Tennessee Calling

A BIRTHDAY AND NEWS FROM ME

2012-01-31T13:26:00.000-08:00

Today is my son, Taylor's 23rd birthday! This is one of my favorite photos of him that I snapped when we were in Tennessee. He drove from Virginia to spend the weekend with us! We had a great visit together!

This is another photo of him, but he is at work and he's holding his friends' twin daughters when they came to visit him on the ship. Cute, huh?

As for me, I am still in gear with my exercise and eating healthy gig.

We ordered our bikes (yay!) and will get them in April. I am so excited about it!

We are both getting Electra Townie Balloon 8i bikes. This is the mens. And this one is the ladies. Then we can join the local bike club for some rides and hit the beach on our own! I can't wait! But I have to. So, then I guess I can wait. But I don't want to....oh heck, you get the idea.

My lunch was a disaster today. Some asian noodle bowl that just had way too many green onions in it. Blech. I tried to avoid them, but they were these tiny pieces (and there were millions of them in this one container!)

Ewwww...and I like green onions. Just not millions of them for one meal.
I ate an apple afterwards and that helped.
And then I ate a granola bar because I was still hungry.
Hope your lunch was better than mine!

THURSDAY ALREADY?

2012-01-26T14:17:00.000-08:00

Where the heck has the week gone?

I haven't been posting this week, because I think the posts would be repetitious (and boring) to you all. Why, you ask? Because, I have been focused on working out and cooking dinners (so we can continue to eat
healthy and stay in our desired calorie range) and not much else, really.

Okay, I take that back. I have been working on a small crochet project to get my feet wet again with my crochet skills. I confess that I resorted to googling You Tube videos to help refresh my memory on how to complete ANY of the stitches. How pathetic is that?

But it has come back to me and I am so thankful for You Tube and Knit Witch. If you want to learn to crochet (or remember how to crochet, like me) go to the Knit Witch videos on you tube. They rock! Or rather, she rocks! She has a website and a blog too. http://www.knitwitch.com/

I finally got my yarn (in the mail) for my granny square afghan I want to make but in the meantime, I got antsy and got yarn for this other little project and have been playing around with it. I don't want to switch gears until I get this one finished.

We've been looking at beach cruiser style bikes, too, so stay tuned for news on those. Since we live close to the beach, we can definitely get our use out of them and there is a local electra bike club that has monthly rides we can participate in, too. Bonus! I am trying to come up with some fun ways for us to stay active and this looks like a winner! We are getting enough of a tax refund back to buy our bikes and add some bling!

That about sums up our news for the past week. We've been catching up on shows we have DVR'd and I get some crocheting done (and undone) while we watch!

I will take some photos when I get projects completed enough to photograph! In the meantime, enjoy the sunrise photos.

TRIED AND TRUE -- AND A CHANGE

2012-01-18T13:21:00.000-08:00

I'm progressing in my cardio routine and feeling like it's becoming easier in the sense that I can hop out of bed and get out into our (cold) garage and workout in the morning without dreading it. Instead, I look forward to the way I feel afterwards.

I'm still not ready for the hard core HIIT program taped on the dashboard of my treadmill. But I mix it up between a fast walk and jogging. I'm still not really running yet. I have a ways to go to get there, but I will!

I watch the morning news and listen to music on my Ipod Nano. I need to download some more (and new) tunes this weekend or rotate them out. I begin on my water and drink a 16.9 oz bottle while I work out. I down my second 16.9 oz bottle while I get ready for work. By the time I start sipping my morning coffee, I am 4 cups of water into my day!

This is what is working for me. I took a long neighborhood walk on Monday (3.28 miles in 52 minutes--3.8 mph) and it was a good change for me. I want to do that once a week and find new places or routes to walk.

Getting up and working out first thing in the morning is also what works for me. I start my day off with a workout and I feel good. I am ready to face the challenges that await me. I haven't been tempted to stray from my eating plan (though the chocolate in a candy jar did try to lure me to take a piece yesterday), I quickly turned away and guzzled some water.

I know that piece of chocolate would not have been worth the way I'd feel later. I want to plan for my chocolate. I will be having chocolate. I do not believe in restricting any particular food or food group (dessert IS a food group, right?) from my food plan.

Anyway, I have digressed a bit from my original train of thought...I'm doing what works, the tried and true. I'm seeing results already in the way my clothes are fitting and that brings me to the change.

I am not using a scale to gauge my progress. How many times have I gotten discouraged because the scale didn't reflect how hard I have been working? Or inched up a pound due to water weight? There are too many variables to using the scale as my compass on my journey. I decided it has too many emotional triggers for me and that's not good.

My clothes will not lie to me. If they are tight, I'm getting bigger. If they become looser, I'm getting smaller. Period.

This journey is about becoming a healthier, more fit person. My goal is to make exercise a daily part of my life. To keep my health in check. Not something I do to lose weight and then stop. Nope. I must make it a part of my day as natural as brushing my teeth. Not something I have to think about. It will be a priority. I will not make excuses.

Exercise will be my tried and true.

OH SAY, CAN YOU CROCHET?

2012-01-13T11:01:00.000-08:00

I can. I just haven't in a very long time. I used to crochet a lot and I want to get back into it. I find it very relaxing and will give me something productive to do while doing nothing in front of the TV.

I got some new crochet hooks for Christmas and now I need to get out and get some yarn. I'd like to make some coffee cup cozies and scarves to start and see how that goes.

I started to learn to knit, but haven't stuck with it long enough to really pick it up. There is a place here in town that has lessons and times for ladies to get together to work on crochet/knitting projects. That sounds like fun to me and I may try it out soon.

I hope to start a crochet project this weekend...since it's a long weekend off of work for me and I will have to down time. We're also supposed to get some rain on Sunday and I think crocheting would be a perfect activity to do while the rain is coming down outside and we are all cozy inside with a nice fire in the fireplace.

Anyone else knit or crochet? Any tips on what type of yarn to get?

NO NEWS IS GOOD NEWS

2012-01-11T09:20:00.000-08:00

I've been absent from blogging, I know. I've been thinking about updating my blog. Does that count?

I've been working out every morning and continuing to eat healthy and stay in my calorie range. And I feel more energetic and upbeat!

We spent a beautiful afternoon at the Leonesse winery last week. It was a gorgeous sunny day and so peaceful out there. A nice way to finish up our holiday weekend before returning to work.

I've completed my Invisalign treatment and am in my retainers now. They are clear--a lot like my Invisalign trays--so its not much different than before. I do have to wear them 24/7 for two months and then I go back to my Orthodontist for a check-up. I will probably be able to go to wearing them only overnight after that appointment. I love my new smile!

We're going down to the desert this weekend for a target shooting day. It will be a fun outing with some other couples. It's been awhile since we went out for a target practice day. The place we usually go closed down, so it's a little bit further trek for everyone.

Just keeping busy with work, hanging out with my hubby and getting healthier!

That's good enough!

HIT THE GROUND RUNNING

2012-01-05T12:51:00.000-08:00

I literally jumped feet first into my first new year resolution Tuesday morning. I hopped on the treadmill and churned out 30 minutes.

We had already overhauled our eating plan over the weekend--after we emptied the fridge of all the dangerous, rich desserts and food (and transformed our leftover ham into bean soup).

So we're off to a really good start on that front...but the workouts seem the harder part of the equation for me. At least at first...

Today is Day Three of my cardio routine. They say it takes a month to make or break a habit and I believe it.

I think someone forgot to tell my body that exercise is a good thing for it. I had two consecutive nights of crummy sleep and then this morning after a welcomed good night of slumber, I awoke feeling as if I were in slow motion and my legs were made of lead.  I think I was finally feeling the effects of two nights of not sleeping deeply.

Still, I managed to get into my workout clothes, groggily find my way out to the garage, water bottle in hand, and complete my 30 minutes on the treadmill, despite my brain and body's clear objections.  Every cell in my body thought this was a BAD idea. I was unconvinced. I kept saying, I have made a commitment to my health and I am determined to keep it.

But those 30 minutes seemed to last forever. I did everything I could to make it bearable. I kept searching for motivating music on my Ipod, hoping that it would suddenly change my state of mind and I'd breeze through the rest of my workout.

Each time I looked at that time remaining I'd have a pep talk...Oh, good there are less than 20 minutes left...cool!  Now, over half way! Yes, less than 10 minutes...you can do this! Less than 5 minutes...you've GOT this!

FINALLY, it was over. And yes, that is EXACTLY how it felt.  Man, it was TOUGH! But I did it.

I am going to celebrate my small successes...right now, my focus has to remain on the positive aspects of this journey.

Anyone else riding on the "workout train" this week?

RESOLUTION TIME

2011-12-31T20:11:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year again. The end of one year and time to make resolutions for the new year.

I don't know about you, but I tend to get get carried away with these resolutions. Some are the same (lose weight, start a work out regime) and some are not. A lot of mine are based in creative ventures...writing, scrapbooking, journaling...

Resolutions for me mean a fresh new start to the year. A clean slate to make improvements, changes and be more organized and productive. (Well, those are the kinds of things my list is comprised of).

Then I start asking myself, Have I made too many resolutions? Have I bitten off more than I can chew? Will I keep them? seriously. Does it matter?

I have to be honest. There have been years I have failed miserably with keeping any of my resolutions. There have been years that I have only made a few thinking that will help me stay focused on the ones I've made.

This year I feel very optimistic and energized by my resolutions. I have made a lot of them this year...resolutions from health, diet and fitness challenges to carving out time for some new projects and following through on the projects I have already jumped into.

No matter whether I keep one or all of them, I believe that the routine of making resolutions is a good one. I like having goals and I love the beginning of a new year!

Do you make resolutions? Do you keep them?

CHRISTMAS AND MEMAW'S ANGEL

2011-12-26T21:21:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderfully blessed Christmas.  We missed spending Christmas with our (daughter, Ashley) and (son, Taylor) who both live out of state--Utah and Virginia, but I did get to talk to Ashley and granddaughter, Grace on the phone and Skype on my laptop with Taylor in the afternoon. So good to see him!

We were able to spend time with the rest of our six kiddos, and our "adopted" daughter, Olivia. My good friend, Linda and her other half, Graeme spent the afternoon and evening with us--so much fun and laughter! We had such a nice day with everyone! Memories to lock away in my heart.
I have much to be thankful for. And I am!!

Last week, Heather and Cameron shared that their baby is a boy--we are thrilled that they are adding a second grandson for us to love and spoil in May!!  AND...on Christmas Day we learned that Ashley and Kent are expecting a girl, so we are getting our second granddaughter in April. We are so excited!!

We hosted our Italian themed Christmas Eve dinner and evening and enjoyed our time with family. We ate, laughed and celebrated the birth of Jesus together. After dinner,  we had fun playing the "steal a gift" game with the gifts we brought to exchange.

Today, we both had the day off from work and played catch-up here at home and did our laundry. Back to normal. We took in a movie this afternoon and heated up leftovers for dinner. It's nice to be back on our schedule.

I was reading the most recent post of another blogger I follow and her post reminded me of something so cute that Grace said to me while she was here.

We were sitting at the table and she looked up at me and said, "Memaw, call me Angel". At first, I didn't get it. But then I remembered that when she calls me to get my attention, I will answer, "Yes, Angel?" or "Yes, Lovie"

She told her mama, "I Memaw's angel"    She was definitely stuck on that while she was here. If we called her a "silly billy", which is her own little thing she says, she would shake her head and say, "No, I not...I an angel. I Memaw's angel."
Ha Ha! Too darn cute is what she is!!

I hope you all had a beautiful Christmas and felt the love of Jesus, God's gift to the world!

ALMOST CHRISTMAS

2011-12-23T19:57:00.000-08:00

This week has been filled with many Christmas celebrations for us.

Sunday night, Bruce and I went to see the Parade of Lights on the San Diego Bay. The best part was that we saw it from the Hornblower Adventurer. Our evening cruise included a delicious buffett dinner. My favorite part was the spinach salad with honey mustard dressing and a vegetable dish made with summer squash, zuchinni, green beans and almonds.

We sipped our cups of steaming hot coffee from the top deck of the ship and took in all the lights of the parade boats and the city.

Wednesday night we attended my office Christmas dinner party. We went to Busalacchi's a Modo Mio located in downtown San Diego. I ordered the butternut squash ravioli with cream sauce and hazelnuts. It was so yummy. Hmmm...I sense a squash theme in my meals...haha!

I had the day off today so I got some things done around the house. Played with some table decorations for our Christmas Eve dinner, took Kona to the vet to be groomed--she also got weighed and has lost 18 pounds--we have been working on it since she blew out both of her knees last year and her Vet told us losing some weight would help her recovery and general health. I am pleased that her weight was down. Her nails got trimmed (very much needed) and she is a happy camper.

I got my nails done (also much needed) this afternoon, too. I have two more gifts to wrap.

Tomorrow, I will complete my table centerpiece planning and pull it all together for dinner. I have a feeling that it's going to be a very busy day!

CHRISTMAS HAPPENINGS

2011-12-18T14:25:00.000-08:00

Our Christmas tree is up, decorated and our house smells like Christmas. We've shopped til we dropped (mostly online) but we still have our wrapping to do.

Yesterday was cookie baking day with some girlfriends and last night we went to my parent's house for family candy making with my dad and brothers. We made close to 150 chocolate covered cherry candies!

It was a fun filled day, but I was exhausted after a full day and evening of measuring, mixing, stirring, rolling and dipping--and my tootsies hurt from standing on them all day. We left my parent's house at 10:30 p.m. and did not get to bed until after midnight. Needless to say I slept in this morning.

I am looking forward to more fun Christmas activities on our calendar this week! Tomorrow, I'll post some photos from my camera. I need to upload them to my computer...and about a hundred other things before then...haha!

Hope you are having a blessed (and not too busy) Christmas season!

WEEKEND CLEAN UP

2011-12-05T08:49:00.000-08:00

Our house was a disaster. It was cluttered from our busy month. It had not been cleaned in a month. It was not pretty. It was driving me nuts.

