Category Archives: Just The Two Of Us

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

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

Carlsbad's Got Color

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Hubby took me to the The Flower Fields, where colors grow.

I can’t think of a better way to tell the story than with pictures.  Shall we?

Tractor rides were given sold.  What an easy way to see all 50 acres of flowers.

 

I was crazy over these garden creations. 

 

The Red Hat Ladies’ Day Style Show.  They sure came out in their finest.

The Sweet Pea Maze

Deep in Sweet Peas

A Saturday afternoon ride.

The tractors were quite busy.

The old historic cars were planted here for the day.  I used them as accent pieces…See pix below.  Just don’t be disappointed that I don’t have full pix of the cars.  🙂

The sweet owner reading her daily paper.

A view of the Pacific – up on the hill.

Art Garden

Harvesting flowers…

I have such a special hubby who is interested in taking me to do and see the things I love.  He continues to make me feel like one special lady as yesterday he declared it was Debbie Day.

I trust your weekend was filled with love.

Blessings – Debbie

Dinner Date Last Evening

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Stone Brewery – World Bistro and Gardens = A place that got our attention in every way.  This is where hubby and I had an early dinner date last evening.

A portion of the walk from the parking lot to the restaurant entrance.

 

The entrance with doors wide open.

We soon learned we had an hour wait.  So we killed time in the garden.

And we dreamed of doing similar things in our garden one day…

There was music in the garden too…

 

It was a happening place as we took note of a big bus that rolled in after we arrived.

I liked the organic open feel all the way around.

We spent a little time in the store.

This crew did a fine job taking care of the customers.

This is the spot where hubby and I found over there in the corner to wait and visit ’til our little beeper thingy went off.

A shot of the front door from where I was sitting.

Soon our beeper went off and we were greeted at the hostess station.

We dined outside at this table.  This is the part when my camera battery died and everything else seemed to go downhill after that too.

Basically the restaurant was so busy that we waited another hour for our food once we placed our order.  Lets hope if we return that the service is better.

A few things hubby did for me this weekend just because.

He purchased 4 new pair of shoes for my car.  I love my new shoes! + He was off before 6am to fill my gas tank for me for the week.  + He had the kitchen spotless before I got up this morning. = I think it’s the sweetest thing that he loves to surprise me.

And with that, I’ll say the week is off to a very good start!

Blessings – Debbie

The Weekend

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Hello world!  I hope your weekend is treating you well.  I’ve been a little occupied with my hubby the last few days.

We enjoyed doing many things together including:

  • several outings
  • a nap during a rain shower
  • the excitement of watching an intense rainbow
  • tire shopping for my car
  • a nice dinner experience in our friends home – downtown San Diego
  • magical moments watching the Daytona 500
  • our love of playing backgammon
  • a fun moment at the pet store – the pups were so cute

Now that we’re on the heals of the weekend, I wish it would last a little longer.  

The garden was so pretty right after the rain.

The sun and blue sky broke through. 

 I like times like this when everything is fresh and new.

 Truly a cheerful sign after a downpour.

We enjoyed a delightful evening with friends in downtown San Diego.  What a wonderful way to polish off the day.  Lorraine prepared such a lovely meal and her homemade carrot cake was off the charts delish.

A picture as we head into downtown.

I had full intentions of taking pictures, but I didn’t.  I chalk it up to one of those times where it was best to enjoy the moment.

Some moments are meant to capture while others are meant to remain in our hearts.  This will be an evening I will always cherish and will also remember who and why we celebrated this night.

Blessings – Debbie

Friday Favorites

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My favorite thing about every other Friday is that my hubby gets the day off = a wonderful 3 day weekend.

Today he had an appointment to have a cavity filled. I waited out front where the girls offered tea and coffee.

Not long after hubby disappeared, he sent this text. I love the many ways he makes me smile.

Yes, we still have the old flip Motorola cell phones.  TBD when we catch up to speed.

Another Friday favorite was a lunch date to one of our favorite joints.  Not to mention this place has the best onion rings on the planet. 

We’re Idol fans.  This young 19-year-old (Casey Abrams) has our attention.  We saved this DVR show and continue to watch this performance.  Georgia…Wow!

 Our afternoon and evening was spent looking for new frames for my hubby.  I wish I would have taken a picture of him with my pick of the day.  We still have more shopping to do before he makes his decision.

To top off the day he treated us to some nice chocolates.

Our day was productive and the evening is all about rest and relaxation.

Blessings – Debbie

Ups And Downs And A Good Backfire

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Good morning bright blue sky.  What fun to watch the sun burn off the fog while enjoying my first cup of coffee.

