I love this time of year. Everything is starting to grow again and it feels like a new start.
The landscapers weeded my front flower bed for me and, aside from the remnants of a little bit of moss, it looks pretty good. Last year was only my first full year of garden there so it is still a work in progress. However I do know what I did last year that I didn't like so now I'll try something else. I love lots of colour and if anything, I under plant the area because I know that some of these plants will spread out. Nothing worse than putting in too much and it ending up looking like everything has gone to seed.
The weather here on the coast has been fabulous for the last few days. Last weekend we broke local temperature records which was really nice. Of course, it's going to be great weather until Saturday and then the cooler, rainy weather starts. Rain on the weekend.....hmmm...not such a big surprise!
I've been doing a lot of surfing for art journal tricks and techniques and really like what I'm seeing. However I need to stop surfing and start doing if I want to get anything done! I really enjoyed being able to take and/ or make time to play in my journal when I was on vacation. I need to make more time to play in my journal so I'm working at changing my mindset about it. Previously, I played in my journal when my other work was done so it usually ended up taking a backseat to other tasks/ responsibilities. I'm rethinking that practice now and I'm trying to take at least 10 minutes a day to play. Not sure that's going to work out, but I'm giving it a try.
Work is crazy busy, but busy in a good way. I have waaaaay too much to do but I'm enjoying what I'm doing and I'm feeling productive and valued so it's all good.
Must run - time to play! Caio.
Wednesday, May 08, 2013
Sunday, April 14, 2013
We've been home for almost a month now - life has gone back to normal and I'm counting down the months til I can go back to California.
Work has been really busy and hectic, however since I came back so relaxed and rested, I'm just going with the flow. I'm pretty much "whatever" when things go sideways. That and I've gotten much better at biting my tongue! :)
Immediately upon my return from holidays I ended up purchasing a new computer. Since my laptop is so old - I bought a reconditioned laptop in 2007. Some of the my word processing software was really old. I wasn't using MS Office but it seems that everyone else is so I was having problems with opening documents etc. Anyway, long story short, the new software I wanted was going to cost me a lot - software, plus upgrades plus installation...plus, plus, plus! I just finally decide enough already and bought a new computer. It's a Samsung with lots of memory and it's really fast so I'm a happy camper!
I've been threatening to post some of my journal pages so here goes. More to follow! Caio!
Work has been really busy and hectic, however since I came back so relaxed and rested, I'm just going with the flow. I'm pretty much "whatever" when things go sideways. That and I've gotten much better at biting my tongue! :)
Immediately upon my return from holidays I ended up purchasing a new computer. Since my laptop is so old - I bought a reconditioned laptop in 2007. Some of the my word processing software was really old. I wasn't using MS Office but it seems that everyone else is so I was having problems with opening documents etc. Anyway, long story short, the new software I wanted was going to cost me a lot - software, plus upgrades plus installation...plus, plus, plus! I just finally decide enough already and bought a new computer. It's a Samsung with lots of memory and it's really fast so I'm a happy camper!
I've been threatening to post some of my journal pages so here goes. More to follow! Caio!
Thursday, March 14, 2013
All Good things.....
....must come to an end.
We're getting ready to head home in a few days. I'm always sad when the end of our vacation comes - although I have no business complaining !
The weather has been fabulous. Today at 7:30 in Palm Springs it's 96 degrees and not a cloud in the sky. Sure beats the weather we've been having at home - torrential downpours for the last couple of days.
My daughter and I have had a fabulous time together, golfing and just vegging out and relaxing, The house has been wonderful as usual and the pool to die for !
I'm also sad to be leaving as a neighbourhood cat - we don't believe it to be a stray - has adopted us and has spent most days since we arrived here with us. She seems to be very well fed - she's also an awesome hunter as one poor rat learned to his dismay ! She such a little doll that I seriously contemplated packing her up and taking her home with us. The voice of reason finally prevailed - it's my fervent belief (hope ?) that she is a beloved pet and that some family is giving her lots of love ! If I thought for a minute that she was a stray.......well, best not to go there !