I spent all day Saturday organizing, putting things away and cleaning. Dusting, wiping down, scrubbing, mopping, vaccuming, minor repairs...and I even cleaned our oven. Now we have a clean and organized house once again!

By the end of the day I was very tired but it felt so good to see all I had accomplished and to enjoy our clean house. Yesterday, Bruce worked hard on the outside. He mowed the lawns, edged and cleaned up the front and back yards and hung up our outside lights. Our house looks so beautiful all lit up in Christmas colors.

Now, I am ready to get our Christmas tree and begin decorating the inside of our house. Let the Christmas-ing begin!

WINDING UP NOVEMBER

2011-11-29T19:26:00.000-08:00

I'm tired. I'm busy. I'm happy.

By the time our plane landed back in San Diego on the 21st, my brain was already firing up with my to-do list for our Thanksgiving camping trip.

We dumped our suitcase on the bedroom floor and began packing up for our desert camping trip. Tuesday, Ashley and I grocery shopped and the guys picked up the motorhome, which would be our home away from home for 4 days.

Here "she" is

We packed tons of bedding, coolers, food, drinks, clothes, and glo sticks and after a breakfast of donuts, we headed out for our trip early Tuesday morning. We were a caravan of 4 rigs and after meeting at the Alpine viewpoint, we drove down to the desert, making a pit stop in El Centro for gas and a bite to eat. We got to camp by 1 pm and began setting up for our stay.

Our campsite

Ashley and Aaron

Grace

My baby brother, David and Denise

The newlyweds, Heather and Cameron

The girls

My momma and me

Meghann and Bryant (her pup)

A group shot of part of our group

And another with more

Cameron and Heather outside of their tent

My brother, Brooks and his dog, Raja

Sunrise (thank you for this beautiful shot, Heather!)

We had an awesome time together, feasting on turkey and all the trimmings, taking walks to search for unusual rocks, playing a game of tailgate toss, Catchphrase and Mafia at night around the campfire.

My vacation is over and I am back to work for the last three days of November before I jump into December and the Christmas season. I love Christmas and the joy and fun in decorating, giving and celebrating Jesus' birthday!

VEGAS, BABY

2011-11-16T07:36:00.000-08:00

We are heading to Vegas. I have a short work week, but my workload is not lessened, so I am desperately trying to meet my deadlines before we leave.

I haven't been able to blog lately because I've been busy coordinating our departure to-do's with our kids' arrival at our house and dog/cat sitting lists, getting the guest room ready and simultaneously working on camping prep for Thanksgiving (more to come on that later).

I didn't plan it this way. Really.

When the trip to Vegas came up (many moons ago) and I jumped on the chance to get out of town for a few days, there was nothing else on our calendar for November. Absolutely nuttin.

In the meantime, our calendar exploded with a bunch of fun events (wedding, youngest son home on leave, Thanksgiving camping trip). All in the same month. Even overlapping in some instances.

At first I was overwhelmed. Then I just jumped in and made a bunch of lists and put everything on my calendars. I have three. One at home, one at work and one on my phone. Best to be prepared, right? That helped calm me down and helped me be productive instead of frozen in panic. So far, it's working.

Anyway, I will be off the grid, so to speak, for several days while we live it up in Vegas. You can find me at a nickel slot machine or playing Keno. That's how I roll.

WEDDING PHOTOS

2011-11-08T11:38:00.000-08:00

Sunday began with cold rain showers which continued through the day, but by the time Cameron and Heather's sunset wedding began, the rain had stopped and the sun pushed through the clouds to paint the sky in luscious shades of orange and pink that matched the wedding flowers.

I have photos on my camera that I still need to upload, but I thought I would post these in the meantime.

Cameron and Heather--Mr & Mrs!

Cameron and Ben (best friends)

The ceremony

Grace and Aaron

Gracie (flower girl)

Aaron and Auntie Meghann

Heather and Cameron with their wedding cake

Wedding ceremony sunset.

It was a perfect day.

THE NIGHT BEFORE

2011-11-07T07:49:00.000-08:00

The photos have been downloaded from our camera to our computer and now onto my blog. Thanks to my hubby.

Here are some photos of the Rehearsal Dinner we hosted at a local restaurant called Stir Fresh Mongolian Grill.

Our room after we decorated the tables

The Bridal Party table

Bruce and me

Let the party begin!

Meghann, Aaron and Ashley

Cameron, Heather, Meghann, Ashley and Taylor

Ben, Kerry and Dina

The dinner was so much fun with lots of good food and company!

HELLO, IT'S ME

2011-11-03T07:54:00.000-07:00

I'm here!

I've been planning the rehearsal dinner for our son's wedding this weekend. The invitations were mailed and I am up to my neck in crafty tabletop decorating ideas. Thank goodness for Pinterest.

Last weekend I kept busy with all of the fun events planned--Heather's bridal shower, appointments at the nail salon for beautiful toes and fingers, and finally a bachelorette dinner party with lots of fun and beautiful ladies!

This week has flown with all of the to-do's we've been working on and crossing off of our list. Tonight I will be making some no-sew table runners for the rehearsal dinner. Easy peasy.

I still have to work on the rest of the decorating details, but I think it's coming together pretty well. I'll post photos next week.

I may not have time to post again until after the wedding...see ya then!

UPCOMING CELEBRATIONS

2011-10-26T18:49:00.000-07:00

We are busy with pre-wedding and wedding day celebrations.

I have mailed off our Rehearsal dinner invitations and I am looking forward to Heather's bridal shower this weekend. It will be a day of fun celebrating.

A bridal shower brunch, getting our nails done and a fun Bachelorette dinner party afterwards!

I have some more shopping to do in the next week, but things are coming together.

I am having a great week so far and I am so excited for Heather and Cameron's Wedding Day.

DIZZY FROM BUSY

2011-10-22T21:09:00.000-07:00

We've had a super busy day today. All day. And I loved every minute of it.

We began our morning with some errand running for our Thanksgiving camping trip. We got a heavy duty camping grill, two chairs for Grace & Aaron, some glo-sticks, and a tailgate toss game to play in the desert. We finished up with a visit to the restaurant and an errand for the rehearsal dinner we'll be hosting.

We stopped for some dinner at California Pizza Kitchen before heading back home. My Asparagus Spinach Parmesan Spaghettini was so delicious and I savored my glass of chilled Riesling. It was a nice break in our go-go-go schedule.

Tonight, Bruce designed and worked hard to perfect the custom Rehearsal Dinner invitations. After trial and error and success, they are ready to assemble and mail out.

I have some ideas for decorating the tables and am going to get busy with that.

It feels good to close my day with so much accomplishment and organization.

G'night all.

FACEBOOK FAIL CONFESSION

2011-10-21T09:41:00.000-07:00

I lasted a week off of Facebook. It was a good week--after the 24 hours of withdrawal, it was good.

But for various reasons, I decided there were more benefits than drawbacks(keeping up with my kiddos and family who live out of town, for one) for me to have a Facebook account so, I made some changes to my account that made it work for me.

I am still off of Twitter and Google +, which still made sense and keeps my social networking time to a minimum.

Can I share one more confession?

Let me start from the beginning.

I had a Pinterest invite sitting in my email inbox. It's been there quite awhile and yesterday while I was purging my old emails, organizing the ones I needed to save, and emptying my spam and trash folders....I registered an account with Pinterest.

Oh, my...need I say more? Do you have Pinterest? If you don't...let me just warn you...danger, will robinson. You may need to take provisions with you when you login. It's a wonderland of coolness and easy to get lost in the maze of boards overflowing with a lot of good stuff.

You've been warned.

I perused the site last night and pinned some things on my board and I already have a ton of craft ideas buzzing in my head. Back in the day, when my kids were small (and you'd think I would have less time) I had a lot of craft projects going all the time.

The difference is technology. Less technology=more crafts.

I promise to share what I find and make with y'all.

BUSTED OUT

2011-10-12T10:46:00.000-07:00

I busted out. Escaped the crazy chains of social networking.

Yeah, me, the social networking advocate.

I recently realized there can be too much of a good thing. I was over-connected and that was negatively adding to my already full and often stressful days. I felt like I was suffocating from information overload.

So...

I deleted my Facebook account.

I deleted my Google + account that I opened thinking it would replace FB.

I deleted my Twitter account.

But, before you wonder if I have unplugged everything and am going to go live in a cave somewhere, I assure you I am still connected. I have a smartphone and I still have my email accounts and my Blog (this one--that seems to be neglected lately)

I've just taken a step back -- to breathe and live a little more, with less technology.

I think I'm going to like it.

GEARING UP FOR GOOD TIMES

2011-10-09T20:45:00.000-07:00

It's safe to say that the Fall of 2011 is going to be a busy season full of blessings and happiness for us.

First, we're going to Utah to visit our grand-babies (and daughter and son-in-law, of course) and celebrate Aaron's 1st birthday! We're taking a long weekend and I can't wait to get there! We've not seen them since May. Too long.

Then, after we return, our son, T is taking two weeks leave and will be home at the end of the month!

AND

Our son, Cameron is getting married!

We are so happy! Cameron and Heather have been together for several years now and we love that she will be our daughter--we already consider her a part of our family and are so thrilled they are tying the knot!

Engaged!

Sea World happiness!

San Diego Zoo with Grace

The couple all dressed up for a friend's wedding. Aren't they a gorgeous couple? I can't wait for their wedding!

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We'll be pretty busy but I'll do my best to pop in and keep y'all updated.

BACK IN TOUCH

2011-10-01T15:30:00.000-07:00

I'm back.

The desert was heavenly. It was hot and it felt good. The pool felt even better. And having no where to go and nothing to do for all day Saturday was the best! We took advantage of our down time and soaked up every lazy minute of it.

We had a few comical moments over the weekend, too. One of them had to do with our room. Upon check-in, they told us that our room had just had the carpet shampooed but we were assured it would be dry.

And it was dry, but the room stunk to high heaven. Seriously.

I don't know what bio-hazardous event occurred in that room, but we were all about to vomit. I could not even pinpoint the smell but it was gag inducing. I held my nose and called the front desk. All I had to say is how bad the room smelled and we were given a new room number and room keys were delivered in seriously, less than 2 minutes.

I was afraid to ask what had happened in that room. I don't want to know. Maybe it's best we not know.

We were able to laugh about after we were settled into our fresh smelling, clean, and BONUS-- closer to the pool, room. Much better.

But now I am back to reality. I have to admit that this week back at work has not been all that crazy. And that is good, too. Sometimes when I come back from a break, it can be worse than when I left. Thankfully, not this time.

My fall calendar has begun to fill up quickly. With 'crazy good' things. I have been trying to make sure that I have everything written down on all of my calendars but I still feel a teensy bit overwhelmed--but in a good way.

I have some errand running to do on Saturday and I need to make some time for brainstorming for my next article, which is due next week.

But hey, at least it's the weekend!

THINGS TO COME

2011-09-22T07:58:00.000-07:00

I'm winding down another busy week at work (trying to keep from pulling my hair out) and looking forward to my girls' weekend away, this weekend. It cannot come soon enough.

One final weekend of summer (even though I know that it will actually be Fall, the weather in the desert is still VERY summer like right now) to relax and bask in the dry heat of Palm Springs. I really need a full weekend to be completely nonproductive. Laying by the pool with an occasional dip to cool off, sipping ice cold drinks, reading magazines...and return refreshed and relaxed.

Coming up right around the corner is our October trip to visit our daughter, son-in-law and grand-babies. Aaron will be celebrating his first birthday and we can't wait to get some Memaw and Pepaw time with Grace and Aaron.

We received this cute family photo from them in the mail on Monday.(you have to read the text beside the photo):

Did you figure it out?

Yes!! We are going to be blessed with one more sweet grand-baby to love and spoil! Happy, happy, happy!

I won't be blogging again before we escape to the desert. Tonight, I will be busy packing for the weekend, shopping for last minute items and crossing things off my list, so I will blog again after I get back.

If I come back. (Just kidding)

I know, I know....keep my day job.

Over and out....

SUMMER'S CLOSE

2011-09-18T18:32:00.000-07:00

Last night, we closed the Summer season with friends at Coronado beach for a summer bonfire cookout.

We snacked, sipped, chatted and took photos (with our phones and cameras) before the bonfire was lit and we began cooking hot links, sausages and hot dogs over the fire.

Finally it was time for dessert: s'mores and banana boats and some awesome Brazilian chocolate that Patrick brought back from Brazil (of course...haha).

With the warm sand between my toes, I watch the sun set into the ocean and in my mind, I could hear the melody of a Beach Boys song playing softly.

Adios, Summer...

HOW I SPENT MY HIATUS

2011-09-15T10:00:00.000-07:00

Where have I been? I've been well; just busy and not in a very bloggy mood either. You know how that is. Right?

So now that I have come out of my hiatus I'll attempt to fill y'all in on my goings-on for the past two weeks.

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Our Labor Day weekend was relaxed and it ended with rain.

Saturday was warm and sunny and filled with errands and a family birthday barbeque for my momma at my brother's house. Good food and good company...oh, and exceptionally good cake!

Sunday was also warm and sunny and we went to the La Jolla Open Aire Market and did some shopping and then we made our first visit to Mt. Soledad. It was a beautiful day and the views from Mt. Soledad are amazing! The tributes to our Veterans were both sobering and inspiring. There are so many stories brought together in one place. Here are some pics I took with my phone (neither one of us thought to bring either one of our cameras! duh!)

The beautiful cross

A slice of the view to the ocean from the Monument

One last photo of the cross and the Flag

Sunday evening, we made homemade ravioli for dinner. Bruce made the dough and cheese filling and we worked as a team to pull the dough through the pasta roller and create the individual raviolis. It was comical at times, and it turned out delicious! Well worth the work and comic relief. We opened a bottle of Petite Syrah and heated the small loaf of fresh sourdough bread we bought at the Open Aire Market that morning.

Monday dawned with clouds and rain. Then thunder and more rain. And more rain. The sun broke through a few times, but the rain prevailed throughout the day and evening. Seriously, it was so un-California like weather for September. Our plants loved it and I was pleased we were relieved from our watering chore, so it was a win-win.

