Category Archives: My Hometown

Spring Break Continued

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A day spent around home. In no particular order.

The girls took off on a walkabout around the house.

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And found themselves here.

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 Love that they shared these wonderful images with me.

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It was also a good day to meet up with the hubs for lunch. We had Mongolian. Basically, you put your meat, veggies noodles and sauces in a bowl and they cook it on the grill behind the counter.

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Back to the table, you enjoy your very own creation.

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It was also a perfect day to pick up some new fish for the pond. The girls each picked a fish and I added 5 more to the order. They also named their fish Gator and Toothless. Great meaning behind each.

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A little relaxation was thrown into the mix.

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And barefoot tree climbing too.

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For our evening meal, we had the best chef doing her thing.

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We enjoyed dinner on paper plates, such that we had less time cleaning up and more time for cards.

What a glorious day, all the way around.

More to come…

Blessings – Debbie

Ten Minutes Of Play

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Wow, this week started off bright and early. The hubs had yet another business trip out of town (Monday) and I spent all of about 10 minutes playing.

Originally I wanted to scoot to the beach. Play around shooting with sand between my toes. Then have breakfast at one of my favorite beach spots and chill for the day.

But that plan quickly changed the morning of. As all I wanted to do was scoot home and get some major things on my to do list accomplished.

So I stopped by the harbor.

And spent about 10 minutes shooting some of my favorite things while there.

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It truly was a beautiful Monday morning.

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All was calm and peaceful.

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And fun to take a few minutes appreciating the little things.

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But I saved my favorite image for last. There is something about this reflection that captures my attention.

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Things quickly changed after my 10 minutes of play.

Check back for the update coming – later today.

Blessings – Debbie

A Play Day

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It’s what my girlfriend and I needed.  A nice play day.

This was a pic taken just before I left for our date.  Then of course I had to change into some short sleeves thinking this would be too hot.  I was so glad I did.

I keep thinking I should do a full shot to show off my weight loss.  One day soon, I’ll have to post.

Plans were made to visit the beach.  But our high of 68 and the fact that it is spring break sort of put a damper on our beach plans.  So off to San Diego we went as we decided on a little gallery shopping.

We made it into one gallery, but the sad part was that most shops didn’t open ’til 11AM.  Impatience won and we decided to follow our nose (in the car) until we found the perfect place to stop for lunch.

It wasn’t happening in the area we were in, so my girlfriend suggested we drive out to Shelter Island.  She recommended Bali Hai, a place to savor Hawaiian cuisine with a tropical ambiance.  It was just what the Dr. ordered.

Lunch was better than I could imagine and the bread was over the top hot and yummy.

The view looking out to the spectacular San Diego skyline.  We both agreed this was a peaceful place to dine and visit.

We had several thoughts of what to do after lunch.  As it turns out, visiting in my girlfriends condo won, hands down.  This is the amazing view from my seat where we enjoyed a nice visit all afternoon.

When friends come together, it doesn’t matter what we do, it’s the time we share together that means the most.  I look forward to many more play dates in the future.

Grr and grrrr for my cell pix of us not turning out.  Next time, I’m going to make a point of taking a quality pic of the two of us together.

Blessings – Debbie

The Flower Fields of Carlsbad, CA

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As morning coffee was sipped, the thought came to me of getting out and doing something today.  I had a couple of thoughts A – Drive up to the mountains for a peak at the snow or B – Drive to The Flower Fields.

It turned into a short tug-of-war.  The strings of my heart tugged towards the flowers, a place where I could roam.  50 acres of flowers, it sounded wonderful.

The question when I arrived was, which way to turn.

The path along the way was perfection.

And the flowers were strikingly beautiful.

Beautiful flowers, stretching as far as the eye could see.

There were rides – Hello there sir!

And I was happy as a clam to be in the midst of it all.

What a jolly man.

So jolly.  And what a treat to see the pacific ocean from this spot too.

I like how this guy waved when he noticed the camera.

Be still my heart…The color of Carlsbad is amazing.

How many petals can a flower have?

I’d like to think that for every flower, there’s a smile.

The sweet pea maze is so cool.  There was every color imaginable climbing the fence.

