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

A Delightful Wedding to Remember

Posted on April 30, 2014 by Debbie

Over the weekend, we attended our friends beautiful and romantic wedding. Truly a fairytale wedding to remember.

Beautiful Music – The first thing we heard as we approached the lovely grounds.

The Lovely Grounds

I’m so happy we arrived early…

What a treat to carpool with Jules and Jerry!

Too cute!

The hubs visiting with the father of the groom before the wedding.

A few “before” wedding photos happening in the distance.

The groom with friends before the wedding.

Guests begin to arrive.

Too cute!

Beautiful mother daughter…

This was the first “unplugged” wedding we’ve been to. All cameras and cell’s were to remain off during the ceremony. As they wanted the guests to enjoy themselves… So I shot this from the hip without looking thru the viewfinder or anything. It was difficult to obey.

And I could not help but sneak a picture of “the Kiss”. I mean look at the beautiful princess with her prince charming. What a delight they are.

Mr and Mrs!

What a lovely ceremony…

Beautiful mother of the bride as she gained an amazing son.

Sweetness…

Following the ceremony, we enjoyed a nice array of fresh outdoor treats.

Guests begin to arrive for the reception.

Place settings…

The dazzling couple visit our table…

What a fun wedding to remember – And I’m so happy we could be there.

Let’s dance!

Girls just want to have fun!

My heart stopped when I looked down to see sweetness standing right in front of me wanting her picture taken too. So sweet!

Love the photo booth! Way to rock it Jules and Jerry!

Jules and Me – Do we not look jazzed or what?

Aw…

Makes me happy!

Fun times and wonderful memories were made by all.

We wish the beautiful couple years of happiness and love that grows deeper into their golden years.

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

A Week of Progress

Posted on April 19, 2014 by Debbie

Starting with the powder room.

This room was one of the most stressful rooms ever! I mean, really. Picking out a color to make my heart sing was trying, at best.

I was happy with choices “3” times. 3 x’s people! And after sleeping on the color, I doubted my happy choice.

Luckily I didn’t have to paint the room 3 x’s, as I just purchased samples and painted large swatches around the room.

And 8 different color samples were splashed in there before making the final decision.

But let me tell you, once the hubs helped me choose a color I already liked, that was it. Just. Like. That. We had our decision and paint was purchased last weekend. And the official start date on the painting, was bright and early Monday morning.

And the baseboards got a couple of coats of paint too. It’s like having a brand new space.

And here’s the after shot on its own. My heart truly sings after all the effort and hard work. Now to add the pretties. That should be FUN!

Last weekend we had drain pipe delivered for the outdoor project.

And by the end of the weekend we had it installed.

I have not progressed much as far as taking images this week. But I did take a couple of shots in the backyard.

And for relaxation, I truly enjoy spending time around the pond. They love dinner!

Points of interest this week:

Our produce patch is flourishing! And it seems we notice big leaps each week after we fertilize.
I painted in 4 different rooms. And I love that I can see where I’ve been.
The hubs caught a little cold Thursday and spent the day home sick yesterday.
We have another update coming right along in the backyard as we speak. The guys are working so hard.
And we lounged pretty much all day today and if feels good to take a nice time-out.

Blessings – Debbie

Baking ~ Gardening ~ Friends ~ Painting

Posted on April 9, 2014 by Debbie

There’s much to be said since I last posted.

And I have a moment to jump on in and post my heart out. Here goes.

I left the blog hanging with my bread making class last Thursday.

Last Friday evening, I was all set to put the lid on this baby and pop it in the oven for dinner. Like so.

And the next thing I recall is this.

I had our butter “room temperature” and ready.
The camera was ready to take the image right out of the oven
The “bread cutting” knife and cutting board were ready
We did not bother with the cooling of the bread on a rack phase. No siree! We took a knife to this bad boy right there on the spot.
Butter was slathered and we were overcome with the yummy goodness of homemade bread.

I may or may not have had anything else but bread and butter for dinner. Ok, I had the bread for my meal and the hubs had his bread as an appetizer + he had it with turkey, taters and green beans. Yup, I just had the fresh hot bread.

And Saturday morning we made toast. Oh my word, I can’t decide how I like it best. All I can say is this “By now, it’s a very good memory.”

Last Saturday we worked in the garden. We transplanted tomatoes, corn and peppers.

And I caught the hubs on camera taking a much needed break.

I pulled a bucket of weeds.

And the roses were fertilized – What a delight to see the assorted roses in bloom. This particular rose is called “Sun Flare”.

And Saturday afternoon, our friends came over to spend the evening. Actually, we went out for a nice dinner. Then stopped by the Cheesecake Factory for our dessert. And came back to our place for a visit into the evening.