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Last week at work was so bad...well, it's better to leave that subject alone, lest I get so stressed out again that I need a vacation locked in a padded room! LOL! Let's just say I'm happy to have survived it and this week is so much better.

Last weekend, I made two more recipes of jalapeno jelly. One of the batches included a seeded habenero chile and it is HOT. I had originally intended to make the second batch with two seeded habenero chiles, but after tasting a bit of the first, I decided that there probably weren't that many people out there that wanted their jelly any hotter, so I made another batch of my original recipe.

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September 11 was a day of reflection.

I woke up earlier than I usually do on the weekend. The house was quiet. I started the coffee and turned the television on. Most of the stations were covering the 9-11 memorial in New York. Remembering the lives lost that day in New York, Arlington and Pennsylvania.

I somberly listened as the names were called and my heart ached hearing the emotional tributes given in honor of the loved ones lost that day. I felt sadness, anger and hope at the same time. I so clearly relived how I felt that day.

As I watched the rest of the memorial, I cried for the children that never knew their fathers. I was also very proud of our country's heroes who stepped into danger; some were heroes in the commission of their jobs and others were ordinary people stepping up to do something brave and good. All of them were extraordinary.

For everyone we lost that day and for all Americans, our lives forever changed, I will never forget.

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As I previously mentioned, I am having a good work week, which is awesome and rare, so I am enjoying the respite in what is usually "stress on steroids" for me at work.

This weekend, we are meeting a group of friends at the beach in Coronado for our 'end of the summer beach bonfire dinner'. The guys will build a tower of wood and light it and we will cook hotdogs over the fire, savor lots of good food on paper plates, dig our toes into the sand and watch the sunset over the ocean, and close the evening with messy, gooey and oh, so delicious s'mores. Note to self: Bring your camera.

So, now you are caught up with me. That's a wrap, folks. 'Til next time!

LOOKING FORWARD

2011-09-01T20:53:00.000-07:00

September is here.

This weekend is a long weekend. An extra day at home. An extra day to relax, to float in the pool, to find a spot on our newly discovered "private" beach and listen to the surf crash against the sand sweet music in our ears and feel the sun on our skin.

September brings warm weather for us. While the rest of the country has their summer weather in June, July and August, we have a delayed summer season. July, August and September.

I love September. By September, the "Zonies" have vacated our beaches and returned to Arizona, throngs of tourists have gone back home and our beach town becomes our own again.

School is back in session. College campuses are brimming with students. The days are still warm and sunny, but our nights are hinting at the nip of fall.

It is a month for winding down, for a girls' lazy weekend to Palm Springs, for anticipating Autumn -- Apple Days in Julian, chilly nights and warm blankets to snuggle under.

I love September and the promise of the season that follows.

WEEKEND MEDLEY

2011-08-29T09:48:00.000-07:00

We are winding down from a fabulous weekend with our good friends, Tom and Heidi, who live in Seattle. They arrived Thursday night and we met for drinks and appetizers after we got off work. I woke up with a migraine headache Friday morning and muddled through the day with head pain and nausea for nearly 24 hours. I felt much better by Saturday afternoon and full speed ahead for the rest of our weekend together.

We finally had a hot summer weather weekend here so we indulged in a lot of summer activities: plenty of pool float time with refreshing homemade Mojitos, dinner on the patio, breakfast at the beach, Margaritas and dinner at Old Town Mexican Cafe (a must do if you come to San Diego--they are famous for their homemade tortillas), and finished our weekend with a relaxing afternoon at Gator Beach and an early dinner and live music at McP's.

I have had a long relaxing break from work (including today) and feel rested and refreshed. Today is a catch up day before I go back to work. I have loads of laundry going and I am making a list for the grocery.

The following is a Public Service Announcement (for anyone that has ever dealt with a wet cell phone):

My cell phone took an accidental spill into the pool on Friday. Uh oh. But, after thoroughly drying it off and immersing it first into a bag of rice and the next day into a bag of silica gel beads to dry out (undisturbed for 48 hours), my phone is working just fine. Yeah! Note to self: If you have to have your phone by the pool, seal it in a ziploc bag first. Happy ending and lesson learned.

So, if any of you have a similar experience with your phone (into the toilet, sink, pool),turn the phone off, take out the battery and memory card if you have one, and dry it well and then bury it in a container of silica gel beads (you can get them at any craft store--they are used for drying flowers) and don't mess with it for 48 hours. It works! The hardest part is leaving it alone for the full 48 hours.

Time to go change the laundry out....

JELLY TIME OF YEAR

2011-08-23T21:46:00.000-07:00

After coming off of a very full weekend which included prepping, setting up and hosting our summer party on Saturday, clean up and putting everything away and some much needed float time in the pool on Sunday, it was time to go back to work.

All day there was that nagging voice in my head was saying there were a lot of jalapenos ready to be picked and I really needed to make jalapeno jelly. today.

So Monday night, after work, I ignored the urge to tell the nagging voice to go away and changed clothes, poured a glass of wine and set up everything in the kitchen for making jelly.

After eating some dinner, I dug into my project and began pureeing the jalapenos and peppers and cooked, stirred, added ingredients and cooked some more, while the jars and lids simmered in boiling water.

By the time I had poured the jelly into the jars, washed all the dishes and wiped everything down, I was so dang tired and ready to just put my feet up and do nothing until bedtime. So that's what I did.

I am certain after this weekend of relaxing, laughing and visiting with our good friends, I should be fully energized and ready to make more jelly next weekend.

We have some habeneros coming on....can you say spicy?

RUNNING ON EMPTY

2011-08-17T08:03:00.000-07:00

I feel like I am playing catch up this week. I finally got my nails done last night, but I still have to paint them with a color. I just have clear polish on now but they are shorter again, which makes it easier at work on the computer.

I didn't get any jalapeno jelly made last weekend either. The weekend just flew and was full with other commitments.

It feels like I am running on empty right now. My sleep patterns have been sporadic and I've been dealing with headaches a lot this week. I am sure the headaches are from the stress from my work schedule and it doesn't look like that is going to change anytime soon. Yay, for Excedrin!

I am looking forward to the two days off I am taking next weekend. My best friend and her hubby, who live in Washington are coming down to spend a long weekend with us and I am so excited to see them and hang out.

Until then, I'll just keep trucking along...

FRIDAY FINISH LINE

2011-08-13T16:24:00.000-07:00

I have just survived another mostly crazy week at work. it was a week full of missed or shortened lunch hours and deadlines that felt like gigantic boulders rolling toward me--threatening to take me out.

But somehow, I made it to Friday in one piece--frazzled, stressed out, and exhausted--but also so glad to have the weekend here. Sometimes I feel too old for this rat race. Not that I am old. I am just tired of the same routine of every Monday returning to the proverbial hamster wheel and running in circles until Friday. Blah. Okay, I am done complaining.

Last night, after work, we did some shopping for our annual summer party next weekend. Smart and Final is a dangerous place for us, but we restrained ourselves and stuck to our list. We still have to go to Costco, which is another dangerous place for us. I should clarify...not dangerous for US. It's dangerous for our wallet.

This morning, we headed out for a bite of breakfast and one of the places we like to eat breakfast was closed. We went with plan B and then got our day going with errands and grocery shopping. Once we got home I began cleaning house and organizing while Bruce cleaned the grill and worked in the backyard.

The to-do list from last week is being completed today. Tomorrow will be laundry day. And I have to do my nails sometime this weekend.

I had originally planned on making a batch of jalapeno jelly this weekend and I can still do that tomorrow morning. It's just not going to happen today.

I am in relaxing mode now.

Over and out.

A PERFECT DAY

2011-08-06T21:53:00.000-07:00

After the week I had, I decided that today needed to be a lazy day for me. I did not want to follow a schedule or mark things off of a to-do list. I just wanted to have a low key day.

And it was.

I slept in until 7:30 and enjoyed two leisurely hours of sipping coffee and reading the newspaper.

I did get the overgrown plants trimmed back around the pool before jumping in the water and spending the afternoon floating around lazily. It was so relaxing.

The water temperature was 88 and I think the afternoon temperature at our house was about 80. The sky was bright blue and not a cloud in sight.

A perfect day

SANITY BY A THREAD

2011-08-05T09:55:00.000-07:00

I'm trying not to focus on how hard this work week has been for me.

Actually, I am trying to forget it. But I can't. It's still too vivid and real.

I was literally ready to scream at the top of my lungs out of sheer frustration. I think I did scream a few times. At least in my head.

Monday was a bad day. Tuesday and Wednesday were worse. I dreaded Thursday, but thankfully, it was better than Monday.

Today is Friday. Ahhhh. Finally.

The bright side of this: I'm grateful that I have a job. I'm grateful that I work with a really good friend who now knows what I have been venting about forever (sorry, Linda, but I did warn you...). I'm grateful that my husband is understanding and will patiently listen to my angry work-related rants and I'm grateful that I have the entire weekend to forget this week.

I'm starting to imagine that in a few years I will be "that crazy lady". You know, the one that talks to herself.

Wait. I already talk to myself.

It's too late.

Here's to a good weekend and fully restored sanity! Is that asking too much?

MONDAY REALITY

2011-07-18T08:05:00.000-07:00

Has a week really already come and gone?

I haven't been in a blogging mood this week. Work stress pretty much mentally wore me out, but weekend down time revived me. It was just what I needed:

relaxing together on the patio in the afternoon sunshine
grillin' out dinner (teryaki chicken, grilled fresh pineapple and jasmine rice)
watched 'Life As We Know It' on DVD
nibbled dark chocolate with almonds
shopped on Saturday
got the Jeep washed and ran our errands
Bruce made his homemade spaghetti sauce in the crockpot (warm sourdough bread and red wine)
watched the new episode of 'The Closer' that we recorded

We stayed up too late last night...

Waking up was hard to do. I can't emphasize that enough.

CRAZY EXHAUSTING MONDAY

2011-07-11T19:34:00.000-07:00

Today was an exhausting day.

I got out of bed at 5:15, jumped on the treadmill and completed my 30 minute work out and got ready for my day. I sipped on iced coffee while I put on my make-up and I finished early enough that I was able to paint my nails before I left the house for my orthodontist appointment.

Had to stop at the gas station to fill up the Jeep...it was only $3.65 a gallon today. A few weeks ago it was $4.08. How much is it in your neighborhood?

So, here is my Invisalign update. My orthodontist said my teeth are tracking very well and she gave me 4 more sets of trays, which means I don't have to go back again for 8 weeks. I was really pleased with the good news reflecting that I've been wearing my trays as many hours as I am supposed to and my teeth are cooperating.

Traffic was bogged down on my route from my orthodontist's office to my office. I thought maybe there was an accident, since it was bumper to bumper and at a crawl. It is usually an easy drive at that time of the morning. Nope, no accident. Just slow.

When I got to work, things were already off to a rough start at the office with our network server down and it just got crazier as the day wore on. The phones were ringing off the hook and whatever could go wrong, did. I was never so glad to see 4:00 so I could go home.

Home from work and we were off to Costco. Dinner consisting of a Costco dog and a soda. Then we went inside to complete our shopping off of our list and a few impulsive purchases.

Home from Costco and unloading the Jeep.

Watching the Home Run Derby. Blogging. Taking deep breaths and recovering from a Monday.

It's good to be back home.

THE REST OF MY WEEKEND

2011-07-10T17:10:00.000-07:00

We enjoyed another lazy morning at home sipping coffee. But, this morning I got into gear a bit earlier. I headed out to do our weekly food shopping and stopped to pick up some dog treats for Kona.

Got some more things done at home and started our laundry. I toasted an energy bar that I picked up at the grocery and ate that for breakfast/lunch, although I wouldn't call it brunch.

When Bruce got home from checking in with the guys at the tournament (he is still taking it easy with his bum knee), we got in the pool and floated the afternoon away.

We're almost ready to put some dinner on the grill and settle in for the night. We're probably going to watch some more of Season 6 of 'The Closer' and make an early night of it.

I am going to get on the treadmill tomorrow morning as soon as I get up. As I was reminded by a personal trainer I follow on Facebook, it is time to awaken the 'sleeping lion' and begin to work out hard again. I'm ready. I'll have some extra time in the morning to work out and get ready for work because I have an orthodontist appointment tomorrow morning and I am going to use that time to my advantage with a workout.

I am 6 weeks into my Invisalign treatment and I'll write a post with an update after my appointment tomorrow. I am anxious to see what my orthodontist has to say. I can see a lot of movement on the upper teeth, and some movement on my lower teeth--it's just not as noticeable to me. I still have 26 weeks of treatment left to go. I am 1/3 of the way along.

We are finally getting a nice warm summer here in San Diego. Last summer was truly cold. I know I have complained a lot about it. But for someone who enjoys the changes of seasons, I love summer weather and everything that goes with it.

I love summer weekends!

SUMMER SATURDAY

2011-07-09T21:59:00.000-07:00

We slept in late. Our Saturday started with coffee. The day began to warm up by the time we were finished and it was time to get going.

After a haircut (for hubby) and we both had showers, we headed up to Temecula to pick up our wine shipment and enjoy a glass of wine on their patio. The sun was out and the day was already heating up by mid morning.

We hadn't eaten any breakfast, so on our way to Temecula, we stopped at Rock 'n' Jenny's for some lunch and chowed down some delicious deli sandwiches. It was much hotter in Escondido. It was still a bit muggy, but in some weird way, the heat felt good.

Thankfully, it was a bit cooler in Temecula up at the winery. Leonesse sits up on a hill looking out into a small valley and there was a constant breeze to keep us cool. A nice pause in our day.

We were home by mid afternoon. Dinner. Yard watering. Started watching Season 6 of 'The Closer'.

Our night is coming to a close.

ANOTHER HOT NIGHT

2011-07-07T19:13:00.000-07:00

It's been a hot day.

Actually, it's been a hot week. Hot and humid. All week long.

Today, when I left work at 4 p.m., it was 81 degrees, downtown--somewhere that has cooler temps than where we live and which is cooler than anywhere else in San Diego County.

I came home to a heated house. Ugly hot.