We're playing our last round of golf tomorrow - supposed to be in the 90's again tomorrow - and then I'll spend Saturday as my last pool day. I have over-indulged in the sun for the last month so will probably end up looking like some wizened up old crone. Whatever !
Gotta run. Caio !
We're getting ready to head home in a few days. I'm always sad when the end of our vacation comes - although I have no business complaining !
The weather has been fabulous. Today at 7:30 in Palm Springs it's 96 degrees and not a cloud in the sky. Sure beats the weather we've been having at home - torrential downpours for the last couple of days.
My daughter and I have had a fabulous time together, golfing and just vegging out and relaxing, The house has been wonderful as usual and the pool to die for !
I'm also sad to be leaving as a neighbourhood cat - we don't believe it to be a stray - has adopted us and has spent most days since we arrived here with us. She seems to be very well fed - she's also an awesome hunter as one poor rat learned to his dismay ! She such a little doll that I seriously contemplated packing her up and taking her home with us. The voice of reason finally prevailed - it's my fervent belief (hope ?) that she is a beloved pet and that some family is giving her lots of love ! If I thought for a minute that she was a stray.......well, best not to go there !
We're playing our last round of golf tomorrow - supposed to be in the 90's again tomorrow - and then I'll spend Saturday as my last pool day. I have over-indulged in the sun for the last month so will probably end up looking like some wizened up old crone. Whatever !
Gotta run. Caio !
Saturday, March 09, 2013
Only one more week :(
We have only one more week left and then we're back to reality again.
I shouldn't complain.....we've had a wonderful time. The weather has been fabulous - a few windy days but still sunny and bright. The wind coming in off the desert is cold and strong and it's not much fun golfing when it's like that ! So for those few days, we've done other things.
Yesterday we went into Palm Springs and walked around the shopping district. Very disappointing. So many stores closed or going out of business. Only a few clothing stores (expensive and catering to stick people) and a few jewellry stores. I didn't see much else of interest. Two whole blocks of stores have been closed in preparation for a big hotel being built. Not a whole lot to see that's for sure.
We did enjoying checking out all the restaurants though. There are a few interesting ones - some very expensive - and lots of happy hours specials. We plan to visit one of the local pubs in town sometime next week .
The weather is improving today - supposed to be in mid 70's and then the temperature is increasing daily into next week. They're calling for 90 by Wednesday. Woo hoo! We have golf booked for Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Luckily with the clocks going back tonight, we'll have an extra hour of daylight so will be able to tee off a little later in the day when it's not quite so hot. Not that I'm complaining!
I've scored some excellent deals on stamps and other treasures from Joann's. Love, love, love Joann's!
I've also ordered some art supplies on line while I'm here so they should arrive shortly after we return home.
As well, I've managed to complete some journal spreads and have discovered zentangles and I'm hooked. I probably won't be able to post any art while I'm here....I want to enjoy as much of the fabulous weather as I can when I'm here. I can post anytime!
Well must run. The pool is calling my name!
Caio!
I shouldn't complain.....we've had a wonderful time. The weather has been fabulous - a few windy days but still sunny and bright. The wind coming in off the desert is cold and strong and it's not much fun golfing when it's like that ! So for those few days, we've done other things.
Yesterday we went into Palm Springs and walked around the shopping district. Very disappointing. So many stores closed or going out of business. Only a few clothing stores (expensive and catering to stick people) and a few jewellry stores. I didn't see much else of interest. Two whole blocks of stores have been closed in preparation for a big hotel being built. Not a whole lot to see that's for sure.
We did enjoying checking out all the restaurants though. There are a few interesting ones - some very expensive - and lots of happy hours specials. We plan to visit one of the local pubs in town sometime next week .