DSC_2565-3

Painting – My “To-Do” list calls for a little more painting in the house. Next up = the powder room.

While it’s the smallest room in the house, it has been one painful experience after another, starting with the valance.

To make a long story short, I still don’t have the valance, as I learned they don’t carry a large assortment in stores these days. In fact, Macy’s had nothing, zero, zilch in the store. But that’s ok, as I’ve decided that I’m going with a white valance.

This is the powder room before image.

This “was” my inspirational color (on Pinterest) for that room.

After 5 trips to the Home Depot and 8 different samples splashed in the powder room (this week), I have the color that makes my heart sing. Now to wait for the hubs to come home, as it’s just as important for him to like it too…

Note: I had a color close to what you see in the inspiration image, it’s just not visible in the image below. Hard as I try, the inspirational color did not work with the counter and flooring color in the room. But finding something that makes my heart sing, is so much better.

P.S. After posting the image (below) on Facebook, the hubs asked if Goldilocks had painted this room. It’s too cute to not make a note on the blog.

I purchased two really cheap brushes such that I could have what I needed to try 4 samples yesterday. Note to self: Do not use those cheap sample brushes. The bristles they leave to dig out of wet paint are not worth it.

One last blurb – The hubs spied our very first tomato Monday evening. We are so excited!

DSC_2594B

As I think over the last few days and how far along I wanted to be on the painting this week, I’m reminded again – some things are worth the wait and all the extra miles it takes to get the happy end result.

Until next time…

Blessings – Debbie

All in a Week

Posted on April 4, 2014 by Debbie

Thinking back over the last week, there are so many new and exciting things happening.

Perhaps “spring” has a lot to do with these things, and I love it! I love the time change and that our daylight pushes further into the evening hours. And the ever changing scenery around home sweet home gets sweeter as the days go by.

Like the first sign of our water lilies producing the very first bloom of the year, last week. I can’t express just how excited I was. And the pads are getting so big already! And the fish are loving the weather and spawning too! The dragonflies have returned and everything seems to echo – “it’s spring”!

Picking roses from the garden is such a joy.

And the excitement that comes while working in the garden. 11 of these bad boys (Boeing CH-47 Chinooks) flew overhead one day this week. I’ve never seen a sight like this before. And the rumble and vibration – was amazing – gave me goosebumps.

I trimmed my bangs yesterday morning too.

I think the hubs has given up on me going in to have them done. It’s like I can’t help myself. I wake up one morning and realize they drive me nuts, so I cut them.

I may or may not have done a little fretting over the new Artisan Bread we girls whipped up yesterday.

But I purchased my very first Dutch Oven this morning! All for the love of bread, a girl needs a dutch oven. And she doesn’t let a little fret stand in her way.

It was like Christmas unwrapping this guy today.

And tonight we shall see how it turns out. I believe excitement wells more and more as the hours go by. Tick Tock – only time will tell.

Until next time…

Blessings – Debbie

Almost No-Knead Artisan Bread

Posted on April 3, 2014 by Debbie

Bread Making Class – So my sweet neighbor provided bread making lessons for the ladies this morning.

And I wrote a little letter before the lesson to the flour and components. It went something like this…

Dear Flour + Components, If you turn out anything like the bread Janene makes, you are going to be “So Yummy”!

Love, Me

And out the door I went with my bowl + 3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour and spatula. Janene supplied the rest of the ingredients for us. How sweet of her!

I’m bringing the bread lesson to the blog, for review, just in case I need it. Sometimes I need these things. So here goes. I’ve included the notes from Janene along with the recipe. Everyone needs a note here and there, right?

Almost No-Knead Bread

3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp. instant or rapid rise yeast (I buy a jar of rapid rise) – She adds a heaping 1/4 tsp.
1 1/2 tsp. salt – Exact amount for the salt
1 cup + 4 Tbsp. water – Did you know 4 Tbsp = 1/4 cup = good to know
1 Tbsp. white vinegar

NOTE: May need a tad more water if needed to absorb all the flour – My leveled off three cups of flour did not need additional drops of water.

Whisk flour, yeast and salt in a large bowl.

Add water and vinegar. Using a rubber spatula, fold mixture scraping up dry flour from bottom of bowl until shaggy ball forms. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and let sit at room temperature for 8 to 18 hours.

We may or may not have told Janene that we would be showing up in 18 hours for the next step – In our PJ’s no less. 😉

Lay 12 x 18 inch of parchment paper over bowl and spray with Pam.

She uses the Kirkland brand from Costco.

Transfer dough to lightly floured work surface… Lucky for us, she made a batch last evening to sit at room temp for 18 hours, to show us the next step.

Fun – FUN!

