I left San Diego one week ago today and flew back to our home. There were so many loose ends to wrap up before we could settle back here in CA.

The first evening back home seemed cold and lonely without hubby. There was a stark incomplete feel as I got out of the cab all alone on that cold dark night. The house was dark and cold as the thermostat had been turned down to a cool 60 degrees. All I wanted to do was curl up in bed and dream that hubby was right there beside me. That night when hubby called he announced that it should be a law that we should never have to be separated again. But sometimes we have to do what we have to do and be thankful that we don’t have to be separated too much.

One of the big jobs was to have the builder’s crew back out to the house to repair the wood floor that was damaged by our movers. It was an ugly mess that I don’t even like to talk about. Electrical power saws were brought in to cut the wood out and the mess of dust all over the house was a nightmare. Just thinking about it is a nightmare.

I finished squaring away with our movers regarding the claim we turned in. The adjuster came out Tuesday for a meeting to go over everything with me. I was more than satisfied with they way they handled our claim.

Wednesday was a day of pampering as I was LONG overdue to have my hair done. I said goodbye to the ole gray mare and hello to my old brunet self.

Hubby flew into town Thursday evening (making my world complete in every way) to spend a couple days wrapping up the things he wanted done.

On Friday morning, my car was picked up by the towing company to ship her out to CA. It was hard to believe that the leaves that were here just two weeks ago were all gone by the time I got back.

Saturday we made it to the UPS store with 6 large boxes filled with stuff we wanted with us out here. I also made one last swoop through the house with my dust rag, vacuum and mop. That’s it, I’m done talking about that mess hence forth and forever more!

After the sun set that evening the sky lit up in the prettiest shades of pink and blue and as we said goodbye to our last little view out back.

Sunday we bounced out of bed at 3:45am so that we could be to the airport by 5:15am in order to catch our 6:15am flight. Our flight didn’t go as planned due to the dense fog but we managed to arrive home last evening safe and sound.

Now that we’ve landed, it feels so peaceful to have all that stuff behind us. We’re looking ahead with so much excitement and it’s going to take a while for it to really sink in that we are really home sweet home. It’s a place we’ve dreamed of living and we feel so blessed that dreams really do come true.

I’ve certainly enjoyed my surroundings here at the hotel the last couple weeks. Here’s a little snippet of the area.

Out back

At 10 past 12 I was on my way to pick up my last load of laundry.

The little path along the way – I love to pile my sorted dirty laundry in a nice big suitcase to transport it to the laundry room. Sure made the load lighter.

A sweet little couple reading in the shade

Plenty of covered places to grill and visit on the grounds

This little spot in the shade enticed me

The bees at work

At a snail’s pace

And couldn’t help but stop and enjoy some flowers too

Tomorrow is my last full day here in beautiful CA as I’m making my way back to our home up north. Crazy thing is that I don’t want to leave this beautiful place.

Hubby and I discussed how we would love to return to our home for Thanksgiving. That discussion obviously took place before we settled in CA. Those plans to return have quickly changed and other plans have filled the slot.

There’s still work to be done on our home as we have the builder lined out to be there next week. I also need my car and we have made arrangements for the movers to pick up my car next week.

Since hubby has business in the east next week, he’ll be joining me for the weekend when we plan to finish up all our duties at our home and we will both return to CA next Sunday.

I haven’t even left and I can’t wait to get back. I’m so in love here and happy we have the privilege of calling this place home sweet home.

So much is going on now that we’ve settled in to our new home sweet home out west. So I’ve decided to share some pictures from around here.

Found a little historic shopping area the other day.

The 10ish – 6ish struck me funny

Every time I see these bowls, I’m reminded of my mom and her nice set (just like the roosters) when I was a wee whipper snapper.

This antique Indian chest (marked sold) kinda intrigued me. Not that I wanted in it, rather curious about its history and all the places its been.

Some pictures of the beautiful landscape in these parts

I’m smitten here in this beautiful place

We used to have these “birds” in our yard (when we lived down south) and it’s a treat seeing them bloom here.