Time to open windows, open the front door and get this house cooled off. We changed into shorts, sleeveless shirts, shed our shoes and padded barefoot outside to plant ourselves on the patio in the shade for awhile. What to do for dinner...leftover Gazpacho? Nothing sounded good, so tonight Bruce ran back out and picked up some Mexican food from Maritza's (the very best 'fast food' mexican food on the planet). You have to call ahead or be prepared to wait 15-20 minutes for your food and it is worth every minute. In the meantime, I made us two ice cold margaritas. Neither of us felt like heating up the kitchen, or even grilling anything.

BONUS: I had some leftover half and half, whipping cream and whole milk, so I whipped up a batch of ice cream in our Cuisinart ice cream maker (ICE-20). It's the kind that you keep the tub in the freezer and make a simple mix (ours was vanilla) and dump in in the frozen tub that sits on the motor and turn it on for 25-30 minutes. I put the creamy soft serve mixture into another container and put it in the freezer to harden.

It will be a delicious treat for us later with some leftover chocolate sauce from the other night. Or maybe some ice cream with our chocolate sauce. We love chocolate sauce.

The ceiling fans are all on high. And we have a standing fan going in our room off of the kitchen and the house is cooling off. The good thing about living by the beach is that by night time it is usually perfect for sleeping. Granted, we have had a few summer nights that were hard to sleep through, but they are rare.

We're gonna speed up the cooling down part of this scenario for us with a dip in the pool tonight. We ordered some Papasan Spring Floats that were delivered today. We didn't expect them until next week, so it was an unexpected surprise to see the box on the front porch this afternoon.

Best of all tomorrow is Friday....nothing like a Thursday night followed by a Friday, preceded by a Monday holiday. Right?

HOT DAY -- COLD SOUP

2011-07-05T21:19:00.000-07:00

The temps climbed today and this afternoon when I got home from work, our house was hot.

I had already planned on making Gazpacho for dinner and it sure hit the spot for us to have on a hot summer night.

Gazpacho is a cold tomato juice based soup that is full of fresh finely chopped vegetables-- 2 whole cucumber, 2 green bell peppers, 1/2 onion, 1 large peeled tomato, 2-3 stalks of celery and avocado (to add on top of each serving).

I'm pretty sure I have written about this soup and posted the recipe, but here is the gist of it in a nutshell because I have tried to find it and am just too dang tired and lazy tonight to look for it again.

GAZPACHO

Begin with 1/2 cup of olive oil and a 1/4 cup lemon juice whisked together.

Add to that a 64 oz bottle of tomato juice and chopped veggies (see above), 2 teaspoons salt, pepper (I love pepper and use a lot) and some Tabasco sauce (you decide how much depending on whether or not you like heat (spicy) added to your food). We like heat and add a generous amount, but it does not come out spicy. Add a few dashes and taste. Chill for two hours (or less if you are really hungry, like we were tonight). Serve with tortilla chips.

We enjoyed a delicious and healthy dinner that was quick to throw together and didn't heat up our kitchen!

INDEPENDENCE DAY

2011-07-04T09:21:00.000-07:00

We'll be celebrating Independence Day tonight at my parent's house. We're making homemade ice cream and watching fireworks from their deck. I've cooked two different recipes for ice creams.

We are making a batch of Burnt Sugar Ice Cream, which (in a nutshell) is made from sugar that has been melted and browned in a skillet and added to your custard base. It's very, very, very, very good.

I would always look forward to a bowl of Burnt Sugar ice cream when we would stop for the night at my Aunt Grace and Uncle Jimmy's house in El Reno, Oklahoma on our summer cross country trip to Kentucky (and back home). We went every year to spend most of our summer staying with our grandparents, and spending time with all of our aunts, uncles, cousins. I have precious memories of my summers spent with family in Kentucky.

We are also making a batch of Moolicious Vanilla Ice Cream, which is chillin' in my fridge. It's ready to pour in the ice cream freezer and freeze. I cooked up a recipe of rich chocolate sauce to drizzle over the ice cream, too.

We'll be doing our laundry and floating in the pool today. It is supposed to be a bit cooler today--but still in the mid 80's--so I am gonna be in the water.

We're throwing some Mahi Mahi on the grill for Naked Fish Tacos for an early dinner on the patio. Naked Fish Tacos are Fish Tacos without the tortillas. They are just as tasty and filling.

NAKED FISH TACOS

Grilled Mahi Mahi, marinated however you like and topped with the following:

shredded cabbage (we like to use the angelhair cabbage)
pico de gallo (chopped onions, jalapenos, cilantro, tomatoes and lime juice)
shredded mexican cheese
avocado slices

and Crema drizzled over the top

Crema

half sour cream
half mayo
lime juice
Tapatio hot sauce for heat

Mix together to taste. Make as much or as little as you need.

Muy delicioso!

TWO DAYS DOWN

2011-07-03T20:45:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we spent the afternoon in the pool. We got lots of sun (even a tad too much) and grilled out baby back ribs for dinner. The weather was warm. It felt like summer and we enjoyed every minute of it.

Today we spent the afternoon at our neighbor's summer party. There were a lot of people there and so much good food to eat. Sangria, appetizer platters, dips, chips, crackers, teriaki beef kabobs, cream cheese stuffed jalapenos wrapped in bacon, asparagus wrapped in prosciutto, pork ribs...raspberry brownies....oh my.

Now we're home relaxing with a Netflix movie. A quiet end to another great day.

A VERY GOOD DAY

2011-06-27T19:55:00.000-07:00

Sunday morning began with two mugs of hot coffee, lightened with some creamer and sweetened with sugar and enjoying a couple of episodes of my favorite home improvement programs.

I had a short to-do list (with R&R as part of it and the morning was slipping away), so I dressed and dashed out to do my weekly food shopping, get the dog some more treats and picked up a newly released PlayStation game for hubby (it was a spur of the moment idea to surprise him).

Last week, we'd purchased 12 six packs of impatiens (6 red and 6 white) to create a mixed color planting for either side of our front porch walk, so after I got home from my grocery shopping and errand running, I began planting. I got one entire side of the walk planted before taking a break for lunch. I completed the other side, watered them really well and then I decided it was time to relax.

Our pool temperature was nearly 90 degrees and it was a beautiful, sunny, warm day to float in the pool. I spent a very relaxing hour and a half in the water, floating and dozing. I definitely felt relaxed and refreshed after I got out, showered and got back into my clothes.

When Bruce got home from his softball tournament, I made some drinks and we watched some television while he iced his knee.

Bruce grilled steaks and nuked the russet and sweet potatoes while I sliced up some cucumbers (from our garden) part of an onion and a green bell pepper and put them in a bowl with some cider vinegar, sprinkled some pepper and ice to accompany our dinner.

I heated a loaf of fresh baked whole grain bread (from Costco) and set out some butter.

Dinner was awesome. My steak was one of the best I have ever had. E-ver. Really. (Or maybe my memory is waning and all of them are that delicious) It was tender, flavorful and cooked perfectly (thank you again baby!)

Our evening wound down quietly and I have to say it was a perfect end to a really nice weekend.

Saturday rocked too, but that story will have to be saved for another post.

HAPPY FRIDAY

2011-06-24T10:08:00.000-07:00

It's been a long and busy (sometimes crazy) week, but Friday is finally here and I thought I would end the week by posting some photos of the sweetest grandbabies ever.

Aaron is eight months old and loves to stand. At the rate he is going, he will follow in his mama's footsteps and be walking at 9 months. I miss this snuggley boy.

Grace is such a good big sister to her little brother. I love this photo of the two of them. They are so precious and sweet. I wish we lived closer to them so I could spoil them more than I do now! Isn't that what a Memaw is supposed to do?

I am planning on an awesome weekend and I am definitely going to make time for some R&R and sunshine.

Actually, I have a short list. Go to our favorite winery with some girlfriends, watch hubby play in his softball tourney, sit in the sun and do some writing (my wheels have been turning) and I'm ready to craft some story ideas.

What's on your list for the weekend?

PHOTO OPS

2011-06-16T19:44:00.000-07:00

Grace and I posed for a photo together when they were all out here for a visit and we went to the zoo. Grace was just 8 months old.

We posed again when she was out here this year and we went to the zoo again!

I think we should make this a photo tradition each time we visit the zoo!

HOMEMADE PIZZA

2011-06-13T21:09:00.000-07:00

We made homemade pizza Saturday night. It was really good and easy to make. Wanna know how? Well, this is how we made ours.

We started with a great whole wheat dough recipe. I will share my secret to getting our dough to rise. I heated our oven to 170 for 5 minutes, then turned it off and used the warm oven to raise the dough (both times).

Then we began creating our masterpiece. I have a wonderful rectangular stone that has been used a bazillion times and is perfect for pizza.

I tranferred the rolled out dough onto the (well oiled) stone and then used a large spoon to spill and paint marinara sauce over the inside of the crust, leaving the edges nekkid.

Next, I layered on an Italian cheese blend, tossed on a layer of pepperoni, shook on some thinly sliced bell peppers, red onions, added a few more pepperoni, sprinkled on more cheese, topped off with mushrooms and black olives...and topped with more cheese! Can you really ever have enough cheese?

The great thing about making your own pizza is that you can decorate any old way you want with all of your favorite toppings. Be creative and have some fun with it.

I brushed the edge of the crust with some olive oil before popping into the 425 degree oven.

And 18 minutes later....it was done.

Okay, it's your turn.....Create your own masterpiece pizza !

THE VIEW FROM HERE

2011-06-12T14:55:00.000-07:00

It's Sunday afternoon. I worked out earlier today. 6 days down on the treadmill, which is my goal. I colored my hair and ran out to get a pedicure.

I'm home now. Relaxing on the couch and blogging (obviously).

Kona is on duty at the front door

It's a quiet afternoon at our house and I am enjoying every last minute of it.

HOW DOES OUR GARDEN GROW?

2011-06-11T22:33:00.000-07:00

Our garden is growing like crazy. Most of our veggies are already as big as the plants in our garden were in late summer last year.

Can you believe this Cucumber plant? It keeps trying to attach itself to the neighboring pepper plants and tomato plants on either side.

Our crookneck squash plants are booming. I love yellow squash and can't wait until I can harvest and steam fresh squash from our very own garden.

We planted two different tomato plants this year and they're both growing like crazy. Can you see that they are taller than the tomato cages already?

Here are my three jalapenos. I will be making lots of jalapeno jelly this summer.

Here is our secret weapon. A habenero. One habenero is gonna turn up the heat when I add it to batch of pepper jelly. Remember my batches last year?
second batch and the recipe.

And Basil, sweet Basil. This will make the most delicious Pesto. I may freeze some this summer so we can have it ready for dinners all winter long.

We have lots of blooms and some squash emerging and one red bell pepper that is still green, but I have a feeling that this year's harvest will be more bountiful than last year.

BLOG PAUSE

2011-06-08T09:38:00.000-07:00

I know I've been absent from blogging recently, so I thought I'd pop in and let you know I'm still alive and well.

The days are getting longer and warmer and we are spending more time outside and with friends. I love summertime.

It's been over a week since I blogged.

Seriously, where does the time go and why does it have to fly by so fast?

Here is a recap of what's been going on since I posted last.

I attended a meetup at a country music place and made some new friends.
Celebrated our youngest son's 21st birthday...again, where does time go? He was 9 when Bruce and I met.
Partied at a neighbor's BBQ party--delicious food and two different sangrias.
Visited a friend in the hospital who was hurt in a motorcycle accident. His $600 helmet paid for itself--he looked pretty darn good for a guy with a broken femur (now held together with titanium rods) and a busted arm (reinforced with steel plates) and souped up on heavy pain meds. He will be dependent on crutches while he heals and completes two months of physical therapy--we're all praying for a full recovery.
Now that the weather is getting warmer, we are back in mode to keep up on watering our yards and veggie garden. All of our veggies are thriving, however, our cucumber plants are threatening to take over the garden. Holy cow.
I am back in "work out mode". This is my first full week of dedicated treadmill time. That means rolling out of bed at 5 a.m. to make sure I get my work out in before my day gets away from me.
Having a girls' night out tonight. Some wine sipping and catching up and lots of laughing--that's a given.

That about covers it from here....Hope all of you are having a good week.

RECIPE FOR TUSCAN CHICKEN

2011-05-29T21:00:00.000-07:00

I promised to share the recipe for the Tuscan Chicken we grilled last night. Here it is:

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Tuscan-Style Chicken Under a Brick (Pollo al Mattone)*
* Recipe by Steven Raichlen from his book, Planet Barbecue

• 3 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped

• 2 Tablespoons stemmed fresh rosemary leaves, plus the remainder of the bunch for serving (optional)

• 2 Tablespoons stemmed fresh sage leaves, plus the remainder of the bunch for serving (optional)

• 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper

• 1/2 cup coarse salt (kosher or sea)

• 4 whole baby chickens, poussins, or game hens (each 1 to 1 1/4 pounds), or 2 whole chickens (each 3 1/2 to 4 pounds) 1/2 cup of the best quality extra-virgin olive oil, for serving

• 2 lemons, cut into wedges, for serving

• You'll also need 2 to 4 bricks wrapped in aluminum foil or metal grill presses

Place the garlic, 2 Tablespoons each of chopped rosemary and sage, and the pepper in a food processor fitted with a metal chopping blade and run the machine in short bursts to finely chop.

Add the salt and process to mix. Transfer the rub to a jar with a tight-fitting lid. This makes about a cup of herbed salt rub, more than you'll need for this recipe.

The leftover rub is also excellent for seasoning veal, pork, and pheasant and will keep for several weeks in the refrigerator.

Remove and discard the fat just inside the neck and body cavities of the chickens. Remove the packages of giblets and set them aside for another use. Rinse the chickens, inside and out, under cold running water, then drain and blot them dry, inside and out, with paper towels.

Spatchcock the chickens--I have attached a Steven Raichlen video demonstrating this method, below.

Generously season the birds on both sides with the herbed salt rub.

The direct grilling method is traditional, but using the indirect method will give you a crisp, moist bird without the risk of flare-ups or burning.