Just about ready to dump out the dough.

Out of the bowl and transferred to the prepared surface.

And scooping out the last bit of dough.

Then knead 10 to 15 times.

Add more flour to the work surface as needed. She said “don’t be afraid to add more flour to the prepared surface and into the folds, girls!”

Knead

And finally kneading into a ball.

Shape dough into a ball by pulling edges to the middle.

How beautiful is that?

Then transfer dough, seam side down to parchment paper lined bowl.

It’s getting there…

Then cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise at room temperature until dough has doubled in size and does not readily spring back when poked with finger…approximately 2 hours.

For this process, Janene turned her oven on “bake” for just about 30 seconds to warm the oven. Then turned the oven “OFF”

After the oven was turned off, she placed her bowl into the oven to sit and rise for the 2 hours.

About 30 minutes before baking, adjust oven rack to the second from bottom shelf (the rack just below the pot in the upper photo) for baking the bread.

If you are using the two hour oven method to allow the bread to rise, be sure to take out the bread for the following step. Unless you have more than one oven.

Then heat the oven to 450°. Put dutch oven (or heavy pot) covered with a lid in the oven and keep the empty, covered pot in the oven for 30 min to preheat the pot.

Her go-to bread making pot and lid.

Carefully remove pot from oven and remove lid. Pick up dough by lifting parchment overhang and lower into pot letting excess parchment hang over pot edge.

Cover and place in oven and bake for 25 min.

Remove lid and continue to bake 5 min to brown the top of bread.

Carefully remove bread from pot and transfer to wire rack to cool.

And if you are anything like me, it will not cool for long as I will be ready for warm bread and butter…Ahhh…

*Note – Janene did say that after the original 8 – 18 hours sitting at room temperature, the bread can go into the refrigerator for a day or so before baking. Once you are ready to bake, simply remove from the refrigerator and go to the next 2 hour step.

If you are making this, I hope yours turns out as yummy as the bread Janene makes.

You know what really upsets me? I mean really, I had my camera all ready to go to the class and left it sit right there on the counter. And all images, except the first image of me were taken with the cell phone. Makes me sad, but I’m still happy I took the pictures. Goodness knows I work better with the step by step process.

Edited after I made mine as I made a few changes. Here’s what I did…

Purchased a new Dutch Oven – I didn’t have one.

Let my mixed dough mixture sit for 12 hours and put in the refrigerator over night.
Took the dough out of the refrigerator at 1PM (Did not jump into the next 2 hour step from there) and let sit without disturbing for two hours.
Then went to the kneading step and let sit in oven (heated for 30 seconds then turned OFF) 2.5 hours.
Did not preheat my dutch oven as the manual for my new pot clearly states “Do not heat empty Dutch oven. So I didn’t.
Then placed pot with dough in oven and baked for 27 min (covered) I thought it needed a little more time (the recipe calls for 25 min covered) to bake as my pot was not preheated.

Then took the lid off to brown for an additional 7 minutes.

After all that, I came to the conclusion that this recipe is no-fail! You really can’t mess this up.

I love how crispy it was on the outside and I especially love the CHEW of this bread. So good!

Blessings – Debbie

Homework

Posted on April 2, 2014 by Debbie

Do you ever get knee-deep in a project, where it seems ongoing and that it will never end? Well, that’s how I feel on the extended patio area that we’re adding.

It would be nice to have it finished, yesterday. But, alas, it’s going to take a bit longer.

However, I’m thankful for progress.

The guys (two of them) working on our project are only free on Saturdays. And some Saturdays they are not able to work. But we like their work, so we’re willing to take what we can get.

This is where we left of this past Saturday.

They were able to do 90%, if not more of the retaining wall in the four hours they were here.
+ they were able to dig the trenches for drainage (hopefully this coming weekend).

To recap, this is where we were a few steps ago.

The wall/slope on the right side of the image was hammerjacked and cut away.
The pavers were lifted such that the uneven areas could be fixed and the entire area leveled for the extension of the patio.

This is the view from down below showing the progress of the retaining wall and the trenches that were dug for drainage. It’s where we left off this past Saturday.

A look at the area during the first few steps of the process…

I can’t believe it was just one year ago this past Friday (March 29th) that we walked thru the door of what would become our new home in San Diego. It was love at first sight, as It took us all of 10 minutes to say, “we’ll take it”.

I recall the lump that developed in my throat when I first saw the waterfall and pond. It was a dream. A dream that I truly thought would always be a dream. As I never expected something like this would ever come true.

A year later, we continue to make changes, pour love into it and feel blessed to affectionally call it home sweet home.

One year later, we can’t imagine living anywhere else.

Back to my homework! As I’m adding more projects to my plate this month.

