Wet Paint

Posted on July 8, 2014 by Debbie

I know, I haven’t been around for a while. But it doesn’t mean I’m not here. I am.

After our fun-filled weekend in LA, I decided to take a break.

I needed a little time away from my camera too. Time to unwind and get back into the swing of things.

Time for rest and gardening and figuring out when to tackle a couple of painting projects I want to accomplish this month.

Time to enjoy the 3-Day Holiday weekend (Independence Day) with the hubs.

Friday night (Independence Day) we decided to watch a movie – The Piano. And sometime during our show I began to hear noises. And I asked the hubs if he would pause our show. I said “I hear something, do you?” The hubs responded “oh, that’s the fireworks.” Duh! 🙂 Then we had a look-see outside, but we were not able to see anything from our yard.

And then we decided to make the rest of our weekend as uneventful as possible. In fact, the cars remained in the garage all weekend. Just what we needed.

Although, we had the little work crew working on (what seems) our never-ending backyard project. We hope to have it finished in the next week, two at the most.

Oh, another thing. We never jumped on the Glee bandwagon. That is, until this weekend. We started watching season 1 from the very beginning and we were smitten from the start! So much so, that the next few days turned into a Glee marathon topped with popcorn and other goodies.

Monday was all about catching up on the weekend laundry, gardening, cleaning and food shopping.

Wet Paint

Today I’m working on one of my projects involving paint.

I picked up this wooden set at an estate sale a month or so ago. And the idea is to paint them white for the kitchen.

As of this afternoon, they have 3 coats on the upper side.

I hope to have them finished and hanging in the kitchen tomorrow.

While I’m in the middle of a “do not touch – wet paint” sort of day – It’s a great day to be outdoors painting.

Blessings – Debbie

LA for the Weekend

Posted on July 2, 2014 by Debbie

Last Friday, the hubs and I made our way to LA.

That evening we got to meet our daughters boyfriend’s parents and sister.

We did it up right with BBQ dinner at Lucille’s. Allow me to say, their baby back ribs are fall off the bone tender and yummy and messy. Oh my goodness! And they brought warm rolled cloths (to the table) after our meal. I call that great service.

Then we went to Cold Stone for some ice cream.

And then we partied ’til the early morning hours in Koreatown, at this really cool Korean karaoke place.

Fun times!

Daddy daughter team.

While the hubs was singing…(He was singing a special song “to rme” – Makes me happy.)

the rest of the gang were finding favorite songs to cue.

One of the groups favorite of the night was Yellow Submarine – we all got a big kick out of that.

Singing a song

Gotta love it – I believe they were singing Mamma Mia and they danced the entire song.

Getting ready for her song…

And sometime in the early morning hours, we grew a little weary and called it a crazy fun day and night to remember. We shut the place down!

The next morning (Saturday) we took a stroll down to the beach for brunch.

And what do you know?

We happened on Jillian Michaels summer shape up.

I didn’t bother counting all of the tents and crew, but it was quite the turnout.

She had the place rockin’

I walked all the way around and got as close to her as I could.

She’s in the image below up on the stage between the two flags with a cap. See her?

And then we found the perfect spot for brunch.

Cute little picture as we were leaving.

And then we were off to Dodger Stadium to watch our Cardinals play ball!

Good Year kept us company all afternoon.

Here we have a few of the hubs friends from St Louis.

I’ll say the hubs did an amazing job coordinating this super fun event. He even scored tickets just 13 rows from the field and close to the home plate.

There were 16 of us total.

It was a sad day for Cardinal fans, but we still rallied at the 7th inning stretch.

Friends at the game – I think they were discussing a Cardinal comeback.

But our friend need not say a word – He truly shows that our Cardinals were out there looking like a bunch of clowns. It was pathetic…Almost laughable.

Then a few of us gathered at a Mexican joint to finish the day.

And the hubs and I made it home sweet home a little after midnight.

