Six Days of Confession – Day 2

Posted on February 1, 2014 by Debbie

I confess – blogging every day seems a bit monumental while spending precious time with our out of town guests (the hubs sister and bro-in-law).

And I confess, I did not use my nice camera yesterday. I don’t know how I forgot it. And it kinda bums me out.

But the blog and confession must go on! So I got up this morning at 6:30, to post about confession Day 2 (yesterday).

Our morning was filled with long visits, garden strolls, coffee, tea and breakfast.

I confess, we went out to lunch. And our table ordered this appetizer. And I was the only person at the table keeping my paws “out” of the yummy spinach artichoke dip and chips.

The hubs sis trying one of his sweet potato fries.

And the bro-in-law sampling one of the hubs shrimp.

And the hubs confirming his shrimp po’ boy was amazing per usual.

And I enjoyed this nice bowl of black bean soup. And we all enjoyed the patio dining.

Then we were off to Point Loma.

It’s such a pretty place to take in the views of San Diego and beyond.

Too cute!

And then we were off to the other side of Point Loma – where the ocean meets the cliffs. Actually, the tide was out…

And nice enough to hike down to see the tide pools.

Down – down – down…

While we had a bit of a chilly day, we certainly enjoyed the sights and each other.

Then we were off – Passing thru Harbor Drive.

And snapping pix of whatever grabbed my attention.

IMG_0813a

And over the Coronado island bridge, I snapped a pic.

And we moved along to Hotel Del – one of the places we love to visit.

Anytime I see sandcastles on the beach, I have to take my shoes off to see what the fuss is about.

I like the detail…

And watching the artist carve love into his masterpiece.

What a pretty ending to our day.

What’s more? Well you know that car, the one everyone in your car is talking about? The one that stands out more than the rest? Well this is the car we chimed in stating it had the best paint job on the road. I secretly think its owned by an artist.

Then we headed back home. Visited some more, enjoyed a nice healthy salad for dinner and more guests (our daughter and her boyfriend) arrived after 9pm.

And more visiting, laughter and family love carried on thru the late evening hours.

This ends Confession – Day 2.

Blessings – Debbie

Six Days of Confession – Day 1

Posted on January 30, 2014 by Debbie

I confess, I was not excited about making six days of (healthy eating while company is here) confession. But you know, we’re into the first day and I have to say, I’m glad I have this place to come for accountability.

I confess that I thought six days of confession would = company comes and I have to eat boring stuff and not have fun.

I confess I’m eating healthy today and having a blast! And it makes me feel good.

The bar glasses cleaned.

And fresh flowers from the garden on display. As we’re getting ready for our guests to arrive.

The hubs took the day off. And I have to say, we make a great team getting this place whipped into shape.

On that note, I confess I’ll be back tomorrow with Confession Day 2

Blessings – Debbie

Book Club

Posted on January 29, 2014 by Debbie

All images shot today, were with my trusty cell phone.

We finally had our first book club meet (World Without End by Ken Follett) of 2014! And I for one could not WAIT to see the girls. I believe I counted 16 of us today! And talk about the amazing book.

Each month a different gal hosts the group and we gather in for a wonderful morning to share and go around the room answering a series of questions.

But first things first. Lyn had prepared coffee, juice, and peach tea with passion fruit.

Everything looked so yummy!

And the fresh berries were perfection!

I was a bit timid taking pictures at first, but I thought, just as everyone was getting ready to leave, that I might want to snap a few images to remember. I’m so glad I did.

Our lovely hostess (Lyn) on the left and Sue. This makes me want to take pictures each time we meet and at least get a shot of our lovely hostess. I hope the girls are warming up to me taking pictures.

After our meeting ended, I had a few errands to tend to. Like having my oil changed. It was too pretty to wait indoors. So I sat in the shade of these palm trees.

And a little note about my healthy plan while at book club this morning.

I had my breakfast before the club and I was able to just look, take pictures and not touch.

But I have a feeling the next 6 days could potentially lead into some pretty major temptation.

Image below was majorly manipulated in Photoshop, just for fun.

You see, the hubs sister and husband are coming into town tomorrow and will be here through next Tuesday.

The hubs has Julian apple pie a la mode and other yumminess (I’m sure) on the menu over the next several days.

So I’m thinking about amping up my accountability on the blog, by posting my progress each day. I’ve also thought about the title for the next 6 days. I think it will go down something like this – Six Days of Confession. Makes me want to pull up the big girl panties and hold on!

Now I’m not one to watch my healthy eating habits on special occasions, visits with friends and family…But after this long drawn out Holiday craziness of eating coupled with the fact that my healthy eating has finally kicked in, I just don’t feel ready to splurge.

