Happy Easter From Seaport Village

Posted on April 24, 2017 by Debbie

Happy Monday everybody! I’m backtracking back to Easter Sunday. It’s taking me a bit to get back to the normal blog pace and posting things as they come. But I figure this is still fairly new news.

What’s a girl to do when the hubs has a business flight on Easter Sunday morning? She goes to Seaport Village. Only to discover there was an event, the Red Bull Air Race.

I watched boats zip from one cone to the other – to check on stuff, I assume. Knowing this was happening. I hurried on my way to do what I came for. And to get out before the vendors and crowd gathered.

I came to stroll thru the village.

I came to enjoy the early morning.

And I came to breathe in peace.

I paused a moment to shoot barnacles at low tide.

What a glorious morning to chill and relax.

One last shot before I hit the road for home sweet home.

It truly was a Happy Easter, but things are never quite right when the hubs is on the road.

I can say the hubs made it home Friday and all is right with the world.

Blessings – Debbie

New Season New Projects

Posted on April 19, 2017 by Debbie

It’s such a pretty time of the year. A magical time when things begin to appear after a little nap. Like the gladiolas, day lilies and water lilies. The water-lily pads are leafing out and we look forward to the pink, white and yellow flowers to be on display any day now.

The backyard has been an ongoing project. A fun project. A labor of love. The arbors are fairly new but the one on the right is the latest edition.

See the bird houses up top? They’re not new, but I applied a new coat/color of paint to make them pop. And each of them have been moved 3 times. I think I like the spots they’re in this time around.

The yellow bird house, zoomed in a bit.

And the green bird house with a new splash of paint. See the yellow dragonfly, flying thru the lavender? I painted him not too long ago as well.

This arbor is the second (matching) arbor added to the upper terrace. I’m super excited about the little project that will complete the area. It’s probably weeks out, but still, exciting.

After working several hours in the garden, I craved a nice tall glass of sweet tea, made with honey.

I took my nice cool beverage to the patio and sipped and thought about the next project I would like to tackle.

I “think” it involves paint.

I’m happy to report that we had a glorious spring day. And I look forward to sharing as I go along the way.

Blessings – Debbie

Springtime in CA 2015

Posted on October 3, 2015 by Debbie

I know, it’s autumn, but I plan to do some spring catching up on the blog. I can’t seem to move forward without catching up. It’s time.

I’m still here. Kicking it and loving life.

In late March, I picked this little vase of goodies from the garden. In hopes to help my sick hubby to feel better. They certainly brightened the space…

Early April – I painted this image with the help of my Wacom and Photoshop.

Happy Easter! We spent the afternoon with friends watching our Red Birds on Opening Day.

A true Cardinal fan and our host.

Bring on the Cardinal color…

The beautiful hostess – Everything was positively delecious!

Children – Loved taking images of them in and around the pool.

Bashful – Image taken right after her first bite of dinner…But those eyes and expression…LOVE!

The big boys and girls had it made…

My Red Bird Fan! And my number 1 Hero.

Another early April painting. This is an underpainting (Layer 2) taking on a little shape.

Finished painting.

A little shot of my kitchen window garden with a fresh rose from the garden.

A rose as it begins to drift away. I just love the color!

April 16 – My somebody special on his way to work to present to the customer. I’m happy his meetings went well…

Mid April evening in the garden – Enjoying the last drop of light…

Late April – Amaryllis in bloom.

End of April – We joined Costco! Now that is an event worth noting. It had been 12 years since we enjoyed the benefits of being customers of Costco.

End of April – It’s the time of year when the dragonflies return. They come in all sorts of colors during the season. Here’s a female laying her eggs.

May 2nd – Boxing party was held at our house! The hubs and his buddy putting the brisket on the smoker early that morning. And the sad thing, this is the only shot I have from that glorious afternoon and evening with friends. But the memories are priceless…

Our dear friend gifted us with the beautiful flag (made and painted by her) that proudly waves over our front door.

The heron has landed – I figured a shot was appropriate before yelling at him. Sometimes they are persistent around the fish pond. But my yelling and screaming at them seems to do the trick.

In early May, I had the gardener transplant this tree. I really hoped to keep it alive. Unfortunately, it did not like the new home.

Springtime dilemma is when a girl can’t figure out what color she wants.

One of my May dates to Red Lobster with my love = Time well spent.