We’ve been trying to catch up on rest ever since.

I think we are finally back into the swing of things.

And we are truly looking forward to this upcoming three day weekend. Although I think we have plans to keep it as low key as possible. Sounds good to me!

Blessings – Debbie

Gardening + Beach + Root-Rot

Posted on June 26, 2014 by Debbie

Just so you know (up front), the root-rot has nothing to do with gardening. And everything to do with “my” roots, literally.

This past weekend was one of those really nice three day weekends with the hubs. It’s the kind of weekend I love where we spend time gardening, living outdoors, cooking on the grill and eating outdoors.

The hubs picked his first round of jalapeño peppers.

And our first round of corn. Actually, we had fresh corn a couple of times over the weekend.

He seeded his peppers + added a concoction of cream cheese + spices + sharp cheddar cheese + bacon. He said they were yummy. I do know this, they had to be good. And I wish my tummy were able to handle these things like it used to. Oh well…

The corn was yummy too! In fact, the hubs did a fine job serving up yummy meals over the weekend. Trust.

Then Monday rolled around. First up, I had plans to visit the fair with my girlfriend. However, we learned (over the weekend) the fair was closed on Monday.

Then I made a plan to have my blood-work done. The reminder (see image below) was attached (Sunday evening) to the right source as a reminder to stay away until after my blood-work was finished. Somehow I forgot about my reminder early Monday morning as I was making breakfast and lunch for the hubs. And then is when I accidentally tossed some fresh watermelon my way while making his lunch.

Oops!

May as well bring on the coffee too after a stunt like that. So I did.

And just like that, I made a new plan, while enjoying my coffee. It’s my philosophy, when one plan fails, make a new one.

Worked for me, as I went to the beach.

Enjoyed a little sand between my toes.

Truly enjoyed shopping along the boardwalk.

Does shopping get any better? Well for me, I’m not much of a shopper to begin with. Should you see me at the mall, you know it’s one of those once every six month sort of visits, when I really need something. And once I nail what I need, I’m out of there.

However, should you see me in and out of old shops filled with antiques, or shops with pottery and art, or any sort of funky cool stuff. Look out, I could stay in places like that for days…

Then Tuesday rolled around. I was so excited for Tuesday! Never-mind the image, I did some crazy stuff to it in Photoshop ~~just for fun~~ cause that’s the way I roll.

But the reason I was so excited is…it was time to take care of root-rot! I love the fact that my hair is growing, but those pesky grays have a way of making themselves known. If you know what I mean. Now that that’s taken care of, I’m sure I’ll be sharing some more stuff soon. Stay tuned!

Blessings – Debbie

Summertime

Posted on June 19, 2014 by Debbie

Is For…

Enjoying nice long days
Dinner on the patio
Firing up the grill for things like shrimp, chicken and burgers…

I cleaned up a mess of these guys for dinner last evening.

Finding my way to bed somewhere around 9PM and waking sometime around 5:30AM. I love my waking hours in the light and sleeping when it’s dark.
Changing nail polish every 4 or so days. This was the color applied yesterday.

Enjoying sunset hikes with the hubs. Images taken this week with my cell.

Bumping into Neighbors – It’s fun to bump into neighbors (on our way home) on these summer sunset hikes. They were interested in seeing the progress in our backyard, so we had them over + she brought us a nice sack of fresh fruit from their garden. We shared tomato plants + red pepper plants with them.

We’ve had several neighbors check out the place this week.

No AC needed for the month of June – Loving our cool So Cal breeze
Fresh produce from the garden
The hubs planted pumpkin over the weekend – Here’s what it looked like yesterday.

Here’s what it looks like this morning. We are big fans of these little greenhouse type trays to start plants. We pick them up from Home Depot.

Beverages and visits on the patio
Reading good books – This month, the book club is reading “The Art Forger by Barbara A. Shapiro – two thumbs up = I’m loving it! It’s where my nose will be a good chunk of today.