Such a pretty bird

Found a nice BBQ place to dine the other night and I’m thinkin’ we’ll be back.

We spent all of one day finding our next place to call home. True, it’s an apartment but tucked in a beautiful area where we both love so much. Just one look around the place and hubby and I asked “where can we sign”? So we signed the papers and we’re both ready as ever to move in. We still have about a month to wait to get the unit we want, ‘til then, we’re bunking in a “Hotel California”.

I’m feeling as though I’ve been slung out of the blender and landing into what I call pressure free days. The last week without hubby was a stressful week. A week of getting things lined out, I’ll spare the details of my daily chores. But each day seemed to fall into place and all the things I wanted to accomplish were scratched off the list.

Saturday dawned and I woke with extraordinary excitement. I was going to see my hubby, and I couldn’t wait. My suitcase was packed, the house was all in order and I felt on top of the world knowing everything was in place. It was time for me to finally go home. We consider home to be where we are as we’ve bounced around so much. As long as we’re together, that’s all that matters.

The cab driver rang the door bell on the early side and since I was all set, we hit the road for the airport.

As we pulled out I had that sweet calm feeling knowing I was ready for my trip out west. When I arrived to the “little airport”, very little airport, there were a few snags in my outbound plans. The weather (in Philly, my only stop along the way) threw a wrench in my take off and it looked as though I may not make it to my destination that evening. My heart dropped but I decided I would fly into Philly anyway as I would be able to catch an early flight out the next morning.

Luckily the plane lifted 45 min later rather than the expected 2 hour delay. Saying goodbye to the beautiful rolling hills and autumn.

There were 7 passengers on the plane (I counted) including the stewardess. I had the whole backseat (5 seats as there was one right smack dab in the middle where the isle meets up to it) all to myself.

I even got to prop my feet up.

My reading material for the flight

If you have not read this book, it would be a good one for everyone. I think it should be a requirement that everyone at least read it once.

A couple quotes I liked

Modern day philosopher – Linus (alias Charles M Shulz) “Life is like a 10-speed bicycle. Most of us have gears that we never use!”

As someone has said – “People don’t fail because they intend to fail. They fail because they fail to do what they intend to do.”

There are a few things that I want to do and I have put them off by using excuses like “I’m too old to do that” or “I don’t know if I can do that” and so forth and so on go the excuses and I just end up not doing what I would like to try.

I’m making a list of things I would like to do. I don’t want to overwhelm myself at first but I would like to start doing some of the things I want to do and stop waiting. As he states in the book. You may get to a point where the thing on your list is just not for you and if you discover it’s not for you…then by all means scratch it off and you’ll never have to look back and say I wish I would have…I could go on and on about this book but I for one am thankful it was on our bookshelf.

My little hop into Philly came so fast, either that or my book was that good that I completely lost track of time.

I quickly gathered my belongings and set off for the proper shuttle to get me to the right terminal. The bus was efficient and I was able to hoof it to the appropriate gate where all the other passengers were already on the plane and lucky me they waited for me to get there.

I secured my window seat and settled in with my reading material, ipod, Sudoku puzzles and was ready for my one last flight to take me all the way from Philly to the west coast of California.

It was a comfortable trip as no one was in the seat next to me and I was able to use that seat for all my stuff.

And as the flight came into the city lights of California my heart began to race and at that moment I said to myself “I’m not in the country anymore”.

Hubby was there right on time waiting for me and all was right with the world.

Sunday was one of those days that I didn’t know if I was coming or going. Had no clue what time it really was and had to constantly remind myself that I was in California! Hubby took me for a nice Sunday drive and I left my camera in my purse. All I wanted to do was take in the beauty without snapping pictures. I’m totally in LOVE here!

We met up with a friend last evening here at this restaurant.

And enjoyed the tiki island feel.

Can I say ABUNDANT sunny skies, beautiful palm trees, and amazing weather in the low 70’s in the middle of the day. I understand the temperature averages in the 70’s “year round”. All of a sudden I feel I’m in the land of milk and honey.