Another May Date with the hubs at the Cheesecake Factory. Just love this composition at the hostess desk…

An early morning capture of the dragonfly on a net.

And a bee pollenating…

A little capture of the hubs boots at the back door – a nice reminder he was busy in the garden.

My Christmas wish for 2015 came early. As in May early for my birthday! I had told the hubs (months ago – Jan/Feb this year) when I spied this arbor that I would like it for Christmas. Not only did he remember. But he surprised me with this a week before my birthday.

Up on the hill at the top of the winding stair path is where I wanted it. And so it was…

On the morning of my birthday, the hubs knew right where to place the special card for me.

When a statue is larger than life – Sometimes it’s the little things that need to be captured. Just bummed my cell is the only camera I had with me on that May evening night. But a great evening and dinner along the San Diego Harbor with the hubs and a friend.

May 31st is the day we picked this big guy from the garden – Indeed we kept it on the vine too long, but we grilled it for dinner anyway. The skin was obviously tough but the inside was tender and good.

One last image – rosebuds in the garden.

And that my friends takes us thru the month of May, 2015.

Blessings – Debbie

To Blaze a Trail

Posted on October 3, 2015 by Debbie

On our last day, we decided it would be a good idea to take an early morning hike.

It was worth taking a time out from time to time.

Hey ~ Hey!

Sisters are special and having them for nieces is extra special.

Another spot to note…

What happens when we reach a locked gate? Find a way around…

And when you reach an old car, naturally, you stop to capture the moment.

Some run ahead…

While I capture the moment.

After our cool spring morning walk, we girls hit up Starbucks for a nice treat.

And to wrap up our day, we could not think of a better way to end our day, than to enjoy dinner by the beach.

A great time was had by all…

And there is something to be said about our evening visit around the campfire.

What a great way to spend one on one time with the girls.

And that concludes spring break, 2015.

Blessings – Debbie

Another Day of Spring Break Play

Posted on April 23, 2015 by Debbie

Up first, a visit to Thyme in The Ranch. A great little place for an early lunch with the girls.

I found this place on Yelp, a long time ago. And the day I went, it was closed. So I kept it in mind and thought it would be a fun place to take the girls. We give it 5 stars!

Our selfie on the patio.

Next up, we were off to La Jolla to see the seals.

We strolled along the shore and took a few time outs to enjoy each view.

Another time out.

Another.

And another.

Um…This shot is a bit silly. We had no idea the kissing couple was there on the steps, that is, until I uploaded the images. So their (the girls) silly expressions (not knowing about the couple) and the perfect way niece #1 has her hand, well I find it downright hysterical.

We spy a baby.

Having a friendly little visit.

We have two sweet visitors (the girls) who are up close with exactly what they were here to see.

How fun to explore this place.

A lot more seals to see.

And beautiful cliffs to admire.

I’ll say our day was picture perfect. And our evening lit up with BBQ from our favorite BBQ joint. Followed with fun and games thru the evening hours.

Still more spring break to follow…

Blessings – Debbie

Bits and Pieces

Posted on June 2, 2014 by Debbie

Getting Overhauled

Well I’m up for new lenses.

I could already tell my eyes were failing. Turns out, I am in dire need of a bit more oomph. You have no idea how excited I am that I’ll be seeing crystal clear soon! Totally “LOOKING” forward to it.

As of last Thursday, my frames were shipped to the lab.

And I feel blind wearing my old frames/lenses from 3 years ago.

The nose piece hurts my nose – Band-Aids are applied to either side (see image above) for relief. Now all I need is a little sympathy. Perhaps the string orchestra, or even a little violin would work.

On the bright and cheerful sunny side of life, at least I have my old computer glasses. While the prescription is weak, I can still see for reading and computer work.

News to me – I found out I have asteroid hyalosis in my left eye. It’s a benign condition, but something my Dr. will monitor.

The hubs and I both had such a positive experience with our new Optometrist. So much so, that we can finally say the search is over (for our Eye Dr.) after 4.5 years out west.

Monday Happenings

A stroll thru the garden first thing this morning was such a blessing – I especially find our roses add cheerful greetings. I started applying rose fertilizer (every two months) this year and the difference is huge. Trust. And apply to your roses if you haven’t already.

So far we have 14 roses and I’m looking to add more. In fact, I was talking to the hubs over the weekend of how I would like to start some roses from seed in the near future. It sounds much more exciting than purchasing from the local nursery.

