Author Archives: Debbie

Weekend Blessings

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We had a blast from hubby’s past Friday evening.  Hubby’s friend (Terri) from high school was in town and we couldn’t think of anything better than to make dinner reservations ocean side.  Actually, we walked to this restaurant from her ocean front hotel.

For whatever reason I didn’t have my camera so we made do with our smart phones.  I enjoyed playing with one of my apps in the pic below.

The view from our seat was pretty cool.  How fun watching the bride and groom pose for pictures…

And the sunset (almost).  We didn’t stay for the full sunset as we moved on to another joint to fill our sweet tooth.

The weekend was restful, very restful as planned.  We enjoyed a couple of dinner dates – spent a little time at the mall, getting a few things for hubby – I gave hubby a haircut – and we planned a big trip including airfare, hotel and rental car.

The picture below was taken (in the backyard) Sunday afternoon.  I fell in love with the little hopper on the rose petal.

This morning (Monday) came early…And I found myself in downtown San Diego without my camera.  Oh well, I took a few pix with my phone.

Daybreak – It truly is a beautiful day…

I was back home sometime around 7am and this is the lovely setting that awaited.

I love our peaceful little neighborhood and thoroughly enjoy my random trips to the city.  I have the best of both worlds.

P.S.  I was so happy Rob won Survivor (after 10 years of trying) last evening.

I’m still sorry I’m off on posting.  I’ll have to work a bit on the blog rhythm soon.

Blessings – Debbie

Garden Party

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(Side note – Garden Party post and pics to follow after this paragraph)  Yes, I’m still here.  I’m just trying to learn to balance my time and new smart phone.  For the first week, I was totally engrossed with all the new free apps I downloaded.  The last few days I’m pretty disgusted with the amount of time I wasted on the thing.  Now I’m just trying to embrace the phone for what it is and not let the thing control me.  I’d say I’ve come full circle and it feels good.  A great big cheers to the fact that that smart thing is no longer controlling me!

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We had a garden party this past weekend.  It was a nice celebration with some of the families in hubby’s group (from work) for a job well done.  We had a lot of fun planning, shopping and getting everything in place.

Getting things set up…

The food table…

Margaritaville = Drink Station

The view from the pergola

It was such a good idea to rent a 6′ round table and chairs.  I love round tables for visiting with this size crowd.

The gates to the garden opened at 3 pm Saturday afternoon.

These guys found a great place for a pow wow with great views.

Father and son moment…

Grab a plate!

Smoked Brisket by Q!  Check out that smoke ring…It was so good.

My hubby was King of the grill.  His corn on the cobb, dogs (from the local butcher) and baked beans were delish!

Siblings – They were the only children at the party but they really enjoyed themselves.

Filling up on the good stuff…

Let’s eat!  We couldn’t have asked for a better day.

Bocce Ball – Made for lots of fun.

It was also fun to stand on the sidelines and watch…

the players.

True – the picture below is not worthy of posting.  However, it’s a reminder of how we topped off the evening hours outside.  Then we moved the party inside where pool and backgammon were the two favorite games indoors.  Homemade oatmeal choc chip cookies were put in the oven and served warm.  What a nice day/evening to remember.

And a hearty congratulations to the boys for a job well done!

I’m linking up to Between Naps on the Porch who is hosting Tablescape Thursday.

Blessings – Debbie

The Weekend Rocked

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Oh the things we accomplished over the weekend.

Getting new cell phones was a big event for us.  We got our very first smart phones yesterday, May 1, 2011!  We agreed that it felt like signing more papers than purchasing a home.

Since we’ve been with Verizon for many years and very happy with our service, we could not imagine switching over to AT&T.  So we waited and waited some more.  With rumors of the iPhone 4 hitting the market, we waited some more.  We were bound to get the iPhone (with Verizon service) up until hubby read the reviews.  It turned out to be a no-go.  So we waited and contemplated and that’s when hubby turned his sights over to the Thunderbolt.

When the Thunderbolt by HTC hit the market, it truly got hubby’s attention all the way around.  As for me, it didn’t get my attention ’til it hit the palm of my hand.  I had no clue what I was missing.  The service is top notch and the quality of this guy rocks our world.

I was all set to keep the old phone ’til it died.

The texts were always short and sweet and only done with hubby.  It got the job done.

But now?  Take a look at this.  Even tho I had an idea what I was missing, I’m finally able to grasp it first-hand.