So my goal over the next Six Days is this. Make healthy choices and maintain or lose a little.

I’ll keep the blog posted with truth.

Until next time,

Blessings – Debbie

Tiptoeing Through Temptation

Posted on January 28, 2014 by Debbie

I don’t know about you, but I have such a difficult time saying no to temptation. Especially when my instinct is to succumb to it.

So today it was time to look into my root rot. By golly I haven’t had anything done to the roots since before Thanksgiving. *Gasp* In case you don’t know, that’s a long time for the grays to show themselves.

And as you know, I’m trying to let my hair grow, but this terrible stage is driving me crazy.

So when the gal asked if I needed a cut, I muttered “no, I’m trying to let it grow out.” It was even time to throw a little pity party. She’s really good at listening.

It seems “NO” is the only conversation I’ve had with myself all day. Not only at the salon did I encounter no, but at the mall today too.

I had some returns to make. And as I passed by Auntie Anne’s – oh the aroma was heavenly! And the cookie and cupcake joint made me want to hit the pause button. And there was Starbucks, and Panera Bread and a host of other places dotted through the mall. With a whiff ~ whiff here and a whiff ~ whiff there…

And since my girlfriend was sick and canceled our lunch date today, temptation struck again. Perhaps I could just hop into Panera Bread for a bowl of soup or a little something, something.

Instead, I confronted my inner meltdown with a harsh “oh NO you don’t”! And just like that, I marched myself home.

No is not often the most enjoyable word, especially when temptation is everywhere.

But the aftermath of a no filled day = NO regrets.

Gotta love it!

Blessings – Debbie

Backyard Work in Progress

Posted on January 27, 2014 by Debbie

We have a lot going on around the home sweet home. While we’re still working on indoor projects, the outdoor projects are coming right along as well.

Like the area in the lower left section of the image.

So far, four trees and stumps were ground/taken out, a few small trees removed and the gravel/rock removed. Next, the area will be leveled, then pavers will extend and a fire pit will be coming soon to the area. We’re excited!

We spent a great deal of time in the great outdoors over the weekend. The hubs tinkered a bit more with the outdoor speaker system and I spent a good deal of time with the fish.

I was pretty excited when I captured the guy below with palm tree reflections. So much so, that I wanted to get a bit artsy in photoshop. Like so.

I love the fish below, she’s one of our new shubunkins. I can’t tell you how hard it is to get a good image of a fish that is always on the move.

And I pretty much spent the day (today/Monday) catching up on things from over the weekend.

On the health front – Just in case you are wondering, I’m pleased with the way I’m making healthy choices. So far so good!

On that note, I think it’s time to start thinking about having a nice healthy dinner.

Until next time,

Blessings – Debbie

Pulling Myself Up by the Bootstraps

Posted on January 24, 2014 by Debbie

What a difference a couple of good days on the wagon will do for the soul.

And what a good feeling to unload (on the blog) the things that bugged me. I feel lighter already!

I had a really good day on my healthy food choices yesterday. And I’m on my way to having another really good day today.

So the hubs asked me out on a lunch date today. It made my day! I loved our conversation too. We visited and reminisced back to when we first met. Makes me smile to think about our journey and how it has brought us to where we are today…

Before our lunch date, I had an idea that if I commit to take a picture of my lunch and post, that it could help me stay on the good health wagon when dining out.

So I did – I had turkey chili with an apple. Then I declared (to the hubs) “this bowl is my favorite item on the Panera Bread menu.”

I’m not sure how long I’ll keep up the posting of what I eat when we dine out. But for the next month, I believe this is going to be a good way to keep those goals in check.

I’m thankful for bootstraps, lunch dates, great conversations and for keeping the scissors out of my hair another day.

Cheers to pulling myself up by the bootstraps.

Blessings – Debbie

Lately

Posted on January 23, 2014 by Debbie

A couple of things have bugged me. It’s small stuff, really. Nothing earth shattering. But I decided to make a blog note of it, as the little things too shall pass.

Truth – I have not successfully picked up on my healthy eating habits as planned by the 1st of the year.

However, I did have a really good 2 weeks healthy run and had nearly lost the weight I gained over the holidays. And then I fell Flat. On. My. Face. A few days ago. For shame.

What is it about this year and not being able to get control of myself?

Well I started back again today on the plan. And I plan to pick back up with my monthly health status next month. The truth must be told.

Another thing that’s bugging me is my hair. I decided a while back that I would like to let it grow out again.

But this crazy stage is driving me NUTS! Nuts, people!

