightening bunnies away? That light has got to go!
    waves hello to perching squirrel instead

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      I think the bunny lives nearby, so that’s kind of like his porch light. Sometimes, he just sits there and eats. There are smaller motion lights all over the place, so he should be used to the attention.

      Like

      Reply
  8. China Dream Avatar
    China Dream

    2nd row, 1st on left. shadow art. right on!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      I’m glad you like that one. I do, but I wasn’t sure others would.

      Like

      Reply
  9. Judy@NewEnglandGardenAndThread Avatar
    Judy@NewEnglandGardenAndThread

    Cold weather is tolerable, but day after day of grayness wears one down. Glad you have some sun. We’ve got a rainy gray day today, but I guess we all take our turn. :-)

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      I don’t mind the cold, but all those cloudy days were getting old. It looks like clear skies ahead until Friday. I hope your rain is short-lived.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  10. Kim Smyth Avatar
    Kim Smyth

    Love your sunny photos-we had the grayness yesterday when the storms pushed through but sunny by afternoon. The video didn’t play for me, but I guessed the song by everyone’s comments and your title, of course.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Sorry about the video. I’m guessing you can sing along anyway. An occasional grey day is fine, but this was getting old.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Kim Smyth Avatar
        Kim Smyth

        It sure does! It’s raining again now, but at least in Florida the sunny days far outweigh the gloomy ones!

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  11. Sherry Felix Avatar
    Sherry Felix

    Nice shadow series.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks Sherry.

      Like

      Reply
  12. Jennie Avatar
    Jennie

    You picked the perfect song. Sun at last! I love your shadow photos. Yes, a caterpillar (I think.)

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks Jennie. I hope your kids enjoy the sunshine.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Jennie Avatar
        Jennie

        They will!

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  13. Liz Gauffreau Avatar
    Liz Gauffreau

    Our sun returned as well, although our temps are quite cold. “Here Comes the Sun” is one of my favorite Beatles’ songs. It was good to listen to it again.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      We are starting off cold, but getting up into the 40s, Liz. 28 when I walked today. That’s always been one of my favorite songs. I’m glad you like it.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Liz Gauffreau Avatar
        Liz Gauffreau

        “Mr. Blue Sky” is another favorite sunny day song.

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  14. John W. Howell Avatar
    John W. Howell

    That’s a great song choice. I enjoyed the photos of the various sun shots. Bird and caterpillar, for sure. The shadows were good to see too.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks John. I didn’t realize how much I missed seeing the shadows. I do love that song.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. John W. Howell Avatar
        John W. Howell

        😊

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  15. John Hric Avatar
    John Hric

    Last Friday we were promised a week of sun. Not. Now if we are lucky the forecast will be alternating days. Which considering it is February and Lake Erie is not frozen over is not too bad…

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      That means there’s still the potential for lake effect snow?

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. John Hric Avatar
        John Hric

        Mostly lake effect clouds from the open warm water. It has been mostly warm and even when it does snow the ground quickly melts any snow. However the potential for lake effect snow remains if it is unfrozen.

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  16. dweezer19 Avatar
    dweezer19

    Great sunny photos Dan! I’m so happy for you all in the throes of Winter’s Passing. I love that song.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks Cheryl. Grey skies don’t normally bother me, but I think we had 11 days in a row with absolutely now sun breaking through.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. dweezer19 Avatar
        dweezer19

        I understand. I remember the weeks of rain and bleak skies during every hurricane season back home.

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  17. lois Avatar
    lois

    We’ve been rainy and grey down here for quite a while now–we could use some sun. Your header photo is so pretty!
    I used to run very early in the morning (years ago!) and I did not realize all the houses that had motion detectors on them. Good thing they weren’t some blaring sound alarms, although for the bunny, I would smile.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Our lights on the front of the house pop on and off when runners or larger vehicles go by. They shouldn’t be close enough, but… The bunny turns those lights on, too because he/she loves using the ramp.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  18. Dale Avatar
    Dale

    We FINALLY got sun, too! Matter of fact, it’s shining brightly right now.
    Definitely a caterpillar and bird :)
    Bummer for the birch. They are fragile, aren’t they?

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Birch trees are fragile. The “tree removal” company is staging equipment in the parking lot. There was a guy checking the tree last fall, so I’m guessing it’s going to be removed. At least I hope it’s that tree and not the one the squirrel lives in.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Dale Avatar
        Dale

        That they are. We used to have a beautiful one on our front yard back in the day. It succumbed to ill wind, shall we say.
        Oh dear! I hope it’s not the squirrel’s home!

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
        1. Dan Antion Avatar
          Dan Antion

          Me, too. Our neighbor took down four trees last year during the winter and displaced many squirrel and birds. We ended up with some of those living in our firewood racks, but they had nowhere to go.