Happy Summertime, Everyone!

Blessings – Debbie

A Weekend to Remember

Posted on June 16, 2014 by Debbie

I remember so many wonderful things over the weekend. So I guess it’s time to document these precious memories.

Memories like this rose blossoming – it was fun to watch over the last couple of days.

And catching this vivid pop of purple. I’m not really fond of this plant, but I think the flowers that shoot up are simply spectacular.

The dragonfly found a new place to rest. Last weekend the hubs and I used a sledgehammer on a faux rock. And the old supports are the last thing standing. Turns out, the dragonfly loves his new perch.

Another form from a different spot.

This guy has been soaring in the yard for years. I’m a bit sentimental but had the notion to ~~shoo him away~~ get rid of it. Turns out, the hubs has a bit sentiment too. I think he stays.

Projects – Outdoor projects continue and work is still being done on the side of the house. The guys dug a new trench and pipe was tied into the backyard for proper drainage to the street. We look forward to next week new progress on the project.

While they were here, we had them chop down the smaller faux rock. It’s exciting to see things evolve around here, making this home sweet home our own.

There was a bit of weed pulling and rose deadheading.

Tomato picking and eating. Talk about the yum factor, let me tell you, that guy was so good!

Happy Father’s Day Wishing – I called my pops to wish him a very Happy Father’s Day. And found this old faded out pic that holds priceless memories of pop, me and my brothers. He was taking us to bedebye. Love that he always had room for us and he still does with all of his heart.

Friends – Friends invited us to their home for dinner last evening.

And when the “Hostess With the Mostess” can strike a pose in the midst of lobster preparation with all the fixins’, she’s pretty amazing. What a tasty meal last night!

Fun with friends…

You guys, now it’s time to pay close attention. See this bouRsin box? Well it’s not just any old box. It holds something very special. The Garlic & Fine Herbs GOURMET CHEESE is nothing short of a party in your mouth. So I just HAD to take this image such that I can find it in Trader Joe’s during my next visit.

I love the festive handle on her cheese spreader gadget.

And while I’m visiting Trader Joe’s, I plan to pick up a package of this too! And hey you guys, if you have a Trader Joe’s, and you have not tried these packages of cheese, I urge you to give cheese a chance. I’m telling you, SO good!

I can’t think of anything more exciting to nibble on while preparing dinner. The olives were SO good too!

+ A few veggies and a fiesta dip I made up to share.

The hubs took the reins over the grill while Jerry looked on.

I think this is the part when they decided it was time to flip the lobster.

And peace was signed. And all was well.

And the lobster was looking good! Image shot before the flip…

Time to take those bad boys off the grill…

The hubs adding holders for the sweet corn.

Let us eat! All I can say is this – Everything was positively delish!

Sweet Kitty – I’m just sad my camera scared Kitty and this is the only shot I was able to get.

We truly had a wonderful weekend worth remembering.

Blessings – Debbie

In the Garden

Posted on June 10, 2014 by Debbie

Our three-day weekend was filled with good things. We did a bit of shopping for the garden – dinning out – resting – working in the garden – oatmeal chocolate chip baking – cooking together, the hubs makes killer shrimp tacos + I make killer garnish = we make the best team – planting in the garden = I transplanted 11 “pup” sago palms – we stopped at an estate sale and I picked up a little something (decor that I want to paint white) for the kitchen and the hubs paid for it = $5.00 – I used a sledge hammer “I used a SLEDGE hammer!” The hubs helped to coach me on how to better swing it, makes me happy he lets me do these fun things along side him + it got my heart rate up = great workout – Had a bit more work done on the pavers + the boys dug a trench out to the road to complete the drainage for the project – the hubs had a dental (cleaning) appointment and I took a nap in the waiting room (you should have seen his grin when I woke up) – And Monday morning the hubs said “I could use another 1,000 weekends like this.

And just like that, it was Monday.