The day had its ups and downs.  Our fairly new (year and a half old) GE washing machine is throwing a bit of a tantrum.  The motor was replaced less than a year ago and it appears to be having the exact problem all over again.  GE did not make me feel all warm and fuzzy.  I’ll leave it at that.

On the bright side, the clothes hamper is empty, clean sheets are on the bed and the ironing is all caught up.

To take my mind off things, here’s a beautiful lily.  I spied this from the kitchen sink.

My day was sort of all mapped out as it was my day to run errands.  As soon as the first errand was complete, the next stop sort of backfired and I couldn’t get in ’til 1:00 pm.

To deal with that, I called hubby to see if he would be up for a lunch date.  Lucky me, he was all about it.  I think some things are meant to backfire so that we can make a better plan.

I was wild about these beautiful blossoms today.

My 1:00 appointment was  lovely.

While out, I picked up a new yummy flavor of coffee.  Turns out, I didn’t notice the decaf label ’til I got home.  Oh well, the world didn’t end.

To take my mind off the fact that I picked up the wrong coffee, I took more pictures out front.  I love a good distraction.

Our favorite neighbor stopped over with Fritz.  I love Fritz, who wouldn’t love Fritz?  He’s the best neighbor dog ever…Momma let me take pictures and Fritz posed so nice for the camera.  He got lots of attention after the picture, he’s such a good boy.

One last shot out front before getting to a few household chores.

With ups and downs, sometimes a backup plan is all it takes to turn things around.  And sometimes as I like to say “it is what it is” slap somebody and move on.

Blessings – Debbie

An Early Valentine's Dinner

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I’ve had such a hankering for Japanese hibachi for quite some time.  And this is the place hubby treated me this afternoon.

We were the only ones at this table.  It did help that we arrived before 3 in the afternoon.

I was so excited about what we were about to eat, that this is the point all photography came to a screeching halt.

We stopped here after dinner.

A picture of us in the backyard after our fun date.

It’s been such a wonderful day all the way around.

Cheers to weekends and dates with my love.

Blessings – Debbie

I Love You Too

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It was thirteen years ago this evening that hubby and I enjoyed our very first Christmas dinner party together.  I remember being a little nervous as we were so young and fresh in our relationship.  And how could I forget the struggle finding what I thought to be the perfect dress.  I must have shopped for what seems like weeks.  It was exciting times no doubt and he filled a great big spot in my heart.

A quick shot of us before leaving for the party.

I still recall placing the napkin in my lap at the right time, using the little fork for my salad and trying not to spill anything.  Yes, there was that faithful visit to the ladies room to apply lipstick and to give my hair a brush to make sure it was all in its rightful place.  And I remember looking in the mirror thinking “the most amazing man in the whole world is with me”.  How could that be?  How could this be happening to me?  With a little spray of perfume, I was back out to be reconnected with the one who made my heart skip a beat.

He rocked my world!  And when there was no sign of a mistletoe, he made the most of it.  I love the way he makes the most of life.  I love the way he sees possibilities while others see roadblocks.  I love that he never asked to kiss me or pull out a stunt like this.  This is him and I love that about him.

We were dancing and he just went with his very own flow.  And to this day, he continues to surprise me at each turn.  I love the way he loves me and will always be grateful for him, just the way he is.

On this very night thirteen years ago is when he first told me he loved me.  I wanted to quickly say “I love you too” but I didn’t.  I will say, I was caught up in the moment of the love that I felt for him but so scared to just let go of my heart.  That night as we parted, he had given me a great big chunk of his heart.  And as I closed my eyes at the end of the day, all I remember going through my mind were those three little words he had just said to me. 

I love you too my love, thank you for making these the best years of my life.

Blessings – Debbie

Dates With Hubby

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Dates with hubby are some of the things I look forward to on weekends.  Actually what I look forward to most is our time together.  And this weekend was exceptional.  We pretty much hung out at the house + got a few things done + we did shoot some pool and had some really good matches + I enjoyed reading on the back porch + the weather around here hovered beautiful mid to low 70’s by mid day = a very enjoyable weekend.

So yesterday hubby mentioned he had a craving for Islands.

It’s a charmer with a true island feel inside out.

Hubby scoured the menu to find the perfect dish

While I already knew what I wanted

The grilled veggie tacos were so fresh and good!

Our dinner conversation drifted to our end of the summer plans.  Company will arrive this week, then hubby will be off on business a few days and our last summer hurrah before autumn.

We have so much to look forward to but the plan is to take it one day at a time.  Each day is an opportunity to make a lasting moment, make it special.

Blessings ~ Debbie

Happy Anniversary To Us

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We had such a special time together on our anniversary.  We did a few more things around the house and had such a great dinner date.