And I think the hubs knows I really want to grow it out. So he’s been telling me no, don’t cut it, the last few weeks. This is not like him. It’s just not. As he could care less if the stuff is long or short or in between. He really doesn’t care.

And it’s kinda cool to see him tell me no, more like giving me support to get thru this crazy growing out stage. And it’s working, as it would have been long gone a few weeks ago.

I told you, it was little stuff, but I feel better now that I made a note of it. And I think it will help me to keep things in perspective, remind me that it’s just small stuff and to get a grip on the things that really matter.

That’s all for today.

Blessings – Debbie

In The Ladies Room

Posted on January 22, 2014 by Debbie

Sometimes I look for inspiration on the internet. And today was one of those days.

I wanted to shoot something unique. Something I’ve never shot or even thought of shooting before.

So I found a photographer looking for interesting shots in the bathroom. And that was just the ticket to get my juices flowing.

So this morning I looked for the bathroom with the most natural lighting. Turns out, the powder room was just the right place. Then I looked for something interesting.

What’s more dramatic than a roll of toilet paper nearly out? The shot below happens to be my favorite shot of the day.

This shot came from the guest bathroom. And I fooled with it in photoshop to make the colors “POP”!

And then I took this shot of a couple of bright shower loofahs, just for fun.

Who knew a girl could have so much fun in the ladies room?

Then I set out to get a few things crossed off my shopping list.

Just so you know, I did finish my book (World Without End by Ken Follett) last evening. And can you believe I had a dream last night about the book? Yes, I was a character in the book trying to solve the troubles of the land. Crazy! This must be a sign that I miss reading the book. TeeHee.

Happy Wednesday!

Blessings – Debbie

January Garden

Posted on January 21, 2014 by Debbie

Latest edition to the pond – I love the new fish pot the hubs picked up for me, a week ago.

And I love his new home across the way…

And I love how the doves stand by – allowing me to take their pictures. I think they are getting ready to nest.

And I love the January roses.

I’ve watched this rose (for days) as the petals continue to open and open and… I don’t have the nerve to cut and bring inside.

Things of accomplishment:

I finished painting the office over the weekend!
We spent a lot of time working in the garden – change is coming!
I’m almost to the end of my book. That’s a huge accomplishment plowing thru 1,024 pages this month. But it’s a good read and I’m about to finish it up today…I hope.

And before I forget, yesterday, I wrote with pen (at the Dr’s office) the year 2014 for the first time this year. And as I wrote the date, I said aloud “2014” as if it were a news flash. And a gal gave me a silly look as if to say “duh”.

Wishing a blessed day and week to you…

Blessings – Debbie

What’s Going On

Posted on January 12, 2014 by Debbie

Well, I’ll tell you. But first, I hope you’ve had a glorious weekend.

So the clock of the New Year is ticking away and we’re getting ready to bid the second week of the new year goodbye.

For the last few days, I’ve been busy doing a bit of this and that.

For starters, I’m reading World Without End by Ken Follett – It’s the 1024 page book our book club is reading. Love the Kindle, especially for larger books!

And I had such a desire to add turtles to the pond. So I called my pond guy mid week and the girls (two red eared slider turtles) were delivered Friday.

They are as cute as can be.

And a lot of fun to watch them chill with the fish.

Along with the turtles, a couple of shubunkin goldfish were delivered too.

The hubs vision for his Christmas vacation project is now complete, as of early this past week.

The house now has gigabit ethernet to all PC’s and TV/Media Centers as well as 5G WIFI throughout. “It’s faster than I can keep up with!” I exclaimed, when I gave it a spin. He has not yet tested it to determine if he can really get 1,000 Mbps between PC’s; however, we can now watch a movie off the Office PC hard drive on the TV in the Family Room without any delays or buffering. XBOX also confirms that the network supports HDTV streaming as the network quality bars are pegged to the max. He says the true test will come when we start moving large files across the network. That took a long time on the old network, but should now be 10x faster. This house ROCKS!

Over the last couple of days, I’ve been busy working on editing Sr pictures. She is such a doll and so much fun to work with.

And I just blogged, that counts for something this weekend. Right?

The hubs and I played backgammon several x’s a day over the weekend. Still love daily games with the hubs.

And now I’m getting ready to watch our show (Revenge) and call it a glorious day and weekend with the hubs.

‘Til next time…

Blessings – Debbie

Breaking Rules

Posted on January 7, 2014 by Debbie

Breaking Rules – If I’ve learned anything in art class, it’s this “learn the rules” and then I learned that “rules are meant to be broken”. Said my photography instructor last semester.