I shot a picture of the leader on my way home. Yes, one hand was on the wheel. Both eyes on the road. The other hand in my purse digging for my cell. And I managed to get a shot. Then I just had to throw it in Photoshop for a bit of an edit. How fun!

We had a visitor again last evening. It looks like our fake decor egret is not holding up his end of the deal. Guess it’s time for me to move it again…

So it’s been a year this week that we added fish to the pond. In this amount of time, we’ve lost a total of 4 to the egret and heron. Not too bad, if you were to ask me. As we will always live with this sort of threat…And I’m thankful yelling works when all else fails…

The hubs knows just the place to look when I’m nowhere to be found, this morning.

She’ll be in the garden.

Inspecting the daylily at all angles.

And spying a daylily just before the bloom…

Checking to see how the red bell pepper begins to form.

And the roses…

Oh, the roses.

They truly have a greeting all of their own.

And just like that, the early morning hours are past and we are well on our way into Tuesday.

Which means, I think it’s about time to get on with a few of the nitty-gritty things, as I just heard the washing machine stop.

Thank you for stopping by on this beautiful summer day.

Blessings – Debbie

To Do

Posted on June 5, 2014 by Debbie

As in to-do list.

I started the day with a number of things on my list of things to do.

First up – Clean the pond. I don’t believe I’ve talked too much about how I like to keep the pond free of debris. But it’s one of those things I strive to do daily. Not because it’s a necessity, I just enjoy it better when it’s clean.

The daily cleaning = netting out any leaves or debris that may have blown in overnight.

Today was the day to actually get in with the fish. During the summer months, I like to dip in about once a week to clean out the lilly pads and flowers that are no longer bloom. Something like deadheading the lilies and pads.

It also tickles me that the fish actually come swimming right up to me the moment I get in. They let me pet them and we’re like best buddies. And if I stand in one place for a while, they begin to nibble on my skin. The whole experience truly makes my heart happy.

Here’s an image I shot of one of the babies. I can hardly believe they are a year old this month. Yup, he was born in the pond last year.

I also wanted to give the roses some attention. I gave some a little extra TLC with a dose of coffee grounds. And while I was at it, I thought I’d shoot an image of the roses, but in a different perspective. I love the array color throughout the garden.

And I took an image of this plant. It bloomed this week for the first time this season. Soon it will be loaded with pretty flowers.

And then I had other things on my list.

Things like returning an item back to the store. It wasn’t a painful task, but it sure felt like it. It’s one of those things I’ve been procrastinating. So it’s a relief to have that little pesky thing crossed off.

And picking up some items at Bed Bath and Beyond. I was particularly excited with this stop as I had three 20% off coupons + one $5.00 off coupon + one $25.00 gift card. I’ll say I made out really well today.

One last stop at the grocery store for some much needed grub and then home sweet home.

My list also included some household chores, laundry and ironing. Done, done and DONE!

And then I got to do something that wasn’t on my list. I took a nap. Because my peepers were heavy, so I gave them a rest. And that sure did a body good.

And now we’re heading into a nice 3-day weekend. I’m really looking forward to it, as we have a few fun gardening things on our weekend list of things to-do.

Cheers to To-Do lists and getting things crossed off.

Happy Weekend Friends!

Blessings – Debbie

Bits and Pieces

Posted on June 2, 2014 by Debbie

Getting Overhauled

Well I’m up for new lenses.

I could already tell my eyes were failing. Turns out, I am in dire need of a bit more oomph. You have no idea how excited I am that I’ll be seeing crystal clear soon! Totally “LOOKING” forward to it.

As of last Thursday, my frames were shipped to the lab.

And I feel blind wearing my old frames/lenses from 3 years ago.

The nose piece hurts my nose – Band-Aids are applied to either side (see image above) for relief. Now all I need is a little sympathy. Perhaps the string orchestra, or even a little violin would work.

On the bright and cheerful sunny side of life, at least I have my old computer glasses. While the prescription is weak, I can still see for reading and computer work.