When hubby and I were in the beginning stages of building our new home, I told him that I didn’t think he would ever be able to drag me away from our house once we got in. Funny thing is that God had something else for us just two months after moving into our home.

I feel blessed that His plans outweigh my plans. I’m a firm believer that He knows us better than we know ourselves and I’m thankful that He meets our needs and gives us more than we could ever ask or dream. Let it be Lord, let it be.

Showing your house is a lot like finding your right mate. If they like the first impression they may ask to see you. If they like what’s on the inside they may want to keep you. This little ditty popped into my head today while cooking for my darlin’ and I couldn’t wait to write it down.

I’ve been looking at a lot of MLS listings and by now I’ve compiled a stash of do’s and dont’s when it comes to giving first and lasting impressions. Now that we are going to be listing our home, I’m trying to put these things to use.

A few things I’ve learned

• Do not expect the Realtor to get the best pictures. You know your home better than any one else. Learn the right time of day to get the best shots.

• Do take hundreds of pictures. I’m up to almost 300 pictures on the outside alone. I’ll be out again tomorrow by 10:00 if it’s not raining.

• Do not forget that timing is everything. I want an autumn shot and don’t have a lot of time remaining so take pictures daily.

• Do take pictures from many different angles to locate the right spot

• Do not underestimate yourself just because you’re not a professional.

• Do pay close attention to everything by adjusting things for a photo

Below is a picture in the running as of today. There are many things I like about this. Before I go on about this pic, let’s get nit-picky.

This picture (below) is okay but not the one. It’s a bit drab even though the sun is shining. The problem is this. It’s the late afternoon sun which does not provide the right spark for this angle. The trees up front are just there not offering much. If you look up to the one I like, the trees make a canopy providing a nice frame for the home.

Cars in the drive hit a nerve when looking at MLS listings. And all the branches don’t do anything for me either. Notice the mailboxes out front. If possible, try to give a better view, it may be your only shot at getting the right buyer to see your home.

Cars are moved and we’ve moved past the branches and mailboxes. This shot was taken late afternoon. The sun is setting a little lower on the west side of the house supplying just the right punch.

Back to the front of the home. We’re getting closer to perfection. This was taken around 9:30 this morning, good morning sunshine! I wanted to get out first thing to show her with a smile. She’s beginning to shine but the sun still has about an hour to go for the effect I’m aiming for.

So around 10:30 this is what happened – Same as the first photo, just didn’t want to make you scroll up. Again, notice the frame the branches make for the house. Had I not taken hundreds of pictures I wouldn’t have caught this small detail.

And then by 11:00 we have yet another look.

I still like the one taken at 10:30, it looks warm and cozy and the one taken at 11:00 looks crisp and cold. Which one do you prefer and how would you describe them?

I took the rear shot at 5 this evening, it proved to be the best lighting for this angle.

I’m hoping for more sunshine tomorrow morning as I would love to snap a hundred more shots in hopes to make contact with the right first impression.

Would love to hear your thoughts in the comment section.

Ever search for the right words to say or wonder when would be the right time to spill? Well it’s been a long time coming as we’ve had a secret for the better portion of the year. So I’ll just come out and say it “we’re moving to California”.

Some may be asking why, why would we leave so soon? Well, the program hubby was working on got canceled and there is nothing holding us here. Hubby had a sneakin’ suspension early in the year that the program was going down in flames so he started his job search early. The other thing on our plate was to get into our house as fast as we possibly could. All things seemed to channel in the right direction as the house was moving along and opportunity was out there. Then along came a program in California that knocked his socks off.

We’ve talked on and off about California for years as hubby had great interest working on the programs out there. Little did we know it would happen so soon. What a blessing in disguise. I can’t begin to express the excitement we feel but what I can say is this. As soon as I learned about this opportunity I told hubby “all I need is an hour notice”. Normally when hubby asks me about moving I have replied in the past “I’ll follow you to the ends of the earth”. This time, give me an hour baby and I’ll be ready.