Water drops (from the sprinkler) on the rosebud this morning.

Lunch

I can’t think of a better place to have lunch in the summer. Or in the fall. Or in the winter. Or in the spring.

The sound of birds chirping and the waterfall are all the music I need to enjoy this yummy salad. The only thing missing, is fresh tomatoes from the garden and the hubs. I really wish we lived close enough for him to come home for lunch.

While having lunch, I played with the camera. And took this shot of the bubbles on my glass. It’s crazy the little things that cause a girl to put her fork down to play.

Other Monday chores include laundry and a few other household things. Things that may or may not make a pretty picture. And that’s all I have to say about that.

Back to work! And wishing the very best to you on this first Monday in June. Can you believe it’s June already?

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

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

About Last Week

Posted on March 11, 2014 by Debbie

Greetings from Home – It was so good to get home to my love.

Azaleas – The azaleas were loaded with all sorts of buds when I left to be with my family and say our final goodbyes to grandma.

And this is the pretty sight I came home to a week ago. On top of that, the hubs gave first class treatment as I was one pretty jet-lagged wifey.

The wisteria was just like the azalea. As in it was loaded with all sorts of buds before my trip. And now it’s in full, sweet aroma bloom!

Hurricane Weather – So the hubs told me of the hurricane like weather he had (with an eye and everything) while I was away. Check out what it did to the plant holder. Yes, that plant holder is buried in concrete and still secure at the base.

Last Thursday, March 6th. I had my girlfriend (Julz) over for coffee. We shared bagels and coffee on the patio and caught up with what was going on in each others lives. I was also privileged to have a look see at her new house. What a pretty place and I can’t wait ’til I get to see the inside – They have not closed on the house yet…

I cherish moments like this.

How sweet of her to bring the beautiful succulent (I love succulents!) and thoughtful card.

Sprouts – We planted our little vegetable garden (in the bay window) several weeks ago. Everything looks good so far.

Not Quite Before & Not Quite After (image) – Saturday, we worked on this area. We removed several roses, agave bushes and large succulents. And the hubs even removed several massive roots. This is the spot on the upper terrace where we’ve planned our little vegetable garden – coming soon!

Who knew we could use so many wheelbarrows around here? We have 3. This old one so happened to be on the upper terrace, so it’s the one I used.

I found homes for the roses and a few of the succulents. But there were some things that I had no use for. Perhaps one day I’ll regret getting rid of this stuff…

It’s SPRINGTIME – Been waiting for you to roll around, March 9th! I gladly give that hour back. That’s what I posted on Facebook Sunday and I have enjoyed the change ever since…Cheers to change!

Motives Motivate – I’ve had motives to get rid of all the fish in the pond. Motives like – I want prettier fish. Who’s to say what prettier is, as beauty is in the eye of the beholder. So in this case, “I” consider the Shubunkins prettier than what we currently have.

But the thing that really motivated me is when our beautiful “Shubunkin” was taken. Now all I want are Shubunkins.

And I don’t want to cross breed, so I have motives to have the same fish. Thus the motivation to get rid of what we have.

I’m talking with an adoption agency (AKA – the place where I purchased the goldfish last year) to see if they would be willing to come scoop out all the fish + the babies. And take them back with the promise that I will purchase our Shubunkins from them. I’m motivated to make this happen soon – Fingers crossed…

But there is one fish to remain. It’s this pretty fish with beautiful fins. It’s the only shubunkin in the pond.

I’m currently waiting on a call back to see if they (the pond store) is up to the task of removing all the fish and babies.

To be continued…

Blessings – Debbie

The Backyard Was Jacked

Posted on February 18, 2014 by Debbie

with a jackhammer yesterday.

It’s quite a powerful tool, as it pounded thru the granite rock.

It’s hard to shoot the magnitude of the job, but here’s an image up close to see a little better.

A pick…

was used to dig out major roots and the not so major roots.

And the flat shovel was used to…

make the area smooth. We still have a long way to go from start to finish, but progress makes us happy. Oh so happy!

A view from the upper terrace. We plan to extend the pavers over and carry on with the retaining wall.

And for a little pond reflecting today:

The fish seemed pretty skidish this morning.

This guy in particular. I took this image of him this morning and I haven’t seen him since. I’m pretty sad, as he was my favorite fish.

Now the fish are in hiding under a large rock area and I can’t get a count. I just hope they continue to take cover and pray I see my favorite little guy out and about tomorrow.