Of course many of you know this already.  But it sure is a lot different when experiencing it for the first time.   I may trade in my lap top for this little dandy.  I kid, but that’s how much fun I’m having at the moment.

We had company yesterday!  This is the first time for both hubby and me to see a lizard this size in the wild.  This does not include zoos/pets.  He came running right up to the back door and wanted in.  Hubby said “get the camera!”  Hubby estimated him to be at least 18″ – 20″ long.  He was HUGE!

Over the weekend we also accomplished other things like:

  • 2 trips to the party supply store
  • A trip to party rentals – we’re renting a table and chairs for the party next weekend.  It seems the way to go to have the items delivered and picked up after our little outdoor event.
  • A trip to Wal-Mart, TJ Max, Home Depot and even the .99 cent store
  • A number of fun things were purchased for the party and I can hardly wait to get things set up.

Cheers to an exciting week!  Instead of working in the studio this week, I’m/we’re planning a party.  Fun ~ Fun!

Blessings – Debbie

Garden Oh's and Woe's

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A peaceful Thursday.  Actually, we refer to it as Friday as today is the last day of hubby’s work week and that = a nice 3 day weekend.

The above shot was from yesterday afternoon after I had finished watering the pots outdoors.

I enjoyed a little break in the garden moments ago.

A break from laundry to visit my favorite rose was a total treat.

Total treat!  I can’t begin to express just how much I love the color of this rose.

But I’m really sad about the wildflowers I planted just over a week ago.  They were doing so good!  They were growing and popping out all over the place.  Until, until yesterday when I noticed nothing.  Nothing I say.  It seems a bird or pest of sorts enjoyed them a bit more than me.  Hubby says I can plant more, but I’m still sad over the whole ordeal.

On the inside, we still have these birds in beautiful bloom from last weekend.

On the inside, I also have a few more household chores to wrap up before the weekend.

On that note, it’s time to roll up my sleeves and get my hands dirty.

Blessings – Debbie

Pull Chain + Clay = Fun

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Good evening!  Where did the day go?  That’s what I want to know.

The hours of the day move so quickly when creating is involved.  This bag was crafted with the finest Armadillo Buffalo Wallow clay.  The design was stamped with none other than a pull chain.  I have no idea where I came up with the idea of using a pull chain but the results are fun.  Oh, now I remember.  Once upon a day I recall seeing a pull chain and thought…”I think that would be fun to stamp clay”.  Voila!

After a full day in the studio, I couldn’t think of anything better than throwing dinner on the grill.

Corn on the cob was seasoned with butter, salt and pepper and wrapped in foil.  Chicken was marinated and homemade sweet potato fries were seasoned.  The fries were popped in the oven while the chicken and corn hung out with the grill.  I’d say after a full day of work, we equally enjoyed our sit down meal.

The evening hours are moving right along and I’m ready to wrap it up and call it a great day and night.

Night!

Since I posted/created the piece this week, I’m using it for Behold My Work Thursday hosted by none other than Crystal B.

Blessings – Debbie

A Change Of Plans

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Good afternoon!  It’s a lovely day here in sunny southern California.

An early morning stroll in the garden proved to be a joyful experience.

Buds and blossoms were so pretty in the morning light.

This multi colored rose is my favorite rose in the garden.  There’s just something about those colors…

Today has been one of those change of plans kind of days.  I thought I would start work in my studio this morning.  I went craigslist shopping instead.  It was fun to get out there and see what was available.  I didn’t buy anything “yet”.

Hubby invited me to join him for a nice little lunch date.  I did that instead of playing in the mud.  Dates are always the best choice when given the opportunity.

This afternoon was filled with a bit of laundry from the weekend and getting all caught up on the ironing.  It’s truly a feel good kind of Monday.

Blessings – Debbie

I Love You Weekend

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Thanks to hubby for bringing in fresh flora from the backyard.   The greenery was cut from the lily.

I love the arrangement + I love his idea to put it here.

I had them in the kitchen but we enjoy them so much more in this area.  Thanks again hubby for suggesting the move out here.

I hope to make this (picking flowers from the backyard) a weekly tradition from now on.

The weekend has been filled with…

  • First things first, Hubby used a vacation day Friday and took off = sweet
  • Planning a party (here at the house in a couple of weeks)
  • Dinner date this evening
  • Shooting pool
  • Backgammon
  • A little future vacation planning – Should be fun
  • Hanging outside while enjoying some music via the outdoor speakers
  • enjoying meals on the patio
  • Planning a future yard sale – Cheers to getting rid of more stuff

I don’t want the weekend to end…

Happy Easter!