News to me – I found out I have asteroid hyalosis in my left eye. It’s a benign condition, but something my Dr. will monitor.

The hubs and I both had such a positive experience with our new Optometrist. So much so, that we can finally say the search is over (for our Eye Dr.) after 4.5 years out west.

Monday Happenings

A stroll thru the garden first thing this morning was such a blessing – I especially find our roses add cheerful greetings. I started applying rose fertilizer (every two months) this year and the difference is huge. Trust. And apply to your roses if you haven’t already.

So far we have 14 roses and I’m looking to add more. In fact, I was talking to the hubs over the weekend of how I would like to start some roses from seed in the near future. It sounds much more exciting than purchasing from the local nursery.

Water drops (from the sprinkler) on the rosebud this morning.

Lunch

I can’t think of a better place to have lunch in the summer. Or in the fall. Or in the winter. Or in the spring.

The sound of birds chirping and the waterfall are all the music I need to enjoy this yummy salad. The only thing missing, is fresh tomatoes from the garden and the hubs. I really wish we lived close enough for him to come home for lunch.

While having lunch, I played with the camera. And took this shot of the bubbles on my glass. It’s crazy the little things that cause a girl to put her fork down to play.

Other Monday chores include laundry and a few other household things. Things that may or may not make a pretty picture. And that’s all I have to say about that.

Back to work! And wishing the very best to you on this first Monday in June. Can you believe it’s June already?

Blessings – Debbie

From The Garden With Love

Posted on June 1, 2014 by Debbie

Our new patio is really taking shape. I know, I’ve been saying this for ~~weeks~~ make that months, but it really is.

It’s been slow going as the guys (two of them) can only work on Saturdays. And some Saturdays they are unable to come.

So for us, this is such an exciting stage as we can begin to see light at the end of the tunnel.

The transition to the pathway, leading to the upper terrace. We really like how it’s coming together.

Pops of purple – be still my heart.

Our corn is ever changing by the day. Check it out!

And the hubs has jalapeño peppers rocking this space! I say “the hubs” because (well unfortunately) my system can’t handle these guys anymore. It’s a sad day for me, but I’m thrilled for the hubs!

We had our very first “little” harvest of three tomatoes last Monday. We were like children in a candy store picking them from the plant.

Gardening is truly a labor of love.

Blessings – Debbie

Feeling Blessed This Week

Posted on May 25, 2014 by Debbie

There is much to be thankful for. We’re especially thankful for each other and time spent with friends.

We enjoyed a wonderful dinner out with friends Thursday evening, to kick off our 4 day weekend. We celebrated three birthdays. The hubs, mine and our friend Jules. I call my one friend Julie “Jules”. But it was quite comical as we couples had two Julie’s in the group. The couples kept calling the other Julie “The Other Julie”.

The hubs insists we celebrate my birthday all weekend. So he’s treating me to another birthday dinner and dessert tonight.

Thankful for the book club girls – Mid week, we gathered, we visited over coffee, lemon cake and fruit, we discussed around 20 questions our amazing moderator (Sue) put together (our book – The Last Aloha by Gaellen Quinn), we had lunch and spent the early afternoon visiting…What a great day and visit. Love these ladies! Wish I had all of us in the shot.

I needed a nap (that afternoon) to refresh, before spending the evening hours with the hubs.

Vegetable garden – Our garden is producing some really exciting things these days. Exciting things! Like tomatoes…

Our little cherry tomatoes flourish…

Backyard Progress – Remember where I left off the last time? Here’s an image to remind you.

And this image is hot off the press, early this morning.

We hope this is all a memory very soon.

It truly is worth the mess in order to make progress. We’re hopeful to have this part of the project wrapped up by next weekend.