This is the only evidence I gathered floating around this afternoon.

All in all, I think the fish population will survive whatever comes our way. And if we must take matters into our own hands, I’m sure we will find another decoy to “help” keep those critters out.

Exciting News! I saw my first dragonfly (this season) around the pond today. I can’t express how exciting that was. Just so you know, I was in the middle of a conversation with the hubs when I interrupted the with “OH LOOK – A DRAGONFLY!” It pretty much went down just like that. Tee Hee, super exciting!

That’s all for today.

Blessings – Debbie

Hopeful Green Thumb Gardners

Posted on February 16, 2014 by Debbie

A few of the fun things we did this weekend.

For starters, the hubs had Friday off! I love our three day weekends.

It was a fun weekend to think about the garden and we talked more about the things we want to add.

Then we visited a nursery and had a very good vibe with the owners.

We shopped at the local Home Depot.

I picked up some plants and hanging baskets.

And planted some lavender. I love the fragrance of these plants.

Heck, I liked it so much that we made another run to replace the plant I potted in “the fish” weeks ago.

So far we’ve noticed – bees, butterfly and hummingbird attraction to this plant. I think we need more lavender.

We picked up another hangar, hanging basket and geranium. I had a hankering for a little splash of red up on the hill.

We hope to make this a happy home for the new plants.

We also planted a basket of strawberries.

And then we planted some seeds:

Beefsteak Tomato
Heirloom Tomato
Red Cherry Tomato
California Wonder Red Pepper
Sugar Baby Watermelon
Crimson Sweet Watermelon

We still have a few more things to plant, but we’re waiting for the right time.

In the last week, I noted the waterlilies making their way back. One thing I learned this year, is that the lily goes dormant in the winter (lily pads and flowers die) then produce new leaves and flowers in the spring. Cheers to signs of pads returning!

Off the subject of gardening and “switching gears” to my car.

It’s all better and back in our garage! Turns out it was the fuel pump. We’re happy to have it back and starting on command.

I’m thankful for the glorious weather, outdoor living, outdoor dining, open windows and gardening with the hubs this weekend.

Blessings – Debbie

Kick Up a Heal or A Tail Feather – And Ring In Spring Break

Posted on March 25, 2013 by Debbie

Good Monday to you! I thought I would have a chance to scoot over and post the new do over the weekend. Turns out, I spent every last drop of time with the hubs.

We enjoyed a couple of dates and had the best QT a given weekend can bring.

Here’s a shot of the new do. My neck is enjoying the cool So Cal breeze.

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I’m kickin’ up my heels for Monday!

And caught this guy kickin’ up his heels this morning too.

And passing out high-five’s as well.

The bird, just outside my window had his tail feather up for the day as well.

It’s a day of kicking up heels and tail feathers or what ever there is to kick up, as I’m officially on Spring Break!

I have some fun things planned and looking forward to diving further into photography.

Happy Monday!

Blessings – Debbie

Hello Spring

Posted on February 5, 2013 by Debbie

I say “Hello Beautiful Spring”!

Tis true, it’s spring at our house, see? It does my heart good to see the beauty.

And there was fog and dew visiting our house this morning too.

Enough such that I played in the yard a couple of hours just trying to capture the essence of the day.

While I did smell the roses, I also took the time to capture the stepping-stones along the way.

Then I broke for a little lunch date with the hubs. My favorite part of the day, by far…

And ran a few errands. Then my late afternoon I worked a bit on my photography class reading assignment.

And now I sit in the early evening hours drinking in the fact that spring is really on the way. Have you noticed how it’s staying lighter a bit later?

Spring, I’m ready for you!

Blessings – Debbie

It’s Spring To Me

Posted on April 29, 2009 by Debbie

Spring has my full attention. Perhaps I forgot how long it seemed to take up here in these northern parts last year(this is my second spring in the north). Whatever it is, I’m in awe once again with the ever changing seasons. We did have summer like temperatures the last few days and I was not quite ready for that. Overall though, I’m happy with the brand new season in full bloom and enjoying a nice cool day today.

It’s another pretty day with gorgeous blooms everywhere and I couldn’t help but once again take note so here’s our pretty day in pictures.

Hubby arrived back to our little nest last evening and we had much to catch up on from the last couple days. All is well and my world is back in place now that he’s home.