Blessings – Debbie

Thru The Spokes

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I haven’t spent much time in the studio this week but I have spent time behind the lens.

Thru the Spokes is the title of this shot. 

I must have taken 200+ shots of lizards this week, but this is my favorite.  I used the Post-Crop Vignetting in Lightroom to achieve the border.

The funniest part of that day went down like this.  These shots were taken with the zoom 100 – 300 lens, I had to keep a nice distance between me and the subject as to not scare him.  So, while shooting this big guy, he would at times make random dashes here and there.  I was all caught up with him behind the lens when all of a sudden he made a mad (people, this was a MAD) dash in my direction.  I jumped + let out a little scream + felt my heart race + laughed at myself as he was not even close to being in my neck of the woods.  It was pretty funny, if I do say so myself. 

To see what others are doing, check out Behold My Work Thursday hosted by none other than Crystal B.  It’s a place to check out what others are up to these days. Thanks so much Crystal for creating this day, I love it!

Blessings – Debbie

What Drives Me Nuts While Driving

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What drives you crazy when you’re behind the wheel?

The big thing that drives me nuts is this gizmo/GPS holder that’s “supposed” to attach to the windshield.  That thing seems to do everything in its power to annoy me.

I’m not a fan of this resting on the dashboard when I climb in the car or better yet falling off while I’m in route 2 and 3 x’s.  Neither am I a fan of the constant perpetual licking and sticking of the mount to windshield.  Nor am I a huge fan of the messy rings on the windshield.  Small potatoes here, just sayin’.  🙂

I’ve had the urge for this Garmin beanbag for quite a while.  Yay for me I remembered the other evening.  And many thanks to hubby, as he ordered it for me on the spot.  I can’t begin to say how delighted I was when the mailman made this little delivery today.  Yay for no more suction mounts!

I couldn’t wait to check it out.  I have a feeling we’re going to be great driving buddies from here on out.

The other bright spot in my day was a special visit from hubby for lunch.

It’s difficult getting back into the grove after spending a nice 4 day weekend together.  Hubby took a vacation day yesterday to finish up the taxes + we went out for a nice dinner to celebrate + we enjoyed great conversations + had fun talking about stuff and life and how blessed we are to be right here together.

Blessings – Debbie

On The Chopping Block

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Veggies were on the chopping block this morning.  The mix included 6 little red potatoes, garlic, 2 zucchini, 3 stalks of celery, 6 carrots, fresh Parsley, a red onion and a huge red pepper.

Chickpeas, green beans and frozen corn were added along with some vegetable broth.

At the end of the day we have this!

Wildflowers were planted.

We’ll see what happens.

We had another gorgeous day.  It was too pretty to be inside so hubby and I visited out here a while.  Later I grabbed a couple of magazines and parked it here.

It was one of those nice restful days.

Till next time…

Blessings – Debbie

Around the House – Before and After

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The tree trimming crew arrived yesterday morning to start the trimming of the palm trees.

Before

After – This was taken this morning.

Before

After – Taken this morning

They arrived bright and early yesterday.  And wasted no time getting down to business.

He swung from tree to tree (if they were close enough).  What a chore for him to climb.  I have a better appreciation of all the work this entails.

While working around the statues, they took special care to lower each limb.

Coming down

I consider this a heavy duty belt.

By 7 pm last evening, this made load # 2.

 

They’re back again today to trim yet more trees.  It’s looking so pretty around here.

Till next time…

Blessings – Debbie

It's A Fiesta

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Why not get the party started.  In order to kick off hubby’s upcoming 3 day weekend I’m getting stuff done so we can party work!  Hubby mentioned something along the lines of taxes this weekend.

To help set the tone for a party I made an amazing Fiesta Dip.  Thank you Trish! Trish described this Fiesta Dip as a party in your mouth.  She’s not kidding let me tell ya…

Fiesta Dip

1 can (15 oz) Black Beans – drained and rinsed
1 can (15.5 oz) fiesta corn – drained
1 red onion – diced (i only used half of a large onion)
1/4 cup olive oil
1/8 cup white vinegar
1 packet (0.7 oz) Good Seasons Dry Italian dressing

3 Roma tomatoes seeded and diced
2 avocados – peeled & diced
tabasco sauce or taco sauce to taste
salt & pepper to taste

Combine & mix first 6 ingredients in a bowl; cover, chill overnight.
(or make in the AM to serve in the PM) Before serving add tomatoes, avocados, Tabasco sauce, salt & pepper. Serve with tortilla chips! YUM!