If you are using the direct method, set up the grill for direct grilling and preheat it to medium. Leave one section of the grill bare for a safety zone. When ready to cook, brush and oil the grill grate.

Arrange the birds skin side down on the hot grate at a diagonal to the bars. Place the bricks or grill presses on top of the birds.Grill the chickens until they are crisp and golden brown on the bottom, 8 to 12 minutes, per side for baby chickens; 12 to 20 minutes per side for full-size chickens.

Use an instant-read meat thermometer to test for doneness, inserting it into the thickest part of a thigh but not so that it touches a bone. The internal temperature should be about 170°F.

Give each bird a quarter turn after 4 minutes on each side to create a handsome crosshatch of grill marks.

If you are using the indirect method, set up the grill for indirect grilling, place a drip pan in the center, and preheat the grill to medium. Arrange the birds skin side up in the center of the grate over the drip pan and away from the heat and place the weights on top. Cover the grill and cook the birds until golden brown and cooked through, 30 to 40 minutes for baby chickens; 40 minutes to 1 hour for full-size chickens.

Line a platter or plates with the remaining rosemary and sage sprigs (this step is optional, but it looks great and it adds a fantastic flavor). Place the grilled birds on top, generously drizzle olive oil over them, and serve with lemon wedges.

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I hope you all enjoy this recipe as much as we did. This will be a repeat meal on our grill! Let me know how you like it!

TUSCAN CHICKEN

2011-05-28T20:12:00.000-07:00

So, yesterday, I told you about the dinner we were planning to grill tonight. I am checking in to tell you it was AWESOME. Roll my eyes back in my head, crazy delicious! Yeah, it was THAT good.

I made some Italian Pasta Salad to have with it.

Wheat Rotini pasta (tri-color) (cooked al dente)
Can of sliced black olives(drained)
1 chopped green bell pepper
1/2 chopped red onion
shredded Parmesan cheeese (as much or as little as you like)
Italian dressing to coat

I served a loaf of fresh Costco Bakery whole grain bread (which was heated in the oven and slathered with real butter). I have to have real butter...that fake butter just does not cut it with me. I come from southern roots and we love real butter. Just ask Paula Deen.

We drank some chilled Palomar Winery Viognier white wine with it and it was Perfect. Ooooh La La. Is that over the top? You know what I mean.

Here is a photo I took of our 'spatchcocked' chicken before it went on the grill. By the way, Google 'spatchcocked' before you judge me. Really. It's a cooking term. Really.

And here is a photo of our fresh off the grill, drizzled with Olive Oil cooked Tuscan Chicken (before we dug in and devoured half of it).

I don't have any photos of the salad or bread. They were both really yummy, but you will just have to take my word for it.

Dessert is coming up next.

We are having Strawberry Shortcake. Shortcake cups with fresh ripe strawberries loaded with a heavy scoop of vanilla ice cream and topped with some chilled whipped cream. Mmmmmm...

I might even brew a some decaf coffee to go with it....

We are living large here at our house this weekend.

LONG WEEKEND

2011-05-27T03:00:00.000-07:00

I'm so looking forward to this long weekend. I can't emphasize that enough. So I won't even try. You will just have to take my word for it.

I will be putting all hustle-bustle aside and, if we get some warm weather and lots of sunshine, I will be outside enjoying it. Here is my weekend wish list:

Take a long walk at the Bay
Begin reading one of my new Jonathan Kellerman novels
Water the garden
Get some more color on my legs (this is where the sunshine comes into play)

Yup, that's about it.

Of course, we'll be grilling out a lot this weekend, too. It's just who we are. Grillers and patio dwellers.

Bruce is going to grill a new recipe he discovered for Tuscan Chicken (I'll let you know how we like it and post the recipe) and maybe it will be nice enough to eat dinner on the patio. But if you want to know now, it is from the book, Planet Barbeque by Steven Raichlen. Bruce found this book at Costco and it is loaded with a ton of mouth watering recipes.

What's on your wish list for the weekend? Chores, adventures, lazy days?

WALKING THE LAKE

2011-05-25T10:09:00.000-07:00

Last night, I walked with two new friends around a local lake. It was my first Meetup activity and I had a great time. Good conversation, laughter and an awesome workout. It was a beautiful evening and the weather was ideal!

We walked the 6+ miles in an hour and 40 minutes--we were truckin' it. By the time we got back to the parking lot, my legs were already beginning to hurt and by the time I got home, every muscle in body was complaining. I was dreading today.

However, I feel pretty good this morning. I am not as sore as I thought I'd be. It may hit me harder tomorrow.

I have a few other local lake walks I want to try, but I plan to continue my Tuesday night lake walk with the girls and add the others.

Tonight, I should get on the treadmill for a 30 minute workout--keep my muscles moving and do some stretching afterwards.

Keeping it real here...what's new with you?

TUESDAY CONFESSION

2011-05-24T09:14:00.000-07:00

I have a confession. I didn't make it on the treadmill yesterday.

I didn't sleep well at all and i woke up feeling like it was the middle of the night.

Now, I know to some of you 5:00 a.m. IS the middle of the night and before I started birthing babies, nursing babies and keeping track of teenagers, it was for me, too. Ahh...remember those days? Sleeping in until nearly noon?

That was a lifetime ago for me.

Oops, sorry, I got off track.

Today, I am making up for that missed treadmill time.

I am going to be taking a walk with some girls from one of my Meetup groups. We are walking around a local lake after work today. It is a 6+ mile trek, round trip. I have walked it once before and it's a really good workout.

My goal is to replace a lot of my idle TV time with being active. There are several weekly walks and hikes that I want to work into my week.

I'll check in tomorrow and give ya'all an update on my trek.

It's a beautiful day in San Diego, today...no sign of our usual May Gray.

Ths is a view of Balboa Park from my office window early this morning.

And here is a view of the San Diego Harbor from another window. I'd rather play hooky and be outside today. Wishful thinking...

Make it a great day!

TURN IT UP A NOTCH

2011-05-22T15:36:00.000-07:00

I've laid off the treadmill for a couple of weeks now, first, we went on our trip to Stagecoach and then our wonderful time with the grandbabies here. I did get some exercise during that time, but it was not my regular consistent workouts.

So, before I get into a lazy mode, I have to say enough is enough. Tomorrow is the day I start back. 5:15 a.m. workout.

Lately, I have been thinking about finding someone to walk/hike with in addition to my treadmill workouts. Hit the track, hike the canyons, walk around the lake, stuff like that. But it's hard to do. And I have been stuck just thinking about it.

I discovered Meetup and found a group of women to join on outings for walks, hikes, and a lot of other activities we have in common. It's very cool because there are enough members and activities every week to offer some variety and up the frequency of my workouts. I have to make an effort to get out there and mix it up instead of locking into just using the treadmill. I think that this is a really good solution.

I'll let you know how it goes. If it sounds fun to you...check out Meetup in your neck of the woods and let me know what groups you find and what you're up to.

NOT YET

2011-05-21T22:54:00.000-07:00

I was in the grocery store tonight , digging out my ATM card when the young male checker smirked to his co-workers, "We have six more minutes until we are out of here."

At first, I thought he was getting off work in 6 minutes...but then I realized he was talking about the Howard Camping Judgment Day prediction for 6:00 pm tonight--May 21, 2011.

As a born again Christian, I had not given this prediction any consideration, since the Bible clearly states that no man knows the day or hour of Christ's return, not even the angels or Christ, only God himself.

Mark 13:32 "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father."

I believe the Bible is the ordained Word of God. Jesus gave his life for my sin and all of the sin of the world. We have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. I have sinned. And I still sin every day that I am alive. But God forgives me. He is a just and loving God. I have confessed that I am a sinner and accepted Jesus as my personal Savior.

Being "born again" does not mean I am perfect. Hardly. It means that with the forgiveness of Christ, through his death and resurrection and my acknowledgment of my sins and acceptance of Christ in my life, I have been born a new person. A new life with Christ. A second chance.

I recently discovered this video. It impacted me and so simply and clearly depicts the love of a father for his son and the sacrifice that God made--the sacrifice of His only son for us. You and me.

I cannot fathom that kind of sacrifice. I am awed.

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life."

Everlasting life. Wow.

Have you ever thought of infinity and imagined everlasting life? It is mind blowing. I want to live forever with Jesus. Infinity in Heaven. A never-ending life of peace and happiness. The promise of Heaven.

Life is hard. In so many ways for all of us. We each have our own struggles, temptations and battles.

Being a Christian doesn't make life easier. But I have help. I have Jesus. Jesus is the one who gets me through the days that feel impossible. The days that make me break down and feel as if I can not take one more step. Endure one more rejection. One more failure. He is the one who carries me when I fall down and cannot get back up. He is the one that consoles me when all I want to do is cry. He is the one that forgives me when I screw up again.

His face will be the first one I see when the Rapture does occur and I am taken up to Heaven. No matter the day or hour, I will be Heaven bound. I don't have to worry one day about when. No one needs to predict the day for me. I am ready.

SUYL-- CORONADO GAZPACHO

2011-05-20T14:41:00.000-07:00

I am playing along with Kelly at Kelly's Korner for 'Show Us Your Life' this week. The topic this week is Main Dish Recipes.

Since summer is quickly approaching, I wanted to share a favorite summer main dish that we love at our house.

Add some fresh bread or tortilla chips (which is what I serve it with) and you have a delicious summer dinner that is perfect for those hot summer nights that no one wants to cook anything.

For the meat lovers in your family, you can always serve this with some fish or chicken on the grill, too. For me, it's a perfect dinner just as it is.

It's easy, refreshing and healthy! I have tweaked this recipe from the one my cousin sent me. And I want to give credit where credit is due: the original recipe comes from the Houston Junior League Cookbook.

CORONADO GAZPACHO

1/2 cup olive oil (use less if you want to less calories)
1/4 cup lemon juice (feel free to use more if you prefer)
6 cups tomato juice -- This is 1- 46 oz. can, but I use the 64 oz. bottle of Campbell’s Tomato Juice. That way I can make a half recipe if I want to and I will have tomato juice in a plastic container to use for a future recipe.

1/4 cup finely minced red onion -- I use more onion than this
2 tomatoes, peeled and chopped
2 cups finely minced celery
1/8 teaspoon Tabasco (I usually add 5-10 shakes of Tabasco--it is not hot. Use more if you prefer some heat and less if Tabasco scares you!)
2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
2 green peppers, finely chopped
2 cucumbers, peeled and diced
1 avocado, cubed (or more if you love avocado like we do!)

Tortilla chips on the side

Beat olive oil and lemon together.

Stir in tomato juice, onion, tomatoes, celery, green peppers, cucumbers, Tabasco, salt and pepper.

Taste: add more seasoning if desired.

Chill at least 3 hours before serving. The avocados should be served separately as an accompaniment for the soup. I just add everything together in a large pitcher, chill and serve.

Serves 8-10.

Enjoy!

ZOO AND QUILTS

2011-05-19T17:00:00.000-07:00

I didn't want you all to think I'd forgotten about you all. We've had a busy week and I have been immersed in grand baby heaven--a wonderful place to be, by the way.

We have been grilling out, entertaining, going to the zoo, taking walks, watching Disney movies, and I have been staying up very late chatting with my dear daughter while my SIL and hubby got their PlayStation gaming fixes.

Here are a few photos from our day at the zoo that Heather took (Thanks Heather!):

Pepaw, Memaw and Grace

Grace and Aaron

Pepaw and Grace

Uncle Cameron, Heather and Grace...isn't this the cutest photo?

Here are some photos of the quilts that my parents made and bought for the Grace and Aaron. The lion quilt was originally begun by my mom and grandmother for my youngest (T) but it was never finished. My dad found it in their garage in a bag and located a local quilting shop that would finish it for them and they gave it to Aaron. I think it is so adorable!

Of course, Miss Grace can't be left out! Mom found a quilt online through EBay for her and the soft bunny Pillow Pet makes it perfect for snuggling under while Grace watches her favorite Disney movies. Isn't it precious?

I have photos on my camera to upload and share, too. I have just been too busy with work and then too tired at night. I hope to get them into a post by the end of the weekend.

In the meantime, have a great day everyone!

WHAT'S UP

2011-05-14T08:20:00.000-07:00

Okay, here's the deal. I know I've been MIA. I've been thinking about blogging, but my blogging time seems to have been nonexistent lately.

I decided to write a quick Invisalign update. I went to my orthodontist appointment yesterday to get 6 "attachments" on my teeth. Attachments are tiny tooth colored blobs that are cemented to the teeth that need additional help in moving with Invisalign trays.

I have 4 on the top (1 on each of my canines and the next tooth back, which are the bicuspids) and I have 2 on each of my lower canines.

Having the attachments applied was painless, but these rough little buggers are taking some getting used to. My trays now fit VERY snug, but I can get them out much easier than I thought I would be able to.

I am grateful for my short acrylic nails which enable me to pry my trays off without breaking a nail. I would think that if one did not have acrylics or very strong nails you would have to purchase that special tool (which looks like a crochet hook) to help get the trays off once you get the attachments.

When my trays are off (when I am eating a meal or drinking my morning coffee), the attachments feel like tiny rough pebbles rubbing against the inside of the front of my mouth. And after I eat, it feels like I still have food all over the front of those teeth.

It has only been 24 hours since they were applied, so I know that I'm early into the adjustment period, but I wanted to journal my experience from the get-go.

Despite this new discomfort (which I expect to be temporary), I am still super happy with my choice to go with Invisalign. I did a lot of reading before I decided to go the Invisalign route and honestly, I have not experienced a lot of the aggravations reported and that I expected to experience.

No headache or pain when wearing a new tray for the first day. Yesterday, they were tight, and my canines felt sore last night when I took them off for dinner. But this morning when I took them off after waking up this morning, no pain.

They have been easy to take off and snap on.

My speech adjustment was pretty quick -- within the first full week.

That wraps up this episode of my Invisalign update.

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I am excited. Why? Because later this afternoon, our daughter and son-in-law, A and K and our two adorable grandbabies, Grace and Aaron will be pulling into our driveway for a visit.