We made reservations in advance requesting a window seat.  We enjoyed the cool fresh air as the dining room windows were open.  We also watched several dolphins jump and play along the coast.  It was such a fun relaxed setting.

Warm fresh bread was served, oh so good!  Then we enjoyed the artichoke heart fritters for our appetizer. Wish I had taken a picture, definitely something we’ll get again.

For our salad course, we both had the Apple and Candied Walnut Salad.  Great Choice!

For Hubby Entree, he had the Maine Lobster Bake with garlic chips, carrot and red potato hash.  Such a pretty plate.  He was so happy with his choice.
I had the Macadamia Nut Crusted Salmon mirin wasabi reduction, baby bok choy and  hon shimeji mushroom stirfry.  Yum, no dogie bag needed here!

Dessert followed ~ Hubby had the Key Lime Cheesecake, he said it was really good.  How pretty too!

I had the Crème Brulèe – I took several pics because it looked so good.  It was amazing!

We went out back after dinner to get a pic for us to remember our evening together.

Then headed back home.  I love our home with beautiful ocean views to these amazing views.  Check out the dam!

What a pretty drive home!

I’m blessed to have the love of my life to share life’s journeys and to make many wonderful memories along the way.

Blessings ~ Debbie

Happy Independence Day

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Let freedom ring and blessings unfold!  This is such a special day, a day that comes but once a year when we celebrate freedom.

This year (since I’m so far behind on my blog) I’m going to share some of the things that bring joy to me in our new beginning here in Cali.

It’s quite pretty looking through the palms on a full moon night.

A fog kissed morning in the backyard

 Evening shadows in the backyard

White roses in the garden

A new little set that rocks and swivels

Come on out and play ~ I enjoy time nearly each day on the patio

A smoothie a day is something I’ve been doing for weeks now.  It’s such a nice afternoon treat in the backyard.

We’re still moving in ~ I just displayed one of my favorite sets of old books today.  Tucked away on page 44 is a bookmark titled Mamma.  It’s soiled a bit but I feel it should be left right where Mamma left it.

And the latest new toy that arrived to our home this afternoon.  I’m particularly fond of the 8 ball, hopefully hubby will leave the solid black one tucked away somewhere.

Hubby scored this Brunswick beauty on craigslist for quite a good deal.  The gentleman who moved it did an amazing job getting it all set up.  I’m so happy he loves his new toy!  It’s something he’s wanted for years but never enough room for one.  He just said “I love this table more every single shot”. 

We played well into the sunset while it cast some pretty strong shadows.  We should have our light fixture hung soon as we’re looking forward to playing on into the evening hours.

Cue ball, three rails, 8 ball in the corner.  I DID that today for the first time ever!  Many thanks to hubby for being the best coach!

Wishing you a Very Special, Safe and Happy Independence Day!  And until next year may we keep the fire of freedom and blessings burning.  Let us not forget.

Blessings ~ Debbie

To Everything There Is A Season

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I’m reflecting over this past year and the words of this song feel fitting.

To Everything

Turn – The path to home – Autumn


Turn – Winter

Turn – Spring (yesterday)


There is a season – This past summer we watched our home take shape


Turn – Last autumn we moved in

Turn – The first snow of the season before we moved to California (October 2009)


Turn – Yesterday, a beautiful spring day

And a time to every purpose, under Heaven – I believe that, I do.

A time to be born – That 3 car garage hubby dreamed of

a time to die – Our little red rental sits out in the drive as our other vehicles are already in Cali never to enter those doors again.

A time to plant, a time to reap – The grass seed was sprayed last autumn.  And the gardeners will be here today to give the grass its very first cut.

A time to kill, a time to heal – Saw our neighbor across the way (in our backyard) catch some fish this week. I’m sure the experience was healing in and of itself..

A time to laugh – I was happy to have our home in shape

a time to weep – I could’ve wept over this sight last night.

A time to build up, a time to break down – Hubby taking down a sentimental chandelier that follows us wherever life’s path may lead

Crystals on the table waiting for him to wrap

Placing the frame into the crate and is stabilized by the support beam.  Then adding popcorn for protection.

Adding the lid

A time to dance, a time to mourn – I dance at the sight of this Korean pottery that I collected while there and mourn at the thought of some of my pieces breaking the last move. I trust they make this journey in one piece.

A time for love, a time for hate – Love is such a beautiful thing and I’m thrilled that we are in this together. I guess I hate that we didn’t get to spend just a little bit more time in our home. But now that we’ve reached the end of this road, we’re ready to move on.

A time for peace, I swear it’s not too late – We’re at peace and look forward to this upcoming change with zest.  We feel our home sold in record time as it was only on the market 4 1/2 months.  Now we can really move on.