This is still minus the avocados…

Lets Party!

Blessings – Debbie

A New Lease

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Hubby and I get to sign a new lease on the home where we’ve called home sweet home for the last year (since May 2010).

We’ve been fortunate to sell 3 homes (due to job related moves) since 2002.  Last May marks the anniversary of the last home we sold in the Upstate NY area.

Renting was new for us as we’re used to being home owners.  With the unstable housing market, it has proved to give us peace of mind and sweet freedom.

I feel blessed that we get to be the caretakers of this home in this peaceful neighborhood.

There are days I can’t imagine (ever) leaving.

It’s nice having a landlord who takes care of things.  He’s arranged to have all the palm trees trimmed this coming weekend!

We’re looking forward to the trimming of all the trees…

The plan is this:  Take time to smell the roses.

And enjoy the gardens while we’re here, we won’t be here forever.

Just for today, I will enjoy the path and I’ll let the road to the future unfold in due time.

Fond memories we’ve made with friends in the game room.  We’re looking forward to making many more memories right here.  Hubby racked the balls for us last evening but we ended up leaving them and moved to the kitchen where we prepared dinner and played backgammon.

One day at a time is all we have, the future will come soon enough.

I’m grateful for where we are today and that we have a brand spanking new lease.  In His time, we shall move on.

Till next time…

Blessings – Debbie

The Party's Over

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This morning was one of those let downs after our amazing weekend of catching up with each other.  Hubby even announced that “the party’s over” as he headed out the door.

Sometimes things are done on whims.  So as I sat with my cup of coffee reading Google Reader, I spied what looked and sounded like an amazing peanut butter bread.  Made with the crunchy peanut butter, LOVE!

Perhaps I didn’t want the party to end after all.  So I gathered all the ingredients and got busy creating my very own “monday morning party” in the kitchen.

Batter may or may not have flung from the bowl onto my favorite coffee mug.

This was pulled out of the oven 10 min early.

Butter was generously slathered over this piece.

But as hubby stated earlier, the party’s over.  And it was.  It was pretty dry and not at all what I imagined.  My mind was screaming peanut butter love!  But on the bright side, the rest now lies in the bottom of the trash can and I’ve come to grips that the party is indeed over.

I’ll be off in a few for another eye exam.  Apparently I can’t seem to adjust with my new (two month old) prescription.  My distance doesn’t seem that great so hopefully this exam will bring clarity to my days.

Till next time…

Blessings – Debbie

Random

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It’s Friday and I’m lovin’ it!

Hubby’s coming home today, that’s the most exciting bit of news.  He will not be gone into next week like we thought.  Double like…I’m just sorry he was held up in Chicago for 3 hours.  But he’s on his way home!

Random Facts:

We watch a few shows together like American Idol and Survivor to name a couple.  We record them and watch commercial free.  But the whole time hubby’s been away, the TV, music and anything related to sound (other than the washing machine) has not been turned on.

If it weren’t for hubby, I think I would be a hermit without a clue as to what’s going on in the world.

Or perhaps it’s just not the same watching “our” shows/news alone.

I really miss reclining together in the loveseat.

I believe hubby and I have sent more text messages today than any other day in History.  I would be willing to bet on that statement.

Who knows when smart phones will arrive.  I’m still in no rush, so it will have to be when hubby makes the call.

Unplugged – I’ve totally unplugged from Facebook and there’s no horizon as to if/when I’ll return.

I’ve had a fingernail fetish for the last 20 + years.  A french manicure with white tips or colored tips have been my thing.  Since I started back into pottery, I can’t stand to work in the clay with the nails like I used to.

In fact, I’ve been cutting my fingernails every couple of days for weeks now.  Crazy!  Apparently I’m not loving the tiniest bit of growth.  🙂

I’ll be sleeping on my side of the bed tonight.  When hubby’s away, I like keeping his side of the bed warm.  For whatever reason, I feel close to him there.

Hubby is the better half.  He breaths life into home and makes my world complete in every way.

We’ll both be home sweet home tonight.

Till next time…

Blessings – Debbie