A view from the other side – We’ve given several vegetable plants away this week. We were hoping to get rid of a lot more. Now we’re trying to figure out what to do with all the leftovers…

In other news, we’re enjoying our jacaranda tree in “almost” full purple bloom. As is the oleander tree in pretty white bloom. We certainly enjoy the punch of color.

Now to enjoy the next couple of days with the hubs…Feeling blessed this Memorial Day weekend…And remembering those who gave all…

Blessings – Debbie

Getting Back into the Swing of Things

Posted on May 21, 2014 by Debbie

Note: this post was written yesterday (Tuesday), I just forgot to post it.

The last two weeks have been off.

Two weeks ago today our nephew had just finished up his visit with us. I still can’t wait to blog about his trip! And I dropped him off at the airport to go back home, two weeks ago today.

It was one of those down days after saying good-bye to my buddy. And when the hubs came home that evening, I got an extra long hug. and a few tears trickled down my cheeks.

One week ago today, the hubs was on a business trip and I was home learning of the news that there were fires in our area. Believe it or not, the hubs “in Indy” is how I learned of the fires. If it were up to me, my head would be in the sand, without a clue. It turned out to be a pretty crazy week.

But It’s a new week. This time around I’m trying to get back into the swing of things.

It’s a good week. And the hubs kicked off our Monday, inviting me for a lunch date. I truly love lunch dates.

And I find relaxation by the edge of the pond.

The babies are almost a year old and they are changing color by the min it seems. I can’t believe we have a “blue” goldfish. How did that happen?

They are fighting over a piece of food, but somebody gave up, turned around and begged for more. Are they spoiled or what?

#1 Reason I scratched tomatoes off my grocery list this week. We hope to have good luck in the garden this year.

Check out the tassels on the sweet corn! How exciting is that?

I’m thankful for the these little things. The things we enjoy around house and home. It’s the things that bring delight.

Cheers to getting back into the swing of things.

Blessings – Debbie

A Flurry Of Events

Posted on May 17, 2014 by Debbie

I chalk this week up to a flurry of events.

The beginning of May, is another story (a good story that I can’t wait to tell). But a story that will have to wait for now.

The Flurry starts Monday, May 12, 2014.

Monday – the hubs left on a business trip bright and early in the morning.

Monday – I took the day off to relax and to read my book (The Last Aloha) for book club this month. I’m so glad I did, as I’m not so sure I would have finished the book for the meeting (next week) otherwise.

Tuesday – I took our cars for the annual emissions test, they both passed.

Tuesday – Fires broke out in San Diego County. Pretty nerve-racking. Especially with the hubs out-of-town.

Tuesday evening I went to my girlfriends for dinner. Since our boys were out-of-town, she had me over to their new home (they just moved in last Saturday, May 10th) for a nice dinner. Grilled chicken, and shrimp on the BBQ and all the ingredients to make fajitas, rice and beans. It was such and enjoyable evening of patio dining + conversation + Hawaiian music = perfection into the night.

I made her card compliments of nail polish.

Wednesday – It was hard to focus on much. At that time, we had six wildfires burning in San Diego County.

I could see smoke from the house – I’d watched fire tornadoes broadcast in the area – Heard of 15,000 evacuations in Carlsbad alone – Watched thousands of acres burn – registered for reverse 911 – By then we (San Diego County) were calling in state and federal reserves…

And I was so ready for the hubs to get home.

Image taken from the neighborhood, Wednesday evening.

I stood watching flames climb the side of the mountain. If you look close, you too can see the flames highlighting the mountain in the image.

Oh what a night…

It seemed our little world was going up in smoke while daylight vanished.

Wednesday evening – From a fire captain on the ground – about the fire near us. – “…The reinforcement of crew is still coming in. More planes and they are allowing them to fly which is unheard of at night. They will be busting their butt all night.”

All I could do that evening was pack my little emergency bag in the event of evacuation and pray for the best.

Thursday morning – These “Bad Boys” were flying over our home – Made me tear up as I watched plane after plane and helicopter fly into the wildfires.

