Category Archives: Home Sweet Home

Hubby's Home

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As I made my way towards the airport, I had a rush of excitement knowing hubby would be home from his business trip.

I’ve seen/passed by this anchor many times.  But today as I passed by, it spoke to me.  It was a huge reminder of the way I feel in our relationship.  I feel secure, at peace and filled with contentment knowing whatever happens, he will always there.  With him by my side, I feel that strong sense of stability knowing that whatever happens “we are in this together”.  That’s a big deal.

I made my way to my favorite spot to park and wait, aka the cell phone lot.  Thank you San Diego Airport for providing this for us.  I love arriving 30 or so minutes early such that if he gets in early, I’m right there to pick him up.

It’s not such a bad place to hang out either.  Check out the view from where I’m parked.  I was standing on the running board of my car (SUV – I always refer to it as my car), that’s the top of the car you see in the bottom of the pic.

More views from where I’m parked.

Based on the time I knew hubby was flying in, I started taking pictures of this plane coming in.  I had a sneaking suspicion hubby was in there.

I was right…

As I watched this US Airways flight land, my phone rang and hubby was on the other end saying “honey, I’m home”!

Welcome home my love, I’ll be right there!

Moments later his arms were around me and I decided then and there I never wanted him to go on business without me.  Of course I decide that every time he leaves and he contends he never wants to leave home without me.  If only it were that easy.

To be sure, we are spending the rest of the weekend catching up on visits and games and more visits and most importantly, just spending the weekend together.  I’m whole again and it feels good.

Happy Weekend My Friends!

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

Garden Party

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(Side note – Garden Party post and pics to follow after this paragraph)  Yes, I’m still here.  I’m just trying to learn to balance my time and new smart phone.  For the first week, I was totally engrossed with all the new free apps I downloaded.  The last few days I’m pretty disgusted with the amount of time I wasted on the thing.  Now I’m just trying to embrace the phone for what it is and not let the thing control me.  I’d say I’ve come full circle and it feels good.  A great big cheers to the fact that that smart thing is no longer controlling me!

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We had a garden party this past weekend.  It was a nice celebration with some of the families in hubby’s group (from work) for a job well done.  We had a lot of fun planning, shopping and getting everything in place.

Getting things set up…

The food table…

Margaritaville = Drink Station

The view from the pergola

It was such a good idea to rent a 6′ round table and chairs.  I love round tables for visiting with this size crowd.

The gates to the garden opened at 3 pm Saturday afternoon.

These guys found a great place for a pow wow with great views.

Father and son moment…

Grab a plate!

Smoked Brisket by Q!  Check out that smoke ring…It was so good.

My hubby was King of the grill.  His corn on the cobb, dogs (from the local butcher) and baked beans were delish!

Siblings – They were the only children at the party but they really enjoyed themselves.

Filling up on the good stuff…

Let’s eat!  We couldn’t have asked for a better day.

Bocce Ball – Made for lots of fun.

It was also fun to stand on the sidelines and watch…

the players.

True – the picture below is not worthy of posting.  However, it’s a reminder of how we topped off the evening hours outside.  Then we moved the party inside where pool and backgammon were the two favorite games indoors.  Homemade oatmeal choc chip cookies were put in the oven and served warm.  What a nice day/evening to remember.

And a hearty congratulations to the boys for a job well done!

I’m linking up to Between Naps on the Porch who is hosting Tablescape Thursday.

Blessings – Debbie

The Weekend Rocked

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Oh the things we accomplished over the weekend.

Getting new cell phones was a big event for us.  We got our very first smart phones yesterday, May 1, 2011!  We agreed that it felt like signing more papers than purchasing a home.

Since we’ve been with Verizon for many years and very happy with our service, we could not imagine switching over to AT&T.  So we waited and waited some more.  With rumors of the iPhone 4 hitting the market, we waited some more.  We were bound to get the iPhone (with Verizon service) up until hubby read the reviews.  It turned out to be a no-go.  So we waited and contemplated and that’s when hubby turned his sights over to the Thunderbolt.