Twas fun!

Hey, another tractor – What a great team of men and women working such that visitors could have a great experience.  And what a cool way to see the flowers.  I opted to stay on foot.  I got to stop and enjoy the flowers when I wanted + get my exercise.

Known for their 50 acres of flowers, I’m impressed with all the amazing things they do to make their fields shine.

Today made my 2nd annual trip to the fields.  I’m thinking this will turn into an annual tradition for years to come.

My heart is full and running over with joy.

Blessings – Debbie

Winter and Spring and A Surprise Visitor is in the Kitchen

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Good Afternoon!  I hope all is well in your world.  It’s been one of those, what shall I say, frigid blustery last three days.  But this morning was a new day and So Cal was back to beautiful springtime weather.

While I’m a lover of snow with all of its beauty, it was fun enjoying it from a bit of a distance.  Like today, the mountains in the distance are topped with snow.

We can still see a teeny bit on the tops of these guys.

But here in our world, it’s beautiful springtime.  And my morning hike was nothing short of amazing.

After my hike, I made a visit with the orange tree out back.  I think these guys will be added to smoothies in the very near future.

And then, one of the highlights of my afternoon.  Allow me to say, It’s not something most would get excited about.  But for me, It was over the top amazing and hit the spot.  That is, a piece of rye toast (lightly toasted) with a medium – hard (not too medium, not too hard) boiled egg.

Rye bread, it has to me my favorite bread ever.  And why is it that I never buy it?  If I think back over the last 10 + years, I would have to say it never once entered our home.  We have our  moments with bread.  A loaf could mold before we finish it.  Hubby is not a rye bread fan and I normally could take bread or leave it.  Perhaps I feared overeating bread if I brought the rye in.  Or it’s possible I didn’t want/need the butter on a nice hot slab of rye toast.  For whatever reason, I just never bought it.

But today, it made a grand entrance into the kitchen.  An entrance that is sure to wow me more than once in the days to come.

I have gained control over my old eating habits.  Butter was not an option, nor did I miss it.  I had just one slice and already thinking its what’s for breakfast tomorrow.

It has to be the best food reconnection ever.  And if it’s up to me, it won’t remain visitor status for long.  I plan for it to reside in the kitchen for years to come.

With that, my day is complete and looking forward to my evening with the hubs.

Blessings – Debbie

A Sunset to Remember

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This was just over a week ago when I ran to the beach on a whim to catch the sunset.  Arrival – 3:30pm – Just enough time to scout the area to see where I wanted the sunset backdrop to fall.

The perfect spot.  I thought the pier at this angle would be best.

A collage of pictures taken from the evening to remember.

It’s nice to get away from our normal activity and change it up from time to time.  This made for an extra special evening.

Blessings – Debbie

A Hodge Podge Good Day

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“And if you gaze for long into the abyss, the abyss gazes also into you.” –Friedrich Nietzsche

I heard the above quote this week and it stuck.  The photo was taken from our backyard, a place I can truly get lost…

All that’s left of this snail is the empty shell.  From the moment I spied this in the backyard, my instinct was to capture it, so I did.

I never tire of the beautiful flowering trees.

Today was a hodge podge kinda day.

  • Met hubby for a short while
  • Picked up my prescription sunglasses – Love the new prescription!
  • Went food shopping
  • Took care of some business around the house
  • Enjoyed another wonderful evening with hubby.  We got our daily dose of shooting pool and backgammon.

I’ll say it’s been an enjoyable day all the way around.

Blessings – Debbie

Shopping For Luau Duds and Exercise

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This is me yesterday (late morning).  I’m at Pacific beach to find some wears for hubby and me for an upcoming Luau party.  This is the little shop where I found our duds.

After about 45 min of walking and shopping, I nailed our outfits.  This is taken on the passenger side of my car (SUV) and here is where I enjoyed my (packed) lunch and bottle of water.

After lunch I hit this trail.

I find this to be one of my favorite spots to exercise.  It was also a time to enjoy meditating and taking in the glorious day.

I believe I could walk this (seemingly endless) 20 something mile walk every day.

With a cool 76 degrees + the sea breeze made for the most amazing weather.