Below is a view from our neighborhood Thursday morning.

I wasn’t so sure what was going on in the news. I was busy preparing for the hubs to come home.

I picked up the hubs around 10:45 and from there, we went for an early lunch date. Have you any idea how overjoyed I was to have him home?

By the time we got home, these guys were in the hood. The officers told me that if the fire reached the ridge, we would all have to go.

I stood and watched a bit longer, watching what seemed to be an ever-growing fire. While plane after plane flew in and out, trying to gain control.

What I recall in the next few hours…

Packing the car – watering the garden – ash beginning to fall in the yard – the hubs paying some bills – getting stung by a bee – feeding the fish – telling the fish that I loved them, I did – and making one more round in the house to ensure we had everything that mattered most.

Soon, the mandatory evacuation was in force. And the reverse 911 call came, it was time to evacuate. We didn’t argue.

Image taken from our driveway Thursday evening. These guys were trolling the hood with their sirens and speakers – telling all of us we need to get out! I recall the hubs and I giving a nod of respect and a friendly wave to these men on duty.

We had suitcases packed, boxes of pictures, important documents…

A fragile keepsake from China – computers – and other precious things we didn’t want to leave behind.

And I recall that special hug and kiss in the hub of the home, before making our way out.

Finally we were able to relax in our new home – the Residence Inn.

Although we hit a rough patch finding a room. The first hotel was booked (due to evacuations) and there were only two rooms available at the next Residence Inn.

Once we kicked off our shoes, we were truly at peace with whatever happened after that.

Thank you friends for your thoughts, concern, prayers and many in the area offering your homes for us to stay.

Friday morning – We woke feeling rested. The mandatory evacuation was lifted for us = we were free to go home! But not before breakfast. Que the “Happy” song somebody!

Friday Fire Report In Our Area – While it was good to be home, the fire doubled in size overnight consuming 3,018 acres. Fortunately for us, the wind had shifted. But there are still so many facing the loss of homes and businesses.

Today – Saturday Morning Update: Nothing But Blue Skies and 68° – Feeling so blessed this morning.

We came home early yesterday morning to a few signs of ash in the backyard and the smell of smoke.

Still praying for our firefighters and officers hard at work today. We’ve had – Eight Marine Corps CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters, seven CH-53 Sea Stallion helicopters and four UH-1Y Huey helicopters, 1,000 firefighters and 161 fire engines providing support to the fire in what we call our backyard. Note: This does not include all the firefighters/fire engines/planes/helicopters fighting the many fires in our San Diego County area. There are so many more…

May we not forget those where the fire has reduced homes and businesses to rubble.

The fire is now 70% contained per our latest update.

San Diego Fires May 2014 – For those not in the area, a few more details – “The 2014 San Diego County wildfires are a swarm of wildfires that erupted in mid-May, in San Diego County, California during severe Santa Ana Wind conditions and a heat wave. The severe weather conditions contributed to the spread of at least 14 fires, with 10 of them receiving names. At least nine of the wildfires are believed to have originated from the Bernardo Fire, which ignited on May 13, 2014. Igniting some 25,000 acres…”

Please remember those who are less fortunate. Those who came home to rubble. Those who suffered and who will continue to suffer loss in the days ahead…

Happy Note – I’ve been waiting for the daylily to bloom. Today is the first of many more blooms to come…

Blessings – Debbie

Unplugged

Posted on April 30, 2014 by Debbie

I consider myself “officially” unplugged from painting for a very long time.

And it feels so good, people!

While the image above has nothing to do with painting, this happened last week. And I will never run an extension cord under our reclining love-seat again. Enough said.

While the above image has nothing to do with painting, I do feel the above image says it all for me being unplugged tho.

So last week, my project was to cover the dark walls in the this bathroom. And we both wanted something light and bright for the room.

