Category Archives: Entertaining

{Garden, Home and Party} Exciting news…an engagement

20 Tuesday Sep 2011

Posted by in Designer, Entertaining, Family, Flowers, Party Planning, Personal Information, Traditions, Trends

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Friends and readers (one in the same) will know that hubby and I have 2 sons…one is happily married and living with his lovely wife, and my very first granddaughter, in Austin.  Son #2 just proposed and she said “yes”!  We’re thrilled for many reasons, not the least of which is we love this girl and believe she and Son #2 are a good match.  Reason number 2, at least for me, is we get to be a part of planning a wedding!  Weddings encompass all manner of great things where HOME is concerned and can cross over into GARDEN and certainly PARTY.

via 100 Layer Cake

As I was typing those very words one of my favorite quotes from one of my all-time favorite movies came to mind.  Father of the Bride, 1991, staring Steve Martin and Diane Keaton, when George Banks (Steve Martin’s character) says,

“I used to think a wedding was a simple affair. Boy and girl meet, they fall in love, he buys a ring, she buys a dress, they say I do. I was wrong. That’s getting married. A wedding is an entirely different proposition.

  I know. I’ve just been through one. Not my own, my daughter’s. Annie Banks Mackenzie. That’s her married name: Mackenzie. You fathers will understand. You have a little girl. An adorable little girl who looks up to you and adores you in a way you could never have imagined. I remember how her little hand used to fit inside mine. Then comes the day when she wants to get her ears pierced, and wants you to drop her off a block before the movie theater. From that moment on you’re in a constant panic. You worry about her meeting the wrong kind of guy, the kind of guy who only wants one thing, and you know exactly what that one thing is, because it’s the same thing you wanted when you were their age. Then, you stop worrying about her meeting the wrong guy, and you worry about her meeting the right guy. That’s the greatest fear of all, because, then you lose her. It was just six months ago that that happened here. Just six months ago, that the storm broke.”

There are so many options for planning and inspiration, from the ring to the reception, the world wide web now hosts blog sites that feature amazing ideas for every tiny detail of the big event.  As I perused sites that came recommended, my head began swimming.  I was overwhelmed with beautiful images of every imaginable event and all the trimmings that are tied to a wedding, no matter how small and simple.

Snippet & Ink is such a fun blog site where any upcoming bride, or groom for that matter, can find real wedding photos as well as Inspiration Boards created by Snippet & Ink’s author, Kathryn.

 

In fact, when Son #1 got married bride-to-be choose a seaside location and desired a “family only” wedding.  At first I was slightly disappointed because I had hoped to share the day with close friends but in the end, this tiny 11 person wedding was so beautiful and intimate I was happy our DIL had wished for it.  We later hosted a reception for dear friends and enjoyed celebrating the marriage a couple of months later.

My point, although you may be wondering at this point if I have one, is that the wedding of Son #1 and now DIL, took nearly as much planning as a larger version would have.  You still plan for invitations, flowers, food, table settings, music, photographer and all the icing that goes on wedding cakes and receptions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Above images: (left) Style me Pretty; (right) 100 Layer Cake

So, we’re off to begin what I believe will be a bonding experience for me with my future DIL #2.  I’ll keep you posted.  We are hosting an engagement party at our home and shopping invitations has begun.

via tiny prints (sample)

via Style me Pretty

 

 

{Garden, Home and Party} Spring fever?

29 Monday Aug 2011

Posted by in Holiday/Seasonal cooking, Personal Information

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Okay, I know we’re well into summer, in fact the count-down has begun for fall!  That said, I think I have spring summer fever.  I’ve hit a wall with regard to any  creative ideas for new posts.  I was a little down about it until I read similar complaints from  2 other favorite bloggers.  They were taking a break and/or cutting back for a while on their posts.

One of my favorite blog sites, for the love of a house, is taking a break  due to “bloggers block”  and another favorite My French Country Home is cutting back to regain some balance in her busy life.  Sounds good to me.

The Steward

 

Slim Paley

The Steward

Since I’ve been blogging in earnest I’ve met many creative and generous blog friends and I’ve felt as though I finally have a way of being creative while working a 40 hour week as an executive assistant.  I enjoy my job but I love the joy of feathering my nest, keeping my garden (mostly) in order and entertaining family and friends.  My site gives me the opportunity to journal various creative projects related to home and hearth.

Roger Davies Photography

So, for the rest of 2011 I will most probably post twice a week instead of my Monday, Wednesday, Friday current schedule and I’m giving myself a little vacation and will pick up this new schedule beginning September 8th.  Please don’t forget about me, I’ll miss you all!