Thanks for visiting and enjoy the rest of Metamorphosis posts via Between Naps on the Porch

Change Is Coming

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“Oops, I got a little winded today”.

I think I got sick, homesick would be the right diagnosis. Perhaps it was the cooler weather or not being able to find the right temperature in our home the last couple weeks. Maybe it had to do with crawling into a cold bed because the heat was turned to 65 during the night. For some reason when the heater runs too much, I get all stuffy and can’t breathe (TMI, sorry). My dry chapped skin was slathered in lotion. And the cloudy skies loomed the majority of the time. Signs of spring, well there were no signs of spring and we even had a light dusting of snow last week.

Whatever it was, something messed with my head and I found myself towards the end of our stay quite homesick for sunny California. If laughter is the best medicine, then sunshine is preventative care. Oh never mind me, that was my thought as I woke up to sunshine this morning.

I did some reflecting while there. I thought, “Why don’t I remember any of those things while we lived there”? Sure, we went through the motions but never gave it a thought. It all boiled down to the fact that we moved north with a very positive attitude. We wanted to be there, it was a choice we made. I enjoyed the pretty white fluffy snow (still do) and we embraced life because that is where we were and being together is home. By embracing change, the other little things did not matter. Life was good, we enjoyed our time and would have continued enjoying life right there if that was where we were going to live. I elect happiness; it’s such a pretty way to accept the inevitable changes in this life. As we all know, change is coming.

The beauty of change is allowing new and exciting things into our lives. There’s a certain amount of anxiety when change slaps us unexpectedly but it’s how we deal with it. We must not fight against it, rather work with it and deal with it and allow it to take us in new directions. After all, change is what makes us who we are and takes us where we’re going. And I for one have to say that I love where change has brought us and will continue to embrace it one way or another as change is coming.

I will insert that hubby and I both accepted losing everything in the event he couldn’t find a job all those months ago. We talked about what we would do and where we would go. We debated what we would do with our retirement fund in the event things got really bad. But the one thing that sticks out in my mind is the fact that we embraced life together no matter what. We knew we had each other and that was all that mattered. And we would continue living and loving life together no matter what. It’s not what we have that defines us but how we live and love the ones closest to us. They are truly what matter most. And when we reach the end of our life here on earth, the only thing that will matter is to make Heaven our last great adventure, cause that day and change is coming.

Back to our trip to NY…It’s the first time we’ve really been away for an extended period of time, and it’s when the realization came that California really is home. Of course my head told me it was home but for some reason it had not fully registered. It was somewhere in the nearly two weeks of being away that it dawned on me. It came in the form of an awakening, the kind that comes softly when you turn around and wonder where it came from. The Lord only knows how long we’ll be here, so I want to continue to spend it with a happy heart and enjoy our time in the west. Who knows when the next change in life will come, but we can rest assured knowing, (join with me and say) change is coming.

Last evening, as we were flying from LA into San Diego excitement welled – And all of California seemed to echo “Welcome Home”!  That’s a little island in the pacific just off the coast of southern California.

The same island – I like to think we went flying all day into the sunset

Making our turn into San Diego – The clouds rolling in over the town and coast below

The dense clouds on our entrance into San Diego

A window opened up to the town below

Below the clouds – We’re Home My Love! I can’t think of any other place I’d rather be than right here with you.

Extra Cheerful Friday

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I love this day, it’s the kind of Friday that makes me extra cheerful. I had hubby all to myself as it was his Friday off and these three day weekends with him are extra special.

Since we had several errands (Bank, UPS, PO, Radio Shack and hair cuts) on our list, we decided to hold off on breakfast and have a lunch date together.

Pei Wei was just the place that sounded great to both of us.


He wanted to pose for a picture there at the window/pass. That piping hot steam looks so cool in front of his black shirt.


Lunch was a mix of the Pei Wei spicy chicken (330 Calories) and white rice (200 Calories).


The chicken was so good, per usual.

All that was left was this potion of rice.


I opened my fortune cookie just to see what was inside. I normally eat them, but today I wasn’t in the mood.


Hmmmm, I already had plans before I opened this cookie. Let’s just say we’re going somewhere tomorrow that I’ve never been. I’m happy the opportunity knocked before I opened that cookie.

This picture hung to the side of where we were sitting. I thought he was the cutest little fella.


A recent goal is to take pictures of everything I eat when we dine out. I want to be conscious of my choices and feel it helps to be accountable on the blog.

The evening hours are upon us and we’re getting all settled in for the night. It’s been a cheerful day and looking forward to an exciting day tomorrow.

P.S. No exercise today, was busying playing with hubby. I kinda like that excuse. But I have plans to hit the gym before the end of the weekend to get that 5th day worked in. Just keeping it real.