The weather is improving today - supposed to be in mid 70's and then the temperature is increasing daily into next week. They're calling for 90 by Wednesday. Woo hoo! We have golf booked for Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Luckily with the clocks going back tonight, we'll have an extra hour of daylight so will be able to tee off a little later in the day when it's not quite so hot. Not that I'm complaining!
I've scored some excellent deals on stamps and other treasures from Joann's. Love, love, love Joann's!
I've also ordered some art supplies on line while I'm here so they should arrive shortly after we return home.
As well, I've managed to complete some journal spreads and have discovered zentangles and I'm hooked. I probably won't be able to post any art while I'm here....I want to enjoy as much of the fabulous weather as I can when I'm here. I can post anytime!
Well must run. The pool is calling my name!
Caio!
Friday, March 01, 2013
My Special Place
I don't know what it is about Palm Springs but I love it here. Absolutely love it here! I feel safe and it feels like coming home when we return each year. Granted, it is a bit of a pilgramage - Garry died here and he so loved it - so maybe that's part of it.
I love, love, love the house we rent - the pool is magnificent and we're situated close to everything we need. I wish I could afford to live here 6 months of the year. I wish I could afford to buy a home here.....that's not going to happen! So each February I migrate to Palm Springs (can you say lemming? ) and I feel rejuvenated and fulfilled. Special magic here!
I brought a 5 x 7 journal with me and I've been working in it. I've managed to complete 6 spreads and hope to complete more in the remaining 2 weeks here. I really like this size - I use different sizes at home some 6 x 11, some 8 1/2 by 11. However that's a lot of space to fill up. I prepared the pages before I came and I'm really loving this smaller journal ! I'll post some of my pages when we get home.
Saturday and Sunday are pool days - its supposed to be 84 for the next couple of days so we'll be enjoying the pool. It's a tough job, but someone's got to do it ! Saturday is the 5th anniversary of my husband's death.,....I cannot believe it has been so long - it seems like that was another lifetime and yet it feels like yesterday. He loved life and lived it at warp speed - he loved to eat and to gamble so the plan is to have steak and prawns here at the house and then go the casino and gamble our faces off. It seems fitting and he'd like that!
Must run. We just got back from golf - it was wonderful! The fabulosity of Palm Springs is amazing! We need to eat and then retire to watch tv. Life is grand, isn't it?
Caio!
I love, love, love the house we rent - the pool is magnificent and we're situated close to everything we need. I wish I could afford to live here 6 months of the year. I wish I could afford to buy a home here.....that's not going to happen! So each February I migrate to Palm Springs (can you say lemming? ) and I feel rejuvenated and fulfilled. Special magic here!
I brought a 5 x 7 journal with me and I've been working in it. I've managed to complete 6 spreads and hope to complete more in the remaining 2 weeks here. I really like this size - I use different sizes at home some 6 x 11, some 8 1/2 by 11. However that's a lot of space to fill up. I prepared the pages before I came and I'm really loving this smaller journal ! I'll post some of my pages when we get home.
Saturday and Sunday are pool days - its supposed to be 84 for the next couple of days so we'll be enjoying the pool. It's a tough job, but someone's got to do it ! Saturday is the 5th anniversary of my husband's death.,....I cannot believe it has been so long - it seems like that was another lifetime and yet it feels like yesterday. He loved life and lived it at warp speed - he loved to eat and to gamble so the plan is to have steak and prawns here at the house and then go the casino and gamble our faces off. It seems fitting and he'd like that!
Must run. We just got back from golf - it was wonderful! The fabulosity of Palm Springs is amazing! We need to eat and then retire to watch tv. Life is grand, isn't it?
Caio!
Monday, February 18, 2013
Paradise found
We arrived safely in Palm Springs on Wednesday afternoon, Feb. 13th.