I could never tire of this most beautiful place we like to call home.  I know one day I will miss this so I plan to take it in for as long as we are here.

Blessings – Debbie

My Parents Visit San Diego Day 1

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My parents flew into town last Thursday for a nice little visit with us out here in San Diego.

On Friday, June 10th we drove into downtown San Diego and crossed the Coronado Bridge for a little tour of Coronado island.

We snapped a few pix – below is the famous Hotel Del.

Next stop – USS Midway Museum, one of America’s longest-serving aircraft carriers.

Mom and dad on deck.

Hubby and I were shot in the Midway Brig AKA the prison for sailors who got out of hand while on the ship.

The pretty view from the deck with the Coronado Bridge in the background and the famous kiss statue in the foreground.

There was something special about being on the deck where many served our country.

Hubby and Pop on deck.

The “famous kiss” statue.

After our tour downtown, we moved along to oceanfront dinner reservations.  We arrived a bit early so we enjoyed a little stroll out back.

My folks, the two that helped shape me into who I am today.  I’m so blessed.

The evening hours were centered around visiting, coffee and shooting pool.  I can’t think of a better way to spend time with family than this.

Blessings – Debbie

Fred's and Friendship Go Hand In Hand

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What yesterday afternoon and evening was filled with.  It truly was filled with friendship, laughter (lots of laughter), yummy dining and a nice visit into the evening hours.

I was invited up to my friend’s place (Beth) in downtown San Diego.  It was a nice low-key afternoon in her condo.  I also got to see her son AJ as he’s in town visiting for the summer.  I met AJ’s friend (Ethan) who is also staying with Beth as he’s working on an internship for the Navy this summer.

And I got to see sweet Mitzy again.  She could very well be the most well-behaved, loveable  pup on the face of the earth.  I totally wish I had taken another shot of her with the lighting in front of her.  But she’s too cute not to make the blog.

I love this shot of Beth and Mitzy with my phone and the fun app used to create the drawing.

Beth took this shot of me and used the drawing app.  Can you tell we were having fun?

Here we are in Old Town visiting Fred’s for Taco Tuesday.  AJ’s in the red shirt on the left, Beth is at the hostess station and Ethan is in the beige shirt on the right.

Yay for Fred’s good food!

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We enjoyed the outdoor seating.

AJ and Ethan – “Is you mean with wid it”

Two cool dudes – these two kept us laughing all night.  We laughed so hard our tummies hurt.

These two did not sign up for having their pictures taken together.  However, I had plans to at least take a stab at it.  I didn’t position them, just kindly asked them for a picture up there on the stairs.  Thank you AJ and Ethan!

My photographer brain was screaming “no gaps”.  I wanted to see if I could get them a bit closer.  This is the reaction I got.  Ethan giving the, are you serious look with a grin and AJ cracked up at the notion.  I like this raw emotion shot.

And one last shot of AJ (Ethan was already outta there) – The idea of “no gaps” didn’t go so well but I truly enjoyed the expressions so much more.  How fun.

Ethan did express an interest in getting a fun shot holding the sun at sunset.  He had it all planned out, all the way down to his expression and holding his chin with his other hand while looking at the sun in deep thought.  Or something like that, great idea Ethan.  As you can see, it was not working out as planned.

What do?  Ah, bring him into the picture as a silhouette, now that will work.

Ok Ethan, now bring your hand in towards you a little more while dropping it a couple of inches and kiss the sun.  That’s it…

Depending on the focus point, I had a crisp background and blurred subject like below.

Or a nice crisp subject with a blurred background as seen in this picture below.

This is the part I asked Ethan to pucker up and kiss the sun.  At that point the entire room broke in laughter, including him.  Cool pic tho, very cool.

He laughed so hard that he could no longer hold the sun or kiss it.

But we managed to stop laughing for just a bit to snap some more…

There are no words to express the amount of fun we all had.  I can still hear Beth in the background saying “I wish we were recording this”

And one last shot with the focus on the sun/background and the subject (Ethan) blurred.

The boys carried on with video games after this fun photo shoot and Beth and I dried our eyes from laughter and carried on with a nice little visit into the evening hours.