Blessings – Debbie

Happiness is

Posted on March 27, 2014 by Debbie

Happiness is – Changing plans for my outdoor garden party when our beautiful weather turned cool and rainy. My party of 12 ladies enjoyed laughter, visits and friendship.

Unfortunately this is the only image I have to show for the ladies luncheon yesterday. It does make me a little sad that I don’t have pictures to remember our day.

Happiness is – a tiny begonia in full bloom.

Happiness is – Taking more than one picture of the plant, just because.

Happiness is – Receiving this lovely vase of roses from my neighbors garden.

And finding the right spot to enjoy them this weekend.

Happiness is – Wisteria in full bloom this time of the year. I sure wish I could bottle the aroma.

Happiness is – Picking a rose from the garden for my bud vase.

I spy an Egret! How about you?

Happiness is – Having the new alligator head in the pond to prevent this guy from helping himself to our fish. I decided to watch him today to see what he would do. He definitely seemed bothered as he made quite a commotion. After 3 or so minutes, he flew away.

Happiness is – Seeing a grasshopper for the second time this week. This guy crossed my path today and I decided to shoot him too. Makes me happy.

Happiness is – Getting a 3 day weekend with my love. That makes me so very happy.

Happiness is – Feeling blessed…

Blessings – Debbie

It’s Springtime

Posted on March 24, 2014 by Debbie

It seems the earth and every living thing with gladness sings “it’s spring”.

Birds are chirping, Birds are nesting, days are longer, veggies are growing and I can’t help but hear the echo “It’s Spring!”.

It’s also that time of the year when plans and projects take on a new high.

We had an early morning delivery last week – 4.5 pallets of rock retaining wall arrived. We’re still trying to get this project underway.

I love our springtime roses.

And we have our first baby strawberry blossom. How exciting is that?

Since our move to So Cal 4.5 years ago, this is the first I’ve seen a grasshopper out here.

You lookin’ at me?

I got excited and snapped a few images of him, Saturday afternoon. I can’t figure out if those are real lines across his eyes, or if he hopped into a spiders web. Hmmm…

DSC_2032B

Over the weekend, the hubs and I did a bit more shopping at a few of the local gardening centers.

We enjoyed a nice dinner date Saturday evening.

And worked around the house.

I snapped more images of roses. This one is still holding on to its last few petals.

And took this image of the top of our succulent in bloom.

And and snapped a pic of this rose. I love the layers.

Another thing I love – Monday (today) – The hubs asked me to be his lunch date. That made my day extra special.

Now it’s time to get a few more things done around the house before the hubs gets home from work.

Blessings – Debbie

Hey ~ Hey

Posted on March 18, 2014 by Debbie

Hey Peeps! It’s been too long. What’s up? I hope all is well in your world.

We just finished enjoying a nice 3 day weekend.

To kick it off, the hubs sent a message Thursday afternoon, asking if I would like to join him for a dinner date.

This is me (ready for my date) waiting for the hubs to get home from work Thursday evening. What a wonderful way to start the weekend!

We also spent a good deal of time at Home Depot. I think we made 3, if not 4 trips over the weekend.

I picked up a handful of green samples.

And pretty much picked out the (green) color for the walls in the guest bath and powder room.

The painting part of this chore is for next month.

Another run to Home Depot – This is the run we purchased the rock for the retaining wall in the backyard. It should be delivered sometime this week.

Hopefully we’ll have another backyard update soon.

Saturday Morning – I went to check out our neighbors yard-sale. I came home with a beautiful rose tree and 3 nice rose bushes. Now to find just the right spot in the garden for these beauties.

And Sunday, we went to our neighbors St Paddy’s Day party. What a treat!

We took this pot of gold for the host.

It was a also a weekend infused with a whole lot of dining out.

Thursday = Mexican
Friday = Pei Wei
Saturday = Panera Bread
Sunday Lunch = 5 Guys
Sunday Dinner = St Patrick’s Day dinner party + dessert

Um, I hate to even tell you what is going on with my healthy eating journey. But I think I just made it pretty obvious.

Let’s just say, I hope to be back on April 1st with a much better report.

Cheers to a wonderful weekend with the hubs and a new week with a fresh start!

And here’s wishing all of you a glorious week.

Blessings – Debbie

I Call The Shot – one picture at a time

My world of art, life and health thru a lens

Author Archives: Debbie

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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A Delightful Wedding to Remember

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Unplugged

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I’m Busy Resting While Things Are Happening

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A Week of Progress

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Baking ~ Gardening ~ Friends ~ Painting

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All in a Week

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Almost No-Knead Artisan Bread

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Homework

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Happiness is

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It’s Springtime

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Hey ~ Hey

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