And as we parted with our daily goodbye ritual this morning he said “Don’t go to Red Lobster without me.” So for my lunch I had a nice spring dish that consisted of pasta salad with some roasted sweet potatoes.

It’s officially spring to me.

A Spontaneous Day

Posted on April 28, 2009 by Debbie

Sometimes spontaneous days are just what we need and yesterday was one of those beautiful days with spontaneous carved into the heart of it.

What shall I do was the big question as hubby was out of town on business for a couple days. Hmmm, A Monday drive and trip to the lake sounded like a grand idea. Better yet how about I check out some restaurants online in that area before I go? So that’s what I did. I found a couple with great reviews and that was all I needed to make my little trip worth while.

I started out with so much excitement and couldn’t wait to see what the day would bring.

When something caught my eye, I took a picture like this.

Along the way I passed this old schoolhouse that was recently turned into upscale apartments. There are 3 apartments on the third floor and all three have around 3,000 + sq ft each.

This is a beautiful sorority home

This stunning arch compelled me to stop along the way and take a moment.

I love the character of this old home

Bet this was a little gem in the day.

I find beauty in the old barns but I’m also a bit sentimental. I wish I could fix up all the old ones to make them whole, complete with candy apple red paint and black trim.

A pretty piece of property in the middle of nowhere, there’s a neat little restaurant there too.

Beautiful old architecture

Here’s a little sample of grand windows/doorways

One last collage of some of the structures I admired along the way.

Moving right along to my first choice restaurant – While looking at the pictures online, I fell in love with the beautiful natural stone walls inside. It looked like the perfect place to have a nice cozy relaxing lunch.

But it was not open for lunch.

I was downhearted for just a bit as it rained on my little parade.

But let not your heart be troubled because I had a plan B. And this is what my plan B looked like as I pulled in.

I parked over to the far left and took this shot before going in. I already had it planned out that I was going to dine near a window or on the patio to enjoy the breeze and water.

But as you know when it rains it pours as it too was closed for lunch and not open ‘til 5. My heart dropped a little more than the first place as my hopes were so high after I arrived. After all there were cars in the parking lot and this was totally what I was in the mood for at this point.

I dusted myself off and put a smile on my face

And walked on the little path that led to the back. There is where I found a nice little comfy bench to sit and enjoy the breeze and view with this little duck as my company.

I sat there for quite some time contemplating what I wanted to do next. I wasn’t quite ready to drive home, I wanted to enjoy the water and day a bit more.

So I got in the car and drove following the water along to the mouth of the lake. Then is when I spotted this.

And this

And drove all the way to the back of the park and sat here for what seemed like an hour or more.

At the time, this was more filling than any of the two restaurants combined. It was so peaceful and calm and the beauty all around was worth more than my choice restaurants had they been open.

After I had my fill of this glorious spring day, my tummy was starting to let me know that I had better think of something. At this point it was around 3:30 in the afternoon and oatmeal was the only thing I had up until this point. Soooo, I thought “Self, I really want to get back home but I would still like to go out to dinner.” It would be dinner at this point as it was about an hour drive back.

So I made the drive back and decided on Red Lobster. I knew I couldn’t go wrong there.

I was seated in a beautiful spot.

And my diet soda and lime were delivered in amazing turn around time. It was so refreshing after a long day.

Then I ordered my meal and made such a nice healthy choice. It was moments after I made my choice that I really wanted to change my order. What I really wanted was the popcorn shrimp and French fries. I know, not a healthy choice but I was so in the mood to indulge and I did. The waitress graciously changed my order.

It wasn’t long before my salad with ranch dressing with lots of ground pepper with their yummy biscuits were served.

This amazing fried popcorn shrimp and fries were so piping hot and fresh that my mouth did jumping jacks.

This was the lunch size portion and it’s still huge. I did eat all the shrimp and most of my fries. Can you hear me oink?

What a perfect way to end the most amazing spontaneous day.

I Call The Shot – one picture at a time

My world of art, life and health thru a lens

Category Archives: Spring

Happy Easter From Seaport Village

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New Season New Projects

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Springtime in CA 2015

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To Blaze a Trail

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Another Day of Spring Break Play

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Bits and Pieces

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All in a Week

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It’s Springtime

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About Last Week

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The Backyard Was Jacked

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Hopeful Green Thumb Gardners

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Kick Up a Heal or A Tail Feather – And Ring In Spring Break

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Hello Spring

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It’s Spring To Me

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A Spontaneous Day

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