          Liked by 1 person

          Reply
          1. Dale Avatar
            Dale

            Oh man. That is a sad state of affairs.

            Liked by 1 person

            Reply
  19. circadianreflections Avatar
    circadianreflections

    I saw a feather rather than a caterpillar. We got dumped on pretty good Sat/Sunday but it’s sunny now. Shoveling is over for awhile. My back is sore! It was the wet, sticky, heavy snow.

    Your sunny days look wonderful. I love those long shadows too. I agree a bird…a Northern Flicker perhaps for the shadow on that one. 😀

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      I don’t see the feather, but that could explain the curve. I’m not sure when we’ll see snow again. It’s not mentioned at all in the 10-day forecast (although those are never accurate). Heavy wet snow looks wonderful when it sticks to the trees, but it’s no fun to move. I hope your back feels better soon.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. circadianreflections Avatar
        circadianreflections

        Thanks, me too!

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  20. Tails Around the Ranch Avatar
    Tails Around the Ranch

    There is something very alluring about long winter shadows on snow.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      They are so sharp, I didn’t realize hoe much I missed them.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  21. Author Jan Sikes Avatar
    Author Jan Sikes

    A welcome sight! Love the photos and now “Here Comes The Sun” by the Beatles is stuck in my head. :)

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Sorry about the song, Jan. It’s stuck in my head, too (if that helps).

      Like

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      1. Author Jan Sikes Avatar
        Author Jan Sikes

        No apology. I love that song!

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  22. Mae Clair Avatar
    Mae Clair

    I love the long shadows, the “caterpillar” shadow and Old Glory. We are in full sunshine, too—after a week of drizzle, mist, and rain. I hear spring knocking at winter’s door!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      I think spring is coming, Mae, but we still might see more snow. But the later it gets, the days will keep getting longer.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  23. Teagan Riordain Geneviene Avatar
    Teagan Riordain Geneviene

    There’s nothing quite like seeing the sun again after it’s been absent for a stretch of days (or weeks). Thanks for this lovely cheerful post, Dan. That’s also probably my favorite Beatles video. Hugs.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      My pleasure, Teagan. That is one of my favorite songs, It’s so hopeful.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  24. Sandi Staton Avatar
    Sandi Staton

    Here in NC, the weather is crazy as usual: In the teens a few days, 40’s and 50’s on other days, and last week, we had a few spring days in the 60’s and 70’s. No snow, but that may all change in March. That’s when winter hits us with ice storms more than snow.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Ice storms are the worst, Sandi. They do so much damage here, and there is just no way to drive. I hope you stay clear of them.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Sandi Staton Avatar
        Sandi Staton

        They got most of our Bradford pear trees, except for a few on both sides of the driveway. I shudder every time an ice storm hits. Kidding my husband, I tell him that at least we won’t have to pay to have them cut down. I warn my grandkids about planting Bredford’s!

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
        1. Dan Antion Avatar
          Dan Antion

          I remember you warning people not to plant those in a post – last year, maybe.

          Liked by 1 person

          Reply
          1. Sandi Staton Avatar
            Sandi Staton

            Yep! I warn everyone!

            Liked by 1 person

            Reply
  25. dennyho Avatar
    dennyho

    Your ‘leaf’ bird is clever!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks Denise :-)

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  26. Rebecca Cuningham Avatar
    Rebecca Cuningham

    Sounds like we’re in a similar frame of mind, seeking sun. Great photos.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Yeah, you reach a point where you need to see/feel the sun. I hope you have that now.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Rebecca Cuningham Avatar
        Rebecca Cuningham

        Thanks, Dan. We have sun today!

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
        1. Dan Antion Avatar
          Dan Antion

          Yay!

          Liked by 1 person

          Reply
  27. quiall Avatar
    quiall

    I really needed to see those pictures. It’s been a gray miserable day today. No snow, just depressing gray. It’s really starting to get me down. They’re calling for sun by the end of the week. Let’s see.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      I hope it burns through sooner than that, Pam. The grey days really do pile up on a body.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  28. Gwen M. Plano Avatar
    Gwen M. Plano

    Wonderful photos, Dan. Our normally blue skies have darkened for tomorrow’s big storm. California is sharing its wintery mess with Arizona. We’ve stocked up and will watch from inside our home. 😊

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Stocked and ready sounds like a great plan, Gwen. I hope the storm isn’t as bad as what we’re hearing on this side.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  29. Cee Neuner Avatar
    Cee Neuner

    I’m back and challenges are resuming tomorrow. Topic is green, I know it might be a hard one for you.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Haha – I have lots of green in the archives, Cee. I am very glad you’re back. I hope you had a nice break.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Cee Neuner Avatar
        Cee Neuner

        The weather was awful, but Chris and I had fun indoors anyway :D :D

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
        1. Dan Antion Avatar
          Dan Antion

          I’m glad to hear that. Awful weather seems to have been the theme for January.