When the Thunderbolt by HTC hit the market, it truly got hubby’s attention all the way around.  As for me, it didn’t get my attention ’til it hit the palm of my hand.  I had no clue what I was missing.  The service is top notch and the quality of this guy rocks our world.

I was all set to keep the old phone ’til it died.

The texts were always short and sweet and only done with hubby.  It got the job done.

But now?  Take a look at this.  Even tho I had an idea what I was missing, I’m finally able to grasp it first-hand.

Of course many of you know this already.  But it sure is a lot different when experiencing it for the first time.   I may trade in my lap top for this little dandy.  I kid, but that’s how much fun I’m having at the moment.

We had company yesterday!  This is the first time for both hubby and me to see a lizard this size in the wild.  This does not include zoos/pets.  He came running right up to the back door and wanted in.  Hubby said “get the camera!”  Hubby estimated him to be at least 18″ – 20″ long.  He was HUGE!

Over the weekend we also accomplished other things like:

  • 2 trips to the party supply store
  • A trip to party rentals – we’re renting a table and chairs for the party next weekend.  It seems the way to go to have the items delivered and picked up after our little outdoor event.
  • A trip to Wal-Mart, TJ Max, Home Depot and even the .99 cent store
  • A number of fun things were purchased for the party and I can hardly wait to get things set up.

Cheers to an exciting week!  Instead of working in the studio this week, I’m/we’re planning a party.  Fun ~ Fun!

Blessings – Debbie

Garden Oh's and Woe's

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A peaceful Thursday.  Actually, we refer to it as Friday as today is the last day of hubby’s work week and that = a nice 3 day weekend.

The above shot was from yesterday afternoon after I had finished watering the pots outdoors.

I enjoyed a little break in the garden moments ago.

A break from laundry to visit my favorite rose was a total treat.

Total treat!  I can’t begin to express just how much I love the color of this rose.

But I’m really sad about the wildflowers I planted just over a week ago.  They were doing so good!  They were growing and popping out all over the place.  Until, until yesterday when I noticed nothing.  Nothing I say.  It seems a bird or pest of sorts enjoyed them a bit more than me.  Hubby says I can plant more, but I’m still sad over the whole ordeal.

On the inside, we still have these birds in beautiful bloom from last weekend.

On the inside, I also have a few more household chores to wrap up before the weekend.

On that note, it’s time to roll up my sleeves and get my hands dirty.

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

I Love You Weekend

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Thanks to hubby for bringing in fresh flora from the backyard.   The greenery was cut from the lily.

I love the arrangement + I love his idea to put it here.

I had them in the kitchen but we enjoy them so much more in this area.  Thanks again hubby for suggesting the move out here.

I hope to make this (picking flowers from the backyard) a weekly tradition from now on.

The weekend has been filled with…

  • First things first, Hubby used a vacation day Friday and took off = sweet
  • Planning a party (here at the house in a couple of weeks)
  • Dinner date this evening
  • Shooting pool
  • Backgammon
  • A little future vacation planning – Should be fun
  • Hanging outside while enjoying some music via the outdoor speakers
  • enjoying meals on the patio
  • Planning a future yard sale – Cheers to getting rid of more stuff

I don’t want the weekend to end…

Happy Easter!

Blessings – Debbie

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

Around the House – Before and After

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The tree trimming crew arrived yesterday morning to start the trimming of the palm trees.

Before

After – This was taken this morning.

Before

After – Taken this morning

They arrived bright and early yesterday.  And wasted no time getting down to business.

He swung from tree to tree (if they were close enough).  What a chore for him to climb.  I have a better appreciation of all the work this entails.

While working around the statues, they took special care to lower each limb.

Coming down

I consider this a heavy duty belt.

By 7 pm last evening, this made load # 2.