I have a little more than an hour notice as the company just bumped up his start date and they want him in just two very short weeks. He’s jumping through hoops with his current job in NY and getting ready to give his notice. We’re in a whirlwind and I can’t wipe the smile from my face.

There is definitely a large piece of our hearts that will be left behind and we will never forget the passion that went into making this our home. Perhaps one day we will have the opportunity to build a home again, this was definitely a great experience.

But now it’s time to wrap things up and hopefully go where we can stay for a very long time. We’re definitely up for this next great adventure as long as I get an hour notice.

Welcome to our home. I’ll keep the words brief as I have quite a few pictures to share. I still don’t have pics to share of the bedrooms, dining and living rooms. But here’s what we have so far.

We’ll start on the outside and work our way in

Did anyone notice the green grass already?

Out back

The stairs from the ramp were finished last Friday

The deck

Taken from the back 40

And zoomed in a bit

Entry, love hubby’s idea of hanging the wall art sandwiched between the window and front door

The family room

Family room looking into the kitchen and breakfast bar area, we love the open space

Taken from upstairs

The kitchen

Lovin’ my gas stove – Used a gas stove 10 years ago and loved it, glad I had the chance to welcome it into my kitchen again.

And my sink – I’ve been in love with the large one bowl sinks forever it seems. I’m so in love with this big guy.

The breakfast bar, how pretty the autumn color just outside my window

And again at night – the double doors lead to the deck.

I’m going to finish with the master bath today

His vanity “a bit taller than the her vanity”

Her vanity

Entrance to the tub, shower and water closet

And last but not least is the double shower; this shower was one of the many things we had on our top priority list. We love it!

More exciting stuff to follow.

As we sift through the stuff that we haven’t seen in two years, we cherish the memories from the past and treasure the things that surround the hub of home.

This chandelier is one of the very first things we received together as a couple, A wedding gift from my parents. We are quite partial and attached to this light that lights our lives.

Much cleaning and care went into hanging this light that hangs over our breakfast bar table.

Breakfast bar – The table and chairs were purchased while we lived in South Korea. Many special memories have been made ‘round this set.

Another angle – Taken from upstairs

My final piece of pottery (standing 19 ½ “ tall) made back in TX. Although this is a fairly recent memory, it’s a fond one as it sports a glaze (rich chocolate) I tried for the first and only time. I hope to use this glaze again one day.

The detail up-close

A beauty collected from our trip to China.

And another taken last evening highlighting the pretty reflection from the light.

The lamps that illuminate the built-ins are blue and white pottery purchased while we lived in Korea.

Found a pumpkin I received from my mother-in-law – had to fill it with candy, not just any candy…the kind that brings the fondest memories this time of year.

And tomorrow we will be having our first dinner guests…so better get busy getting this place ready for guests…More coming soon.

Over the weekend we hung two of the three chandeliers that needed to be hung. We’re hoping to hang the last chandelier this coming weekend. It was no small task but a task worth every bit of effort we put into it.

Hubby started with the chandelier in the foyer. First he lowered the hoist from the ceiling and attached the medallion and frame then wired the chandelier from the ground floor. How sweet!

We unwrapped the crystals securing them on a table for the next step. The next step was to clean each piece and then hand to hubby while he hung them on the frame.

Ta Da, every last drop of crystal was dripping from the frame and now she’s making a trip to the ceiling.

Once the chandelier reaches the top, it automatically connects with the electric above. It’s switched (on the wall) with a dimmer.

Hubby declares he will never hang her again without a hoist system. I’ll admit, it’s one slick tool and I’m thankful he didn’t have to struggle hanging this one climbing up and down a ladder.

Here she is from the outside looking in

And again from the same spot after dark

The next chandelier was hung in the same manner as the previous one. Hubby hung the medallion and frame, then all the unwrapping took place, followed by cleaning and me handing each piece to hubby to hang.

I took several shots of the dining room light.

Another shot tonight

Up close

I love the way this picture turned out, kinda puts me in the mind of a cool piece of art. I took this shot directly underneath it.

Zoomed in from underneath

I’ll be posting more projects around the house as soon as we finish with them, stay tuned.