I hope I get to see these guys before they leave this summer.  If not, I enjoyed and will always remember the fun we had last evening.

Blessings – Debbie

A Cool Wet Chill and Plans

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A cool wet chill is in the air and coffee seemed the thing to have first thing this morning.  Then again, when is coffee not one of the first things to welcome first thing in the morning?

The garden is soaking up this weather, for sure.

And the wildflowers I planted several weeks ago are certain to enjoy the day too + they are finally happy!

I had to move the pot after they popped up the first time around as the birds or something got them.  I think these guys are going to thrive as they’re well on their way, I sure hope so.

On this rainy day – I slept in ’til 8am, caught up on google reader, showered, enjoyed some coffee, caught up with a dear friend, lounged/still lounging in pj’s, took a few pix, made afternoon and dinner plans…It should be a fun afternoon/evening!  More on that later…For now, it’s time to get out of the pj’s and hit the road…

Blessings – 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

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

The Streets of Seaport Village

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Yesterday morning proved to be a rude awakening as we hit the road at 4:30 AM.  It took a while to gather myself, but I did it.  Hubby was off to the airport so I thought I’d spend the early morning hours in Downtown, San Diego.

I stopped at a nice little park and sat in my car enjoying this view (for the most part) ’til the light broke.

I moved the car to enjoy another view while it was still too dark for me to be out roaming the streets alone.

When I stopped to take this shot (still inside the car) the security guard stopped to ask if I was ok.  He prolly thought I was a dork or a crazy person or both.

The early morning hours are magical.

Ah, finally just before 6 AM I was able to comfortably get out of my car and feel safe to start my adventure.

Follow along if you want to see the good, the bad and the ugly. 

But for now, it was all good.

I walked the streets of Seaport Village.

This is what is called the Seaport Cookie Company.  Although the doors aren’t open, they are certainly well on their way.

It’s such a fun village.

And charming to be sure.

Restaurants were so quiet at 6 AM.

As well as the little streets and shops.

Here’s where I make a great big fuss.  It’s still all good, nothing bad yet.

And the fuss about this picture is the sunrise!  I like the camera setting and the way the sun appears to be squeezing in between the buildings.  And those golden sun drops, oh the golden sun drops, love them.

Loved everything about watching the sunrise between the buildings.

The stroll continues…

And this is the part that starts to change.  I think I lingered in and around this little pond a bit too long.

Once upon a time there were 5 baby ducks.  And now there are 3.  How do I know?  Continue on if you must, to see the bad and the ugly.

I witnessed the kidnaping of two, yes I did.

The mean Black Crowned Night Heron, he’s responsible.  But I guess that’s the way the circle of life goes round.  But…but…where was the momma duck?  That’s what I want to know…Ok, the bad and the ugly is over and that’s all I have to say about that.

The cool feature about him is that he/she can really stick out that neck.

See how short the neck looks in this pic?  Interesting…

I moved along…

And enjoyed the splash of color along the way.

Somebody musta ordered a rather large order of pineapple.  Ya think?  Loved watching this shipment head out to sea.

And I conclude that the hours spent here was just what I needed after saying goodbye to hubby.  I miss him and things are never the same when he’s away.  The plan is to keep myself busy, that always helps.

Till next time…

Blessings – Debbie

 

Play Date

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Hello x 2!

Crazy thing happened, as you can see.  Before my play date (yesterday), I was trying out the timer on the camera as I haven’t used it in a while.  I had no idea of the reflection ’til I downloaded the pix at the end of the day.  I like to think of it as a happy mistake.

My tripod was already packed – I had plans to set it up and take some pix of Beth and me.  Long story short, we had so much fun and ended up not getting pix of ourselves.  One day…

But we did have fun and enjoyed an amazing lunch date.

And a trip to wine country!  Just a short 30 min from my house.

There are no words…Other than the fact that snow-covered mountains are so beautiful while we enjoyed our nearly 80 degree afternoon in the sun.

Our afternoon was spent visiting right here.

Our visit was so refreshing and good for the soul.

You know me AND Lightroom by now, so I leave you with this.

Blessings – Debbie