So I broke the rules in Photoshop on the images I took this morning. Makes me happy.

The image below was taken right at feeding time. See all that food?

And the afternoon seems to be moving right along. I had a nice lunch date with the hubs. Went food shopping. Returned a pillow. It seems to take forever to find a new pillow, that’s my second return thus far. I decided not to come home with another pillow today. I’m plumb pillow shopped out. But I’m getting a bit accomplished around the house.

On that note, Happy New Year, use your imagination, be creative and break a rule! Or two…

Blessings – Debbie

Togetherness = A Holiday Treat

Posted on January 6, 2014 by Debbie

Having spent the last 17 days with the hubs around the house, I was hoping he could retire today. Such that we could play house every day, for the rest of our lives.

Image below = one of the chocolate Dove candy wrappers from the holidays. They could not have said it better.

We worked and played and truly enjoyed our days together.

But today, it was the day for us to find the old routine.

So I got up, prepared the hubs breakfast and lunch, bid him goodbye at the door per usual with a great big squeeze and a kiss, grabbed my camera and took a few shots, missed the hubs, as it’s not the same without him, worked on editing senior pictures and found joy in my day.

A little snipped of what is in bloom around the house these days.

Slowly but surely, we will find our routine.

Blessings – Debbie

Happy New Year

Posted on January 2, 2014 by Debbie

Wishing a Happy New Year to all of you!

So the hubs and I have spent the last couple of weeks enjoying the holidays, spending time with friends and working around the house.

And working around the house has been right up there on the top of our list.

In fact, I painted the office on New Years Eve. And went to sleep for the night at 8:30 pm. I could not keep my eyes open for the dropping of the ball in Times Square (east coast time).

And on New Years day, paint was applied to the baseboards in the office.

*See Image Below for the hubs project* – The hubs tells me this is going to be our home’s new gigabit network, 5G wifi, telephone, cable, and audio distribution center. I have no idea what this means, but he says I’m going to like it when its finished.

News Flash, he has already shown me the volume control for the outdoors, kitchen and dining areas. He’s right, I’m going to like the goodies.

I don’t know who is having more fun, but I can tell you we are having a grand time.

I’m working on taking down the Christmas tree today. And I’m so thankful the hubs ordered special ornament containers for me this year. I can’t tell you what a delight it is not having to individually box the ornaments.

Our Lenox ornament this year. Our collection has grown over the last 17 Christmases together.

“It’s a day of rest – to rest up from my week of vacation and to rest up for another week of vacation” – Said The Hubs, last weekend. And here this weekend is almost here. And that means it’s back to work for him Monday. But let’s not talk about that now. We’re still on vacation!

One of my special places to spend time, is still around the pond. Lately, I started crushing up the “big fish” food for the babies. Just after a week of feeding, the babies swim up to me as if I’m their best friend. True, they spent their first 6 months eating algae. While they still feed on the algae, they obviously like to forage for new fodder.

What a joy it is to watch the little babies change color. Of all the babies (approx 70 from the spawning last spring), this is the only one who has completely turned orange. And we have one I call “Rudolph” he/she has a red nose and the rest completely dark, just like the other baby you see in this image. We even have a few with a blueish tint. We understand it takes six months for the babies to develop color.

Six months are up, so we expect to see some big changes in the pond this winter/spring.

I hope to be back soon as I hate to get so far behind on the blog.

Wishing Joy, Blessings and Happiness to you this New Year.

Blessings – Debbie

December Blurbs

Posted on December 26, 2013 by Debbie

Early December, I enjoyed a “Monday Funday” with my girlfriend down in the heart of San Diego = Seaport Village

Lunch at the Fish Market

And the hubs and I enjoyed a lovely dinner date with this couple last weekend. Love spending time with friends…

The hubs and I enjoyed a beautiful Christmas program – Weeks ago.

We enjoyed the view and music from our front row balcony seats. After the program, we had a lovely time at our neighbors party.

“At Christmas I no more desire a rose than wish a snow in May’s new-fangled mirth; But like of each thing that in season grows.” – William Shakespeare, Love’s Labour Lost

“Shakespeare may not desire a rose in December, but he didn’t live in San Diego” – From the diary of the previous owner of our home.

A December rose is a wonderful treat. And these roses are left for our enjoyment from the previous owners.

A beautiful night sky – I was admiring the sky one evening while out cleaning my paint brushes and roller. Go me! I finally finished painting the last hallway a few weeks ago.

December 19th = the hubs last day of work thru 1/6/2014!