 

They’re back again today to trim yet more trees.  It’s looking so pretty around here.

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

Random

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It’s Friday and I’m lovin’ it!

Hubby’s coming home today, that’s the most exciting bit of news.  He will not be gone into next week like we thought.  Double like…I’m just sorry he was held up in Chicago for 3 hours.  But he’s on his way home!

Random Facts:

We watch a few shows together like American Idol and Survivor to name a couple.  We record them and watch commercial free.  But the whole time hubby’s been away, the TV, music and anything related to sound (other than the washing machine) has not been turned on.

If it weren’t for hubby, I think I would be a hermit without a clue as to what’s going on in the world.

Or perhaps it’s just not the same watching “our” shows/news alone.

I really miss reclining together in the loveseat.

I believe hubby and I have sent more text messages today than any other day in History.  I would be willing to bet on that statement.

Who knows when smart phones will arrive.  I’m still in no rush, so it will have to be when hubby makes the call.

Unplugged – I’ve totally unplugged from Facebook and there’s no horizon as to if/when I’ll return.

I’ve had a fingernail fetish for the last 20 + years.  A french manicure with white tips or colored tips have been my thing.  Since I started back into pottery, I can’t stand to work in the clay with the nails like I used to.

In fact, I’ve been cutting my fingernails every couple of days for weeks now.  Crazy!  Apparently I’m not loving the tiniest bit of growth.  🙂

I’ll be sleeping on my side of the bed tonight.  When hubby’s away, I like keeping his side of the bed warm.  For whatever reason, I feel close to him there.

Hubby is the better half.  He breaths life into home and makes my world complete in every way.

We’ll both be home sweet home tonight.

Till next time…

Blessings – Debbie

The Squeaky Wheel Did Not Get The Grease

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Or so it went with the bird fuss this morning.

While enjoying the morning sunlight, I couldn’t help but enjoy birds chirping and the soft touch of the breeze as it brushed by.

I also couldn’t help but overhear these two birds openly air their dirty laundry.  The Big Black Bird was defeated, as seen in the lower right corner of pic..

What I did notice was this.  “Big Black Bird” was making quite a stink.  He bounced all over that branch, squawked the most while “Big Bird” tho he did squawk, firmly held his ground. 

And Big Bird lived in peace and happily ever after in the canopy.  Yay for Big Bird!  I wish I knew what kind of bird he was.

But what I really wish is that I would have had my dandy zoom lens on at the time.  It was quite a show.

It was not so much a sunshiny early morning.

But the sun was there no less.  It just took a moment for the sun to burn it away.

Cheers to a fabulous day!  Back to the studio to play!

Blessings – Debbie

Another Day – Another Creation

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Creating in the studio would be one of my favorite things to do.

Speaking of creations, this is the creation I came up with for lunch.  This was as enjoyable as the patio dining.

Utensils

Playing with my utensils

I lingered a bit longer playing around to see what else I could come up with.

And with that, we’re off to a great week.

Blessings – Debbie

Work And Play Friday

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A cool rainy day proved to be a productive and fun day all the way around.

This morning the washing machine and dryer worked while I played.  I had fun snapping pics between loads. 

By mid morning I worked on getting myself ready for a lunch date with hubby and his group.

By around 2 pm I was back home to finish up around the house before the weekend.  And part of that included taking more pics in the garden while dodging the rain.

The sky was so heavy.

I find it to be a lot of fun to toy with the camera settings while shooting in manual mode.  It’s a whole new world out there for me.

There are some days I want to linger a little longer in the backyard.

Taking a time out, yes, this would be my favorite way to do so.

It was so refreshing between the changing of the sheets, towels and moping of the floors. 

The last few days have been a bit too chilly to work in the studio (garage).  But I’ve found other things to do to occupy my time.  I feel warm and fuzzy as I’ve created some cool designs for the near future.  Stay tuned.

Blessings – Debbie