We haven't seen our sweeties since early December when little Aaron was only 6 weeks old (he is now 7 months old). Grace is already almost 2-1/2.

We are planning a family BBQ on Sunday afternoon and a trip to the San Diego Zoo on Monday. FUN!

I have a busy morning before they arrive--clean house, run some laundry and bake a loaf of banana bread.

Hope you all have a good weekend!

LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL

2011-05-05T07:50:00.000-07:00

We're back home.

Tanned, relaxed and our live country music fix satisfied. We had such a great weekend in the desert. We spent a lot more time by the pool this year...they have music piped in poolside (and played country over the weekend we were there since most of the hotel guests were there for Stagecoach).

Here are a few pics of our weekend:

Look at this crowd! I think there were more people there this year than last year!

We sat near one of the many walkways they left open for people to make their way up and down the concert area.

I'm a little bit country....

Enjoying my pool time and sunshine.

After getting back into our work and running laundry, grocery shopping, we are gearing up for a fun weekend here at home with friends and family. On Saturday, we are taking our friends to Temecula to the winery for some wine tasting and then we are coming back home for a Mexican fiesta: carnitas, homemade refried beans, spanish rice, guacamole and some ice cold margaritas.

On Sunday, we are hosting a family BBQ to celebrate Mother's Day. We're keeping it easy with beans in the crockpot, some potato salad and hamburgers and hotdogs on the grill!

We've had such wonderful warm (and hot) weather the past two weeks and its been so nice to be outside on our patio....today it was 90 degrees (hot!), but it's supposed to cool off a bit and the temperature is predicted be 70 this weekend. Perfect weather.

KEEPING IT REAL WITH A LIST

2011-04-27T09:18:00.000-07:00

I am switching gears and making lists for our weekend getaway. A what-to-take list for us, a list for Linda who is hanging out at our house with our critters this weekend and a list of to-do's before we go.

shorts
tank tops
bathing suit
flip-flops
sunscreen
lip balm
cowboy hat
chair
mister

Those items top my list as the most important things to take to a country music festival in the desert.

Of course, there are about 50 more things on my list of things to pack...but that is because I am pride myself on being organized and I am OCD (we all have our faults and OCD happens to be one of mine).

This year, we are taking advantage of a lot of pool time at the hotel over arriving at the festival grounds at noon and baking in the sun until the big bands take the stage at around 5 pm.

We're not concerned about how close we are to the stage...in reality, you'd have to sell a valued body part to be able to afford an up-close to the stage VIP ticket (unless you have that kind of money just laying around) which frankly, I don't and at this point in my life, I choose to keep all my parts.

Besides that, you can hear the bands 4 counties away. Really. I have to admit, that part of the experience of going to the festival, is being there with all of the other 99,000 people, so we're cool with snagging some open real estate near one of the big screens, kicking back and just taking it all in.

We're older and wiser now and that's how we roll.

NEARING THE FINISH LINE

2011-04-25T11:18:00.000-07:00

We are just about done. With only a few items left to finish, our backyard project is 99% done.

The pool is back up and filled with clean water, new bamboo blinds installed on the gazebo, red geraniums are happily hanging in baskets, an iron chandelier has been hung and filled with black cherry pillar candles, more pool stepping stones have been lovingly laid down and the gaps have been filled with pebble stones, new bark has been spread in our planter bed and solar lights in are scattered to provide light to all the walk ways.

There is not much left to do: clean the grill, put covers on pool, get glass candle sleeves, set up drip irrigation system and install our solar fountain and locate some outdoor cushions for the patio chairs and bench.

I think that covers it. I sure hope so. I am worn out.

This weekend, though, we will be taking a break. A much needed break for us. We're gettin' outta Dodge...

STRAIGHTEN UP

2011-04-21T07:55:00.000-07:00

Last fall, after a visit to see my dental hygienist and dental check-up, I learned the recent tooth crowding that I've noticed over the past few years was due to age but could be fixed and prevented from reoccurring.

My hygienist (who is about 10 years younger than me, but suffering from age induced crowding, too) was wearing Invisalign orthodontia aligners and we chatted at length about it. I discussed it with my dentist, who agreed that the treatment would be beneficial and then referred me to an orthodontist.

Fast forward....I have completed my first week of Invisalign and aside from the obvious positive that my teeth are going to be straight, and have already begun moving, I have discovered two bonuses.

Since I have to brush and floss my teeth after eating and before slipping my aligners back on, and can only drink water with them on: I am much more fastidious about my teeth brushing routine--BONUS!

Secondly, since I am not snacking--because it is just too much trouble and for the most part, not worth it to me and I am now drinking A LOT more water--which I should be doing anyway but hadn't been--I have already lost weight. BONUS!

Hmmmm, the Invisalign Diet....who woulda thunk it...

I will be in my aligners for about 9 months--wearing each tray for 2 weeks, I have a total of 19 trays to complete my treatment.

Stay tuned, I will make some Invisalign updates to my blog as I go...not every week, but every so often.

EVIDENCE

2011-04-20T20:37:00.000-07:00

I thought it was time I'd better upload and give you all a peek at some of the "before" and "after" photos of some our hard work in the yard over the past two weekends.

Here is the "before" of our old gazebo (rusting away, falling apart and mildew ridden) and our dilapitated umbrella (see it in the background?) Our gazebo has definitely seen better days. The umbrella has been battered by too many Santa Ana winds and the rich dark colors I loved have faded.

And, voila....here is the "after" with our two new gazebos built and standing on our patio. We hadn't cleared everything away from the patio (and on top of the grill) before we snapped the shot, so please ignore the clutter.

Here is a photo of our empty garden boxes, that only hold weeds and the old (and now leaky) soaker hose we used to water last year's harvest.

And "after"...our newly planted vegetable garden. From the back of the garden: yellow squash, tomatoes, cucumbers, red and green bell peppers, jalapenos, habanero and in the very front, on the left, basil.

Right now I am hand watering the garden but we are going to install a drip irrigation system, so that will make watering easier this summer. Trust me, that is on our "to-do" list.

I'll add some more photos as we finish up the rest of our projects.

HARD WORK WEEKEND

2011-04-18T06:34:00.000-07:00

We've made great strides in the backyard over the past two weekends. And we had some perfect weather this weekend to be outside. It was in the 80's on Saturday and high 70's on Sunday. B-e-a-utiful!

Old gazebo down. New gazebos up (a large one to replace the one we took down and a small one--that came with the large one--we decided to use for hubby's grill area). It's perfect!

That was a two-day job and a lot of work for both of us, but oh so worth it.

We have photos, but they are on my camera and by the time we collapsed on our couch last night, I was just too tired to even think about uploading them to my computer. I'll be sure to share them in my next blog post.

We have one more weekend of work to complete our backyard project to-do list. Then we can begin enjoying the fruits of our labor.

IN SPITE OF THE WEATHER

2011-04-09T21:23:00.000-07:00

Well, today Hubby and I showed you, "Mr. Winter Storm".

Despite your cold, overnight downpours...(and by the way, it hailed on us on our way home from our night out and Happy Hour, last night with Missy and V at Humphrey's Backstage), we managed to get our Spring planting purchases done today and are on track!

This morning, we bundled up (I wore jeans, layered shirts, socks with my black "Ugg" style boots and Titans windbreaker) and we worked our way through our "to do" list.

We made it to our local Armstrong Nursery and got our tomato plants (Roma and Brandywine), jalapeno & habanero peppers, cucumber, yellow crookneck squash and my beloved basil plants. I am so looking forward to fresh, homemade pesto sauce with whole wheat angel hair pasta this summer!

Any suggestions on additions to our veggies, our veggie veteran gardener friends? Please share....I am all ears.

We stopped at our local Home Depot for salt for the pool (have I told y'all how much I love our pool salt water filtration system?), a Red Bromeliad (I would love some more of these beauties), some edging material, some screening, paint and garden soil. Photos to follow. Maybe tomorrow?

We found a large glazed strawberry pot that we fell in love with (well, I did) and we wanted it in red. Red is our color splash this year for our patio and back yard. I called four locations of the nursery we found this one at, but none had Red. I am so sad, but my online search continues. I am known as the "Google Queen" and my regular blog followers know that about me, already.

Along that color theme, I found some beautiful Kangaroo Paw plants (you don't know what they are? neither did I ) for our two empty stand alone terracotta planters and their vibrant color caught my eye while we were perusing the aisles--actually looking for soil--I was mesmerized and bought two of them. They should fill their new homes quite nicely.

Isn't that the most gorgeous red? We also found a beautiful red cardinal (go Kentucky, my home state's State Bird!!) garden ornament ( I promise to post a photo of it) and a red Napa Wave Red torch for our patio table to match. I looked high and low and far and wide (online) for a photo and no-can-do. So sad.

I would really love to find a red cushion to go in our wicker patio love seat and maybe some seat cushions or throw pillows for our wicker armchairs on the patio to accent our red plants and ornaments. I know our patio will have some zing with the RED on our patio.

Our new gazebo will be delivered next week! Yippeee!

Progress!

Tomorrow, we push forward.

I am so looking forward to going to church tomorrow night and hearing Pastor Miles' second of three messages about tithing and blessings. I love my church. The Rock (San Diego). I love our Pastor, his love of our Lord and his teaching from the Bible, the Word of God.

Have a blessed week, family and friends!

BRRR....

2011-04-07T07:26:00.000-07:00

ANOTHER Winter storm is ready to make itself at home here for the next 3 days. Our temperatures will be 23 degrees below average and we will be getting rain and wind and even more snow in our local mountains.

And what is going on at our house? Bruce is trying to get some yard spring cleaning done, the pool ready for summer, and get our garden ready to plant.

Houston, we have a problem...

It's April. This is San Diego.

This is wrong.

Does anyone have some Spring weather they can send my way?

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED

2011-04-05T14:37:00.000-07:00

Updating: I am finally back into both of my accounts and happy to be reconnecting with my friends online. 'Nuff said about that.

In other news, we have some fun projects about to get underway at our house.

1) Getting the pool cleaned for the season, 2) our veggie garden planted, 3) the backyard cleaned up from the winter and 4) replacing our gazebo, which is 4 years old and has finally rusted out.

I hope to take some progress pictures of our projects as we go. I'm really looking forward to summering in our backyard again.

STILL IN LIMBO--DAY 5

2011-04-04T10:20:00.000-07:00

I am officially suffering Facebook and Yahoo email withdrawal symptoms as I continue to muddle through the system, answer questions and wait, and answer more questions and wait...to prove my identity and get back into MY accounts.

I am not having fun.

In fact, London sounds way more fun than Limbo.

sigh.

NO, I'M NOT IN LONDON

2011-03-31T18:34:00.000-07:00

My email and Facebook have been hacked. I am not in London.

I have not been mugged at gunpoint and I don't need you to send money.

I am alive and well and on U.S. soil. I have not even ever been to London.

This message is for everyone on my Facebook and contact list that may have gotten an urgent message from me today. I appreciate your concern and calls regarding my welfare. I love you all.

I will get this wrapped up tomorrow and hopefully my world will begin revolving clockwise again.

WINTER REMNANT

2011-03-23T10:07:00.000-07:00

I know that, technically, it is Spring.

That being said, Spring has not sprung here.

It was a chilly 43 degrees (which is cold for my neighborhood) this morning when I left for work. Granted it was only 6:45 a.m. but I am certain it got much colder overnight. At least it felt like it when I awakened at 3:40 a.m. and buried myself deep under our warm comforter.

On top of those cold-for-our-city temperatures, another Winter storm (yeah, you read that right, Winter) is gonna be here by later today.

Cold, rainy and wet. Again.

To look outside at this very moment, you would never believe it. Not a cloud in the blue sky. Some haze. Lots of sunshine. No clouds.

Our chipper morning weather girl assures me that the clouds will be moving in by noon and by 5 pm we will be getting rain. Serious rain.

I am so thankful that I have a covered parking garage here at work, because I have come to work unprepared.

No jacket.

No umbrella.

No galoshes...I don't actually own a pair of galoshes. But you get the idea. I am completely unprepared for rain today. Of any kind.

However, my trusty Jeep shall carry me over hill and dale, through the muckety-muck and puddles safely home. She is prepared for the weather.

Thank goodness one of us is.

IT'S WHAT'S FOR LUNCH

2011-03-21T11:56:00.000-07:00

I thought I would share a photo of the healthy lunch I enjoyed on Saturday.

Two sliced Roma tomatoes, 1/2 cup low fat cottage cheese and 1/2 bunch of steamed asparagus. It was delicious and helped fuel my organizational endeavors.

What kind of delicious lunches are you enjoying this week?

GET ORGANIZED

2011-03-20T21:29:00.000-07:00

This weekend has been one of organization (and cleaning) for us.

We grocery shopped and cleaned house. While we were out we stopped at Walmart to get an assortment of plastic tubs to put to good use in our hall cupboard to organize and hold extra toiletries, first aid supplies, cold remedies, pain relievers and other miscellaneous over the counter medications.

I also went through our spices cupboard and organized them as well. Now we can find the herbs and spices we need for recipes much easier. Of course, now I would like to continue this organizational spree with our pantry, but it is an odd layout and there may not be much I can do to organize it. I did use two of the leftover baskets for my teas and coffees.

I did some re-arranging in our "family room". We had set up the crate in that room for Kona and placed one of her comfy dog beds in there and have been keeping her in that room during the day to limit her activity and give her knees a chance to mend.

Today, I moved things around so the crate is tucked into a corner out of the way and we can gate off a smaller area for her in that room when the kids and grand-babies come to visit.

Spring is here, but you'd never guess it from our weather. It is cold, blustery and wet here in sunny San Diego.

Does it feel like Spring in your neck of the woods?

SO SWEET

2011-03-15T13:06:00.000-07:00

The following photos of our grandbabies are oh, so sweet, but I promise you that they won't add any calories to your daily total.

Grace is such a good helper. No more spilled milk on the floor, Mama!

Aaron is already 5 months old! Where has the time gone? His mama says he has some very blond hair coming in. I love his adorable smile and dimples.

Little dog whisperer, Grace at the dog park with her doggies -- and two handfuls of rocks she collected. Every girl needs a rock collection...