The babies are happy. Although we think we lost one to that egret, as we only count 9 of the original big guys. But they are happy and loving life – Image shot a week or so ago.

Last Friday, the hubs took me Christmas shopping in LA. I thought we were going to do some shopping in the Fashion District. But that was just a little “white lie” as the hubs had other plans. Plans to surprise me with diamond earrings. And surprise me, he did.

I told him I really didn’t need anything for Christmas. However, I did tell him I could use socks (mine have holes the size of quarters), a sweater and new hiking shoes.

But this is what the hubs thought I needed and what I got to unwrap Christmas morning.

Arriving to Christmas Dinner at The Hotel Del.

Carving the turkey

Sand in my toes after dinner, was just what I needed.

Sandcastles

A Sandcastle for Christmas.

The view – looking out to Point Loma.

Ice Skating – It was fun to watch…

Remembering Christmas Past – The silver ornament revealed a hidden surprise on Christmas morning, 1998. I said yes! And we’ve lived happily ever after.

This Christmas – A day we – enjoyed sandcastles, time together on the beach, Christmas Dinner at Hotel Del, the afternoon and evening with friends, more presents, a bonfire, roasting marshmallows and visiting into the night.

Feeling Blessed and enjoying these days with the hubs.

Blessings – Debbie

Family Days in Florida

Posted on December 12, 2013 by Debbie

This post is going to be a bag of family images during the week stay in FL. I still have so many images to process. But for now, I’m ready to get a few out there.

A few of the things we did that week = had the famous roast beef sunday dinner at mom and dad’s, with the family. I got to play with my nieces hair, did their nails, got plenty of rest, played poker, played backgammon, enjoyed a nice river dinner out with my little brother and his wife (my big bro was not in town as early as we were for this), enjoyed Cold Stone, went to Bass Pro with the family, enjoyed pumpkin pie every day from Thanksgiving – December 1st, purchased fudge, went to visit my grandma, aunt and uncle + cousins, enjoyed lunch with my aunt + uncle + their family + my mom = a total of 11 of us family members, had dinner with friends, went shopping with mom, I’m a heavy on the olives kinda gal and had all of the olives on my Thanksgiving plate disappear from a certain brother :), helped mom with Thanksgiving preparations, enjoyed a dinner out with just my parents, enjoyed watching my parents get surprised by one of the twins (she said she was not able to come as she’s in the middle of exams following Thanksgiving = she lives in Washington), having her there made our family complete, I got to take amazing pix of everyone, enjoyed a big family dinner with everyone at my little bro’s (guy on the far right of the first image in this post), met quite a few of my nieces and nephew’s friends, visited my parents church and enjoyed listening to our nephew play the piano and sing during service, talked to my nephew about coming out to Cali, to take his Sr pix this year and much much more.

Meet the family

My two siblings + parents. My older bro on left, he’s a year older than me and my baby bro on right, he’s a year and 1/2 younger than me. Feeling blessed to be right smack dab in the middle.

Pop and me

I love how he just cracks me up!

My niece all the way from Washington State.

And her twin sis in Florida.

And their baby bro – He’s the senior who mentioned coming out to So Cal for me to take his senior pix in the spring.

My nephew from North Carolina

And his little brother from North Carolina – This guy is also a senior this year. And he’s also the nephew who plays the piano and sings.

While enjoying the cool of the evening with friends, aunt Deb (that would be me) told the girls to “work it ~ work it” I just love the result!

Our three nephews – There is never a dull moment with the fam. As you can see, the proof is in the pudding.

My nephew and his buddy – Boy’s certainly know how to work it too!

When friends arrive late one evening – Hot chocolate + a bon fire in the backyard, made for the best way to spend the time with friends.

Here we have pops enjoying the cool evening hours as I was out shooting the grandkids. It is then when they brought my attention to grandpa. As this shot begged to be taken.

I don’t know where the funny bone genes came from, but I think you are looking at two possible candidates.

There are a lot more images to share from our Florida travels. But I’ll leave you with our Thanksgiving dinner picture, gathered ’round. I love my family and so thankful we could all be together. Even if my little bro took all my olives. 😉

Blessings – Debbie

I Call The Shot – one picture at a time

My world of art, life and health thru a lens

Author Archives: Debbie

Six Days of Confession – Day 2

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Six Days of Confession – Day 1

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Book Club

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Tiptoeing Through Temptation

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Backyard Work in Progress

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Pulling Myself Up by the Bootstraps

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Lately

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In The Ladies Room

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January Garden

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What’s Going On

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Breaking Rules

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Togetherness = A Holiday Treat

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Happy New Year

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December Blurbs

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Family Days in Florida

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