          Like

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          1. Cee Neuner Avatar
            Cee Neuner

            No kidding. It wasn’t a good weather month :D

            Liked by 1 person

            Reply
  30. Janis @ RetirementallyChallenged.com Avatar
    Janis @ RetirementallyChallenged.com

    Lots of rain here… a good thing as long as it isn’t too much all at once. I always try to guess what you see in the leaf shadows before I read your comment. The last one is definitely a goose. :)

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      I hope the rain continues to fall only in manageable amounts. Goose is a good call :-)

      Like

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  31. memadtwo Avatar
    memadtwo

    A welcome sight for both man and beast! (K)

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Indeed. It was too long.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  32. Kirt D Tisdale Avatar
    Kirt D Tisdale

    Great pics…thanks for sharing!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks Kirt.

      Like

      Reply
  33. Sharukh Bamboat Avatar
    Sharukh Bamboat

    Some lovely pictures to enjoy. I love the sun as well but as March approaches and summer is just around the corner it is quite hard to think that the next 90 days will be hot and humid.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      We will have our share of hot and humid days in 4 or 5 months, Sharukh. I’ll be looking forward to autumn and winter again.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  34. Nicole Smith Avatar
    Nicole Smith

    I have been walking too, feels good to see the sun.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      It really does!

      Like

      Reply
  35. willowdot21 Avatar
    willowdot21

    Fabulous photos Dan, and a perfect musical accompanyment bro go with them. The glorious sun, the shadow catapiller eating his leaf, and the bird is a dove 💜💜💜

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks Willow. I didn’t think about the leaf – that makes sense!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  36. Y3 Story Chat #9: “Arfer Understands Everything” by Doug Jacquier – Marsha Ingrao – Always Write Avatar
    Y3 Story Chat #9: “Arfer Understands Everything” by Doug Jacquier – Marsha Ingrao – Always Write

    […] No Facilities […]

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  37. Marsha Avatar
    Marsha

    Your pictures are wonderful. You should be charging rent to that squirrel. He’s almost achieved pet status, I think. Does he eat out of your hand? Your yard is definitely a favorite with the birds. Do you really think you are done with snow this early into the spring? You had a nice covering in one of your pictures. Have a great week. I’m off to pick out one of your books for my next read.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      I don’t think we’re done with snow, and the weather service doesn’t think we’re done with cold, although we might hit 60(f) on Saturday. The squirrels are a little skittish around us. They get close but not that close. They got closer to our dog, Maddie, than they do us. Maddie had a special connection with them. Thanks for mentioning my book. I hope you enjoy it.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Marsha Avatar
        Marsha

        I’m surprised that they let the dog close! I didn’t get started on your book yesterday, but I’m going to have time today and tomorrow. I’m amazed that you can write so many so quickly! I can’t wait to get into it.

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
        1. Dan Antion Avatar
          Dan Antion

          I didn’t write them that quickly. It took over three years to write the first three books. I had been advised by many people, not to publish any of them until I was well on my way to finishing the third. That proved to be good advice, since I had to bring back a dead man for Book-3. At the time, I wasn’t aware that I was going to write a 4th book in that series. That took another 10 months.

          Those squirrels never bothered or were bothered by Maddie.

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  38. wrookieschu Avatar
    wrookieschu

    I see a seahorse! I love how we all see different things.

    Like

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  39. robertawrites235681907 Avatar
    robertawrites235681907

    I’m sure you’re loving the sun even if its cold. Grey becomes very tiresome.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      It does,.

      Like

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  40. Y3 Story Chat Summary #9: “Arfer Understand Everything” By Doug Jacquier – Marsha Ingrao – Always Write Avatar
    Y3 Story Chat Summary #9: “Arfer Understand Everything” By Doug Jacquier – Marsha Ingrao – Always Write

    […] No Facilities – “I have to think this delightful little story is the beginning of something much longer and quite interesting. Personally, I always trust a dog’s judgement over that of humans. Every dog we’ve ever had has known more about people than we do at first. Family is a clear theme now, but I think this may (if Doug continues) ultimately bring in good vs. evil or perhaps justice. Maybe there’s a twist in the future and Nicholas, Arfer and I are wrong about Justin. I like Nicholas the best, and I like how Doug told us about him through his reaction to the activity going on around him. Doug did an excellent job choosing topics for Nicholas to react to. He’s honest and true to his beliefs. I think he’s a good man, a good provider and a fierce protector.” […]

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  41. Creative Juice #391 | ARHtistic License

    […] Some (mostly) sunny winter photographs. […]

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