This is the after lighter and brighter with 2 fresh coats of paint on the baseboards. I’m not uber excited about the new paint choice. But I do think it looks better in person, rather than this image. And I do love the light and bright approach. And I’m not even going to consider painting another drop of paint for at least 6 months. I’m telling you, I’m unplugged from painting ~ Yea!

I have considered changing the shower curtain, but I will refrain from spending another dime until we know for sure on the color.

For now, it feels good to be unplugged, to have the brushes, paint roller and paint all put away. And it feels good to move on to other things.

Cheers to being UNPLUGGED!

Blessings – Debbie

I’m Busy Resting While Things Are Happening

Posted on April 22, 2014 by Debbie

Just how does that work? Well, I was busy painting up a storm. So much so that I’m completely pooped after painting all day, yesterday. And 5 days of painting last week, I might add.

So I’m taking today off to post on the blog. And to take pictures. And to enjoy the things others are doing around the house today.

Last evening – I snapped below image (from the neighborhood) with my cell as we were on our way to the Home Depot – Again.

I truly love this time of the day.

True Story – Some bunny’s been eating my corn – said the hubs – Better look out bunny, that’s all I have to say about that… I snapped the image this morning with my favorite 105mm prime lens.

And I snapped images of the plumbers toolbox (when he wasn’t looking – of course) with my favorite lens too. I can only imagine what one would think seeing me stooped over their box of tools with a camera.

But I could not help myself. It’s what a girl with a camera does.

And she takes an image of the sink and faucet that was broken out to show things are happening.

And she takes an image of the new sink and faucet (there are two brand spanking new ones going in our bathroom today) propped on the bathroom floor. Because she wants to show things are really getting done.

Love our brushed nickel faucets!

And we have our gardner making the backyard beautiful. He moved a pretty rose such that I can get to it without maneuvering too much.

And working his magic on the things that are much too difficult for me.

The best part of the day was enjoying a little face time with the hubs at lunch. Love when he comes home to check up on the crew and have a little lunch together.

While things were happening, I enjoyed my nice cushy office chair, taking images of my day and blogging. My tired muscles say thank you ~ thank you very much!

But tomorrow is a new day, a day to splash more paint on the walls.

Now to make a little dinner and enjoy the evening with the hubs.

Blessings – Debbie

Let There be Cheesecake + Projects

Posted on April 20, 2014 by Debbie

After a week filled with progress and change around the home, it was nice to chill this weekend. Plus it was good for the hubs to get his rest to shake that nasty cold.

It was good to have friends (Julz and Jerry) stop by Saturday evening for a nice visit.

And do you know what they did? They brought us some chocolate cheesecake…

From The Cheesecake Factory. Now that right there is Sweet Love!

And over the weekend the hubs and I spent time in the garden and spent some more time at the local “Home Depot”.

I picked up a boatload of color samples for the guest bath.

Then came home and scattered the paper samples all over the bathroom. And spent a day picking out 5 different samples that I thought would work in the room.

Then went back to the Home Depot and picked up the samples of paint and splashed it in swatches over the walls.

And guess what happened next? Well it seemed to take a split second to decide which one I liked the best. And I was astounded with how easy the choice was in this room.

And then I asked the hubs what he thought about the one I liked the best and he agreed with my first choice. Let the joy-bells ring!

So folks, this is the room where I will be spending quality time this week.

And I plan to tackle those baseboards with paint while I’m at it.

Fingers crossed it makes my heart sing in the end.

Until next time…

Blessings – Debbie

I Call The Shot – one picture at a time

My world of art, life and health thru a lens

Category Archives: Home Sweet Home

Wet Paint

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LA for the Weekend

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Gardening + Beach + Root-Rot

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Summertime

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A Weekend to Remember

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In the Garden

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To Do

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Bits and Pieces

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From The Garden With Love

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Feeling Blessed This Week

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Getting Back into the Swing of Things

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A Flurry Of Events

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Unplugged

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I’m Busy Resting While Things Are Happening

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Let There be Cheesecake + Projects

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