Both flights went off without a hitch and we landed to sunny warm weather. Within a few hours of our arrival we were all settled in and enjoying the spa. Unfortunately, I took a tumble on our first night and went ass over tea kettle onto the ceramic tile floor. I had wiped up a couple of wet spots from tracking in and out of the house but I guess I missed one and down I went. It happened so quick that I didn't have time to catch myself. I landed on my left side, banging my ear and front of my shoulder into the pony wall between the kitchen and the hallway. Luckily I didn't bang my head on the tile floor and only scrapped my inner upper arm near my shoulder. My scrape is now (5 days later) scabbed over and my shoulder and upper arm are covered in a large purple bruise. Thankfully, other than that, I'm none the worse for wear!
As I mentioned, the weather here has been outstanding. Days have been hot (around 80 most days) with a slight breeze. The nights have remained warm so no need for a jacket most nights. So far so good and we're thoroughly enjoying our trip so far. The accomodations are wonderful, the pool is just the right temperature and the sun is shining. I think I've died and gone to heaven.
We're off to play some golf Tuesday and we have another tee time booked for Thursday. Both days are supposed to be a little cooler (high sixties) so we're looking forward to that. We had discussed golfing today (Monday) but then found out it's a long weekend here in the States so we're glad that we waited.
I brought my journal - most of my backgrounds already prepared - so I'm looking forward to working in it soon. I definetly want to hit Target, Big Lots and of course, Joannes. I'm hoping to maybe pick up a gelli plate. I did create one of my own out of foam core but if I can find one here will probably shell out some coin to purchase.
Well must run - the pool is calling my name.
Caio
Both flights went off without a hitch and we landed to sunny warm weather. Within a few hours of our arrival we were all settled in and enjoying the spa. Unfortunately, I took a tumble on our first night and went ass over tea kettle onto the ceramic tile floor. I had wiped up a couple of wet spots from tracking in and out of the house but I guess I missed one and down I went. It happened so quick that I didn't have time to catch myself. I landed on my left side, banging my ear and front of my shoulder into the pony wall between the kitchen and the hallway. Luckily I didn't bang my head on the tile floor and only scrapped my inner upper arm near my shoulder. My scrape is now (5 days later) scabbed over and my shoulder and upper arm are covered in a large purple bruise. Thankfully, other than that, I'm none the worse for wear!
As I mentioned, the weather here has been outstanding. Days have been hot (around 80 most days) with a slight breeze. The nights have remained warm so no need for a jacket most nights. So far so good and we're thoroughly enjoying our trip so far. The accomodations are wonderful, the pool is just the right temperature and the sun is shining. I think I've died and gone to heaven.
We're off to play some golf Tuesday and we have another tee time booked for Thursday. Both days are supposed to be a little cooler (high sixties) so we're looking forward to that. We had discussed golfing today (Monday) but then found out it's a long weekend here in the States so we're glad that we waited.
I brought my journal - most of my backgrounds already prepared - so I'm looking forward to working in it soon. I definetly want to hit Target, Big Lots and of course, Joannes. I'm hoping to maybe pick up a gelli plate. I did create one of my own out of foam core but if I can find one here will probably shell out some coin to purchase.
Well must run - the pool is calling my name.
Caio
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Only 3 more sleeps.....
until we head off to Palm Springs. I don't usually get excited until I'm on the plane, however I must admit that I've been excited for about a week now. Can hardly wait to get into the pool and just veg out.
The next couple of days at work will be hectic. Lots of packing to do and I'm sure there will be some crisis or another before we're through. Just taking one day at a time.
Not too much else new. I'm trying to get my journal ready so I can take it with me to PS - still have a bit to go on it yet.
Must run - busy day tomorrow and I need to get my beauty sleep.
Caio!
The next couple of days at work will be hectic. Lots of packing to do and I'm sure there will be some crisis or another before we're through. Just taking one day at a time.
Not too much else new. I'm trying to get my journal ready so I can take it with me to PS - still have a bit to go on it yet.
Must run - busy day tomorrow and I need to get my beauty sleep.
Caio!
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