Aaron is snuggled in the jogging stroller for the occasion. I bet he can't wait to get out there with his sister and run around!

Wishing you all a blessed week!

ANOTHER SATURDAY NIGHT

2011-03-12T20:28:00.000-08:00

It's been a long work week for me and I'm having a very good and productive weekend.

We went to Filippi's for dinner Friday night. A nice green salad with beans, olives, peppercini's and a lovely Italian dressing, with hot french bread and I ordered a half order of beef ravioli with marinara sauce. We ordered a half carafe of Chianti to drink with it. Delicious dinner and evening out with my husband!

This morning we woke with coffee and the morning news. We are saddened by the recent earthquake, tsunami and devastating results in Japan, we are keeping them in our prayers.

We went to Costco today and we found some really beautiful melamine dinnerware to use on the patio this summer.

I love the vibrant colors. So bright and summery. It makes me happy!

We stopped off at Petco for some dog treats for our puppydog, Kona. She is still crippling around but loves her supplements wrapped in Velveeta and will gobble up a half hotdog bun that I have injected with her liquid Metacam. Thank goodness, because she needs it and I am glad that she willingly takes it. Even looks forward to her "cheese" and "hotdog bun".

We stopped at the grocery store for our weekly shopping and went directly home to unload and put everything away. We took a break and ate some lunch. Bruce mowed the front and back lawns and I gave our pupster a bath. I think she feels a lot better being clean. Bruce washed her blankets and bed cover and Kona is a happy camper.

Kona took a sunbath on the patio while Bruce and I weeded our side yard and garden (dead veggie plants and weeds). The rain made them easy to pull. Although it was labor, it felt good to be outside in the sunshine and fresh air (high 60's).

All in all, it was a very good day.

Tonight, Bruce grilled chicken breasts and I made a large pot of brown rice (two more meals this week planned with brown rice) and a spinach salad with a homemade dressing. We picked up a loaf of Costco whole grain bread, which I heated and we had with some butter. We opened a bottle of Leonesse Viognier wine to have with it. (On our weight loss plan, we're limiting our alcohol to wine and only on the weekend--and only if we have eaten clean and worked out the five days prior).

Dessert tonight will be some angel food cake, fresh chopped strawberries and fat free whipped topping.

I am planning on a workout on the treadmill again tomorrow morning. Bruce has a softball game, so I will get my morning cardio in while he is playing softball. My goal is to work out 6 days a week.

We attended services at our church (The Rock Church) last Sunday night and we're so happy to be back in our church home. Pastor Miles is an amazing minister and we love our worship time at The Rock. We like to attend the Sunday night service, have some dinner afterwards and make it an early evening to bed for work the next day.

A relaxing night at home with my hubby. What could be better? Nuttin' honey. Nuttin'.

HEALTHY HABITS

2011-03-09T19:40:00.000-08:00

Here's the deal. We've been eating too much junk lately. It is a bad habit, but an easy habit to fall into. And we fell hard. Head first.

But we have picked ourselves up and decided it's time to get back to eating clean by filling our plates with more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins and much less junk.

With that comes drinking more water. Drinking water instead of other beverages. Except my morning coffee. I still have that. But I have eliminated the daily diet soda I was having.

Along with better eating habits comes daily exercise. Cardio. Weights. Walking. Running. Kettlebells. Planks.

Last week, I started eating better. Better food choices, smaller portions, more water. This week, I added the exercise part. I started by getting out of bed a half hour earlier (and that is not easy) and making my way out to our "home gym" (the garage) and jumping on the treadmill for 30 minutes.

It's been since October when I was regularly working out. Then came our vacation to Tennessee, my nasty fall down the stairs which resulted in my workouts coming to a grinding halt and they have have been stalled ever since.

But, four months later, my bruises have nearly healed and I am ready to tackle the hard work ahead of me to reach my goals.

Three days down.
Baby steps.

IS IT SPRING YET?

2011-03-03T19:19:00.000-08:00

Prior to all the cold weather that we've been getting the past two weeks, we had some very warm weather.

And with it, visions of planting our garden and getting out in our yard danced in our heads. Soon we were off to our local Home Depot where we discovered this decorative metal holder with a welcome sign to hold the plant on our front porch.

We haven't planted anything in our garden yet (thank goodness). I think we will wait until April to do that.

I am thinking about what to plant in our vegetable planter boxes this year. Definitely some squash, tomatoes, basil, jalapenos and cucumbers and I am considering adding another variety of hot peppers to add some heat to my hot pepper jelly recipe this year.

I can't wait to break out my steam canner again!

SATURDAY NIGHT REDUX

2011-03-01T19:54:00.000-08:00

(I won't mention the "s" word in this post. I promise)

Once upon a time,

on a dark cold February night in San Diego

it hailed.

It hailed on hubby's car

It hailed on my car

and it hailed on our back patio door mat

We thought the entire hail event was pretty cool.

The End

ARCTIC GIFT

2011-03-01T07:44:00.000-08:00

Saturday night we got something rare for our fair city. The Arctic storm that blew through brought with it, a gift. A gift to the city of sunshine.

It had rained off and on all day, amidst breaks of sun streaming through heavy grey clouds. In the late evening it began raining again, harder this time. Hard enough to hear the soft tapping sounds on the roof--melodic.

But soon that sound was replaced with with louder, sharp taps outside against the window glass and cars. The staccato was urgent calling us outside to see. Out into the cold. And cold it was. The temperature had dropped.

Falling all around us were tiny ice pellets--hail covered the hood of our cars and blanketed the flower beds. A sight rarely seen in San Diego, proper.

This event was almost as exciting as the dusting of snow that fell at my brother's house "up the hill". The same storm that pelted my house with hail, dropped snow where he lives at an elevation of 1300 feet.

It was so pretty.

It was also pretty unusual.

And it was pretty cool.

But I am sure this is pretty boring for all of you that get snow
a lot of snow
maybe even too much dang snow

and who by this time, are very tired of snow.

I'll stop now.

BABY, IT'S COLD OUT THERE

2011-02-26T14:16:00.000-08:00

A cold winter storm has come to visit.

We've gotten lots of rain and now the temperatures continue to drop as the sun peeks in and out of the clouds. Our coastal high for today is supposed to be 45 degrees. I realize that is probably quite balmy by Midwest and Northeast, even Northwest standards, but those temperatures are downright COLD here in sunny San Diego.

This morning, after a hot breakfast and plenty of hot coffee, we ran to the grocery store (in between downpours) to do our shopping for the week and now we're back home sitting on the couch under warm blankets to ride out the storm.

Wiling away the afternoon watching some TV, working on some writing projects, play a few games of Tetris and Mahjong on the laptop, keeping warm by a fire.

We decided that dinner tonight would consist of delicious comfort food.

Chicken fettuccine with homemade Parmesan sauce

Chunks of warmed sourdough bread (with real butter)

A bottle of red wine

Ghiradelli brownie sundaes for dessert...ahhh, yes. Imagine warm fudge brownies, a big scoop of creamy ice cold vanilla ice cream, rich chocolate sauce drizzled over and topped with whipped cream.

We're going to spend a cozy, quiet Saturday night at home.

While the rain and the temperatures fall outside.

ME TIME SOMETIMES

2011-02-22T20:32:00.000-08:00

I was reading another blog today and the topic of her post made me remember a time in my life when a very wise counselor asked me point blank...do you know how many hours are in a week?
Nope. I really had no idea because back in those days, "I" was SuperMom. I even had the license plate frame to prove it.

The correct answer is 168 hours. I will never forget that question and what I learned, but at the time, it seemed like a crazy question to be asking me.

I was a stay at home mom with four kids 16, 14, 8 and 6 and I was also the CEO of our household. I was team mom, room mother, chauffeur, chief, cook, and bottle washer. Go, go, go. From rising at 6 a.m. for my morning 5 mile walk--then running the kids to school beginning at 7:00 a.m. til 8:30 a.m., after school karate lessons, baseball games, homework, housework, making dinner, getting everyone to bed...and everything in between.

But I had forgotten one important person. Me.

There are times in our lives that we all do that. We forget to make time for ourself, to take care of the person that takes care of everyone else.

It took me a while, but I learned how to include myself on the "to do" list.

Thank you, Wise Counselor.

signed,

grasshopper

TIME OFF

2011-02-21T12:30:00.000-08:00

We are wrapping up our long, lazy weekend.

My day started early. Our dog, Kona does not believe in sleeping in. Usually it is Bruce that she wakes up first. But this morning she woke me up. At 6:15 a.m.

We turned the coffeemaker on and made a run to get some doughnuts to have with our coffee. What to do today? We decided to see a movie this afternoon. A comedy. The Jennifer Anniston, Adam Sandler flick, 'Just Go With It'.

My darling daughter, A, said that it was good and that is a good enough recommendation for me. Today, I just want to watch a movie I can laugh at and I am sure this film will not disappoint in that regard.

I am looking forward to a couple of hours of entertainment induced laughter and a bucket of hot buttered popcorn.

An afternoon at the movie is not complete without popcorn.

At least not in my world.

HAIR TODAY, GONE TOMORROW

2011-02-20T22:07:00.000-08:00

Just when my hair is getting to the length that I can (FINALLY) put it up off of my neck (in time for the hot summer I expect we will have), I have been struck (like lightning) with the idea of going back to the A-line, Posh Spice-ish style I had (and loved) two summers ago.

Say, WHAT??!!!

What the heck is wrong with me?

Really. (I begin to talk to myself)

Take a deep breath and a step back and re-think this.

Count to 10.

Or better yet, I tell myself, count to 1,000.

10,000? 1,000,000?

My next appointment is not for another 3 weeks. I have time to give this serious reconsideration. In reality, I know once I cut it off again, I will only decide to grow it out.

Yup. It's how I roll.

Or, how the cookie crumbles. Something like that.

Does this phenomena only happen to me?

A PAGE TORN OUT

2011-02-20T20:57:00.000-08:00

As I posted earlier, I have been writing today. I thought I would share an excerpt:

Her emotions were overflowing. Spilling out.

Keeping it all inside of her was becoming a bigger burden than exposing her emotions.

She was weary. Weary of declining invitations and fighting the dread that accompanied a list of social obligations. Weary of psyching herself up to get through the few she committed herself to.

Exhausted from pushing through every arduous day of work. Pretending she was fine. The smiling face. The fake laugh. It fooled everyone but her.

When she did allow herself to break down and cry to the point of sobbing, thus finding relief, it was but a brief respite before it all built up again. That kind of relief was sweet, but short lived.

I'm not sure what will happen in my character's story. Or what choices my character will make or where her story will take her. Or what will become of her in the end. That is what is so amazing about writing. It is a journey that I will walk with her.

LET IT RAIN

2011-02-18T10:44:00.000-08:00

Last weekend was gorgeous. Sunny. Warm.

But our weather is changing. it is supposed to be turning cold and windy and damp.  According to the weather reports, we are supposed to get a big rain storm this weekend.

When I first heard the forecast, I was disappointed at the prospect of staying inside.

Why? I think the taste of last weekend's warm, flip-flop, sun on my skin weather fooled me into thinking that I could stow my Uggs away in the back of my closet and paint my toenails.

I scowled at the perky weather chick on the TV this morning and muttered outloud to no one in particular. Rain?  Really? Great.

But now, I am embracing this weather induced opportunity for some quality down time. Ya know? What perfect excuse to hunker down and snuggle in.

Plus, it's a 3 day weekend for us. A beautiful, extended, lazy weekend. Well, lazy after we hit Costco and the grocery so we convince ourselves that we did accomplish something. Then we can be lazy.

We can build a fire in the fireplace, figure out some comfort food to simmer in the crockpot and I can use the time to let my fingers dance along my keyboard and get some more writing done.

Even though I was completely basking in all that sunshine we were getting, the truth is, I love rainy days. I have shared many times that I am a four-seasons kind of girl. Which of course, is one of the reasons I want to move to beautiful Tennessee.

And now, I have changed gears and I am watching the sky for those heavy gray clouds to roll in. I am ready for the rain. C'mon rain.

Whenever it rains, I always think of this beautiful song and it reminds me how much God loves all of us. Every time I watch this video, I glean something new from it. For me, the messages the photos portray are as deep as the lyrics.

Let it rain.

PUSHING TEXT

2011-02-05T21:11:00.000-08:00

I've been in a writing frenzy tonight. But I wasn't working on my story. Nope. I was working under a deadline for my March article for our community newspaper. I have until the 10th..but that is only 5 days away.

I had an idea rolling around in my head earlier last month, but I had hit some dead ends in my efforts and I was frustrated and let it go, hoping another idea would spark in the meantime.

I was knocked down by some bad headaches for almost two weeks and once I began feeling better, I turned my energy toward my storyline. This weekend, I remembered my deadline. Yikes! Working under pressure seems to help me, but it also sends waves of terror pulsing through me. P-A-N-I-C.

We ran our errands this morning and right after we got home and unloaded and put away what we bought from Costco and our groceries, I turned my focus onto my assignment and soon the ideas were flowing and my panic subsided. I settled into a writing frame of mind.

I finished editing my article late this afternoon, saved the changes and set it aside while we ate dinner. After dinner, I made a few more changes and then, finally satisfied with the content, I emailed it to the editor.

I have had a productive day and met my deadline!

Bring on the Super Bowl festivities!

WAITING FOR THE HIGH

2011-02-02T15:58:00.000-08:00

For the past four days, I have been working on a story that I began writing some time ago (it feels like forever ago to me).

It hasn't been easy. I find myself stumbling. Stopping. Distracted. It takes me a while to get back into my characters' heads, personalities and emotions and recall what direction I was going at the time I began writing it.

I am having that problem with Lillia, my character in this story.

I compare this part of my writing to body surfing. When I was a teenager growing up in San Diego, I loved to body surf in the summer at Mission Beach --during my occasional breaks from sunbathing, of course.

How many times did I miss the swell in my attempts to catch that wave that would carry me to shore? And it was frustrating. That is how I feel right now with my writing. I can feel the surge coming and just as I think I am in sync with Lillia and begin riding my wave of creativity...I miss it. It falls flat and I sit there and stare at my screen, willing Lillia to speak to me. Waiting for the proverbial wave.

Once I am in sync, something else happens, it is as if a faucet of ideas has been turned on full force and I can barely keep up with the words and ideas flooding inside my head. Most times, I have to jot down the ideas on a steno pad to preserve them and and continue with what I am typing.

There is a euphoria that comes from that kind of writing. The same high that comes from catching that wave and taking it all the way in.

So right now, I am waiting for the high. And I know it will be worth the wait.

FOCUS

2011-01-30T12:12:00.000-08:00

As I struggle with many frustrations in my day job, I realize that it is time to focus on my writing craft. Knuckle down. Nose to the grindstone. That kind of focus. Focus that leads with hard work.

I have always found solace from writing. Creating. Crafting characters and journeying with them. I am ready to renew my relationships with my characters and storylines.

It will mean change. Setting aside time for completing writing projects that have been laid aside. Dedication. Consistency.

I have begun becoming more disciplined since I have begun writing a monthly article for a local paper. That has helped me begin to sharpen my focus, but I realize that a lot more sharpening is needed. It is still quite dull.

I am hopeful that many good things will come of my renewed focus.

BABY SHOWER AND GRILLIN' OUT

2011-01-23T17:04:00.000-08:00

This afternoon, I attended a fun baby shower for my friend, Linda's daughter-in-law, Sarah. Sarah's due date is mid February and even though she and her hubby have chosen to not learn the gender of the babe beforehand, Linda and I think it is a boy. They have an adorable little girl, who will be nearly 2 1/2 when her sibling is born.

It was evident that everyone else at the shower believes this baby is a boy, too. Most everything was only slightly gender neutral leaning strongly to boy colors and styles.

I bought her two cute onesies--one with brown and cream stripes, and the other one, white with tiny brown and pale blue stars paired with a pair of soft light brown cozy bottoms and a pair of OshKosh shortalls (bought in the boys department). I'm a sucker for OshKosh. All of my kids (girls and boys) wore boys style OshKosh overalls and I know Sarah will girly everything up, in case we are all wrong, and she is carrying a little girl.

So now I am at home relaxing. Bruce had a softball tournament this weekend and is on his way home. We're going to grill some chicken for dinner and serve it over a green salad filled with lots of fresh garden ingredients.

We're making the most of every last moment of our weekend and our warm weather.

I am really not ready for Monday.

A TEASE OF SUMMER

2011-01-22T09:47:00.000-08:00

I think we are getting a bit of the summer that we didn't get last year, right now.

We had a cold summer but now, in January, we are getting some weather that beckons me outside, demands that I go barefoot and makes me look at the calendar and say, huh?

I was enjoying the rain that we were getting, the cold days and colder nights, having a fire in the fireplace everynight (since we were stocked up with firewood) and burying myself under blankets on the sofa.

But this taste of summer is too sweet to waste inside. I'm going to get outside in it today.

I have a stack of books to choose from and today is the perfect day to settle into a comfy chair in the sun and get lost in a good story.

QUIET CHANGE

2011-01-19T15:27:00.000-08:00

I gave my blog a little face lift today. Monochromatic. Calm. Maybe a bit boring?

Perhaps it helped me feel better today.

My head hurt.

It started last night and I took an OTC pain reliever and hoped that in the night it would go away. It didn't. This morning I took Excedrin, a nice warm shower and crawled back into bed and burrowed under the covers.

I've been in bed all day today. Resting. Recuperating.

Early this afternoon, I began to climb out of the fog of pain. I made myself a protein smoothie to drink, climbed back in bed and worked on my blog for awhile.

For now, I am happy with the 'plain jane' template and colors. Calm in the midst of chaos.

TUESDAY + DINNER = OH, SO GOOD

2011-01-18T19:03:00.000-08:00

Tuesday. Back to work. Long day. Coming home is the best part of my day. The aroma in my house when I got home made me so hungry. I set out a small basket of chips and some guacamole to nibble on while we waited for dinner to finish cooking.

Bruce put dinner in the crock pot this morning. A dangerously, delicious concoction of chicken breasts, canned tomatoes with peppers, jalapenos, and a small can of salsa verde and set it on low and cooked slow.all.day.long.

I did my part. I cooked some brown rice and "homemade" refried beans (open a can of pinto beans and mash them in pot with a tablespoon of hot bacon grease until they are mashed and hot) to go along with it. I usually like to cook my beans from scratch and then re-fry them, but hey, I worked all day, so I take shortcuts on work nights.

I set out some guacamole, salsa and a basket of tortilla chips to nibble on accompanied by an ice cold margarita while the rice cooked.

We enjoyed a delicious dinner. mmmmmm....

GETTING MY MONDAY ON

2011-01-17T10:20:00.000-08:00

I'm hopeful that today will be productive in a laid back sort of way. There are times that accomplishing something productive can be relaxing. Today will be one of those days for me.

I am not in the office today. The office is closed. I am home.

I awoke with a headache that 2 Excedrin did not quell. Nor did two cups of coffee. However, a hot shower did help take off the edge. And breakfast helped even more.

Bruce cooked breakfast this morning. He made his famous breakfast burritos. One of my most favorite breakfasts. They are so delicious! Especially when accompanied with his also famous, Bloody Mary drinks. I have an amazing husband!

It is already warming up and is supposed to be another gorgeous warm day here in San Diego. I can't wait to get outside in it.

Over and out....

WARM WEATHER WEEKEND

2011-01-16T14:34:00.000-08:00

Wow. I am so thankful for the beautiful summer like (high 70's) weather we are enjoying this weekend. And after a very stressful week, I am basking in a perfectly non-stressed weekend. A three day weekend. With sunshine.
Last week was rough. I am not going to go into all the gory details, but suffice it to say that between electrical issues at the house, our lame dog and challenges at work, Friday afternoon was welcomed (I would have thrown a parade, if I could have) and we wasted no time diving into our time off.

Friday night, we met friends at one of our favorite haunts and shared some laughs, glasses of wine and appetizers. Yesterday we ran errands, grocery shopped and made our semi-monthly trek to Costco.

Last night we had a date night. So fun to get out for the evening. We decided to go to a movie and then out to dinner. We saw "The Dilemma". While cute, we both agreed it was a Netflix rental and not worth the $23 they charged to see it. Yeah...$23. And then there was the $12 for a medium popcorn and large drink. Really. I am as shocked as you are. Can you tell we don't often go to the movies. And why we don't. Welcome to sunny San Diego. What...you didn't really think there is such thing as a "sunshine tax"? Yup, there is. *sigh* I love Netflix.

We were going to eat at P.F. Changs for dinner afterwards. It was 7:40 p.m. We checked in. There was an hour and a half wait. Ummm, no thanks. Plan B. Enjoyed a delicious dinner at Mimi's Cafe. Afterwards, a stop at Coffee Bean. Ice Blended Caramel for me--yum.

Today is another gorgeous day of sunshine and 77 degrees. We are enjoying it at home--windows and doors open. And of course, football on TV.

There is not one thing on the "to do" list today. Tonight we are putting steaks on the grill, fixing some baked potatoes and fresh green beans and opening a bottle of wine.

Tomorrow? The world is my oyster. Or something like that.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRACE

2011-01-10T08:45:00.000-08:00

January 10, 2009

Precious girl. Memaw was so happy to be able be there when you were born and spend your first week with you, Mama and Daddy.

The months flew by and you grew by leaps and bounds. Memaw and Pepaw loved coming to visit you and watching you change and grow. Before we knew it, you were turning one year old and were walking everywhere and beginning to talk. Such a happy baby!

Here we are again, another year has passed and you are taking on your world with such determination! You are such a smart girl! You are two!

Happy Birthday Grace! Memaw and Pepaw love you so much!

LAZY MORNING

2011-01-08T11:15:00.000-08:00

I am starting my weekend lazily. I started it out sipping my coffee curled up in a blanket on the couch.

I have a few must-do's to complete today, but otherwise my day is an open canvas to fill in as I please. Bruce has softball practice and will bring home some lunch. He is getting a pizza from a place called Pizzeria Luigi. We saw it on the Food Network's show Diners, Drive-ins and Dives and we're looking forward to trying it out.

After leisurely sipping two cups of coffee, I made myself a breakfast of egg-on-toast and buried myself back under the warmth of a cocoon of blankets. I added a pair of socks and long sleeve shirt and am very toasty.

Kona would love to join me, but she is prohibited from any jumping, until her leg is better. Just look into those sad eyes. I have to look away. For her own good.

Before you are taken in by those sad puppy dog eyes, and feel too sorry for her, let me explain that she has has a very comfortable bed--actually she has two equally cozy beds.

She prefers to be as close to us as possible and fancies herself to be a lap dog (a very large lap dog), She would rather be snuggled up with her mama, but finally resigned herself to her bed. And promptly went to sleep. And is snoring.

Anyone else ready for a nap?

HAIRSTYLE FUN 101

2011-01-06T21:15:00.000-08:00

As you all may recall, I cut all the length off my hair way back in September. I had fun with it being short. For all of a month. Then I missed my long hair and began growing it back out.

This is not the first time I have cut it and grown it back out. I think it is my hair style modus operandi.

It's starting to get longer and so tonight, just for fun, I decided to experiment with my hair extensions and take some photos.

♫ When the working day is done ♪ ♫ ♪

Girls--they want to have fun ♪ ♫

♪ Oh, girls just wanna have fun, ♫ ♪

They wanna have fun, ♫ ♪
♫ ♪ They wanna have fun...

What did you do tonight?

2011 BUSTED IN

2011-01-04T21:00:00.000-08:00

Although we have only tiptoed into 2011 by 4 days, in some ways it feels like it's been a month.

First, our (older than dirt, but trusty) washer and dryer bit the dust. I was not a happy camper when it happened, but I am really happy with the cool front-loading set we bought to replace them.

Then, on New Year's Day, I lost a crown and had to go to my dentist to have it re-cemented. I guess it could have been worse. Right?

Finally, Kona dog pulled her leg, which necessitated a visit to see her Vet. So, for the present time, in addition to the anti-inflammatory medication, recommended joint supplements, and fish oil, she is on a strict "rest regime" for the injury. I am not sure our high energy dog knows what "rest" is.

Vet: Keep her from jumping, running, hopping, skipping or acting like a spaz.

Me: But that is what she lives to do, doc. She is 80 pounds of energy.

Vet: The tranquilizer tablets will help with that.

Me: Oh, my bad. I thought those were for me.

It's an adjustment for her... but we have an extra room for her to chill out in when we are away or company comes over, so she is not stimulated to the point of going into Kona-mode.

I'm waiting for the handy-dandy personal desk calendar I ordered to be delivered. What the heck was I thinking? How could I forget to order my calendar BEFORE the new year began? I'm lost without one. I had to print a blank month off of my Outlook calendar at work to start scribbling things on.

It's a short term fix. My calendar will be here momentarily.

I have some pretty cool news. I landed a writing gig for a local community newspaper. My first article was published for January 2011 issue and I have just submitted my second article to be published in the February issue. I am so excited about the opportunity and I am having fun with it. I love the challenge!

I have high hopes for 2011!

CHRISTMAS BAKING

2010-12-28T15:42:00.000-08:00

Here is a peek at our fun and festive "Baking Day" at Kathryn's.

Several of us gathered on a rainy December Saturday morning to mix, melt, stir, roll, bake and decorate lots of sweet, decadent goodies.

We all brought an appetizer to share and nibble on while we stayed busy in the kitchen! It was a day full of friendship, sharing and laughter.

Freshly baked Sugar Cookies and Almond Bark...Oh My!

Mark and Kathryn put their spatulas to work and made homemade
Marshmallows!

Linda took a break to hold her sweet grandson!

Here are two of the three little helpers that decorated the dozens of sugar cookies Linda baked. They were so cute and the cookies were beautiful!

I had such a good time with everyone and I look forward to this special tradition with my friends at Christmastime.

TOO MUCH RAIN

2010-12-26T10:31:00.000-08:00

San Diego has been soggy. The river valley (where two of our major malls are located) flooded, hillsides slid, and it's was a mess in a lot of areas. I don't remember the last measurement on rainfall over the past 4 days, but it's a lot!

We've exceeded our annual average by several inches. It just doesn't rain like that here. You know the song, "It Never Rains in Southern California"? Well, this past week, it has rained and rained and rained. The ground is saturated.

We've had a reprieve until last night (Christmas night), then it began raining and we are due for several days of more rain. It's not supposed to rain as much as it has been, which is good news, but I am not sure what effect even a little more rain will have on the areas already flooded.

The Poinsettia Bowl was here Thursday night and for all of you sports fans, I know you saw and heard about the flooded stadium and parking lot (that 1.5 million of gallons of water that was pumped out in time for the game) and probably saw the field (before) in its oh, so soggy state. (Photos from signonsandiego.com)

Before

After

Amazing difference isn't it?

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2010-12-25T22:00:00.000-08:00

We spent our Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with family and friends.

* * * ~~~~~~~~~~~~~* * *~~~~~~~~~~~~~ * * *

Merry Christmas from our home to yours!

OFF KILTER AND OUT OF WHACK

2010-12-14T21:11:00.000-08:00

I have been out-of-sorts, stressed out and impatient lately. I feel off kilter and out of whack.

Why?

I have asked myself that very question over and over.

And I have come up with several answers.

It's that crazy, list making, shopping, too-much-to-do time of year and to top it off, I am feeling a bit "Scroogey" this year. Bah.

Plus, I think I am fighting the cold virus that my daughter M and now hubby, Bruce have been sick with. I've been feeling worn out and tired and so I have been trying to get to bed earlier and get more rest. I have been diligently taking Airborne and doses of vitamin C lozenges.

My job has delivered a whopping share of crazy-making, pulling-my-hair-outta-my-head days/weeks, too.

I suppose it could be everything all together, or just one thing, or hormones (aren't they usually partly to blame?) ... or maybe it's just something that happens to everyone now and again.

Yup, that is what I think it is.

Time for another good night's sleep. Sweet dreams!