Heirloom Philosophy

Have you ever had a lapse in your creativity?

{Party} Easy barbecue chicken skewers and vegetables

19 Friday Aug 2011

Posted by in Drink, Entertaining, Food, Simple Meals for the Avid Cook

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I’ve been a little crazy busy this month.  First our trip to Austin to visit family (very fun, very HOT) and then our trip to Phoenix (not so much fun, very HOT).  I am ready to live out the final several weeks of summer with relaxation and back yard barbecues on the agenda.

For ideas and inspiration I visited the one and only Martha Stewart Living.

 Clever leaf coasters would be cute at a backyard barbecue.

I’m not sure I’d make these cute little envelop packets for my melon balls but you have to admit, they’re kinda cute.

This is more my speed.

With that in mind I thought I’d pull out a recipe I received at a friend’s bridal shower.  The hostess requested that everyone invited to the shower provide a favorite recipe in advance of the date of the event.  When we arrived she had printed out all of the recipes for each guest.  There were some really tasty recipes in this packet and this is one of them.

I haven’t used rosemary as skewers but I love the look, maybe this idea I will use when I fix these skewers.

Note, I cook these on the outdoor grill but as the recipe states, you can fix these on a grill pan in your kitchen…but why would you?

On the whole leaf theme, these votive and vases look great covered in leaves.  I also like the burlap table runner and plant to make one for my patio table.

The main goal is to relax for the remaining weeks of summer…at least I’m going to try!

And one last Martha idea…remember those handles you get from departments stores to make holding shopping bags easier?  That’s what this holder is…placed over what looks like a cardboard container.  Visit her side if you are interested in making this, I’ll be relaxing in the back yard.

Grilled Balsamic Glazed Chicken and Vegetable Skewers

 

6 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless 12 cremini mushrooms, cleaned
3 cloves garlic, minced 2 red onions cut into eighths
3 T. basil, chopped 5 zucchini, cut into large cubes
2 T. thyme, chopped 3 red peppers cut into 2” pieces
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar Salt and pepper to taste
3 T. whole grain mustard 12 skewers soaked in water
1/2 c. olive oil  

 (Note:  You can substitute other veggies if you aren’t fond of this list)

 Cut each chicken breast into six large cubes and set aside.  Place the garlic, basil, thyme, balsamic, whole grain mustard, olive oil, salt and pepper into a bowl and whisk together to incorporate.  Pour 3/4 of the marinade over the chicken and reserve the rest to brush onto the vegetables while grilling.  Let the chicken marinate for one hour or more.

 

While the meat is marinating, cut up all the vegetables and place into separate bowls.  Once the chicken has marinated, take the skewers and place one piece of chicken, onion, pepper, chicken, mushroom, zucchini and another piece of chicken and place onto a baking sheet.  Repeat until all the chicken and vegetables are gone.  Sprinkle the skewers with salt and pepper.  With a pastry brush, lightly brush the vegetables with the reserved marinade.

 Heat a large grill or grill pan and place the skewers on the grill; cook for 3-4 minutes, then turn and cook until the meat is cooked through.  Remove from heat and keep warm in a 250° oven until ready to serve.  Place the skewers on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs.

 I serve this with the a mixed green salad and some fresh sliced melon.  Easy and tasty.  Enjoy.

{Party} Fettuccine with Sausage and Summer Savory

15 Monday Aug 2011

Posted by in Drink, Entertaining, Food, Simple Meals for the Avid Cook

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Happy Monday my blogland  friends.

I’m currently in the hot spot of the nation, Arizona, closing my parents house…my mom passed away a year ago and my dad passed one year later.  In any event, not fun stuff, but the home sold with little effort, which is a good thing.

As a result, I’m passing along a very simple, delicious recipe that I’ve had in my files for years. (I believe I got it from Carla and she got it from a cooking class she took one summer).  It’s very yummy and very easy, and I thought you might enjoy serving it to your family and/or friends one of these summer evenings.   It’s great with some warm,  crusty bread and butter and a simple green salad with a Dijon vinaigrette.  I like to pour a glass of Sauvignon Blanc from the Marlborough region of Australia…Kim Crawford is a favorite.  Enjoy!

Image via Heirloom Philisophy

-OR-

I’ll be back Wednesday with a fun post on toile.  I look forward to chatting with you then.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon summer savory
  • 3 tablespoons butter, room temperature
  • 8 sundried tomatoes (I used roasted grape tomatoes, cut in half)
  • 1 lb. Italian sausage (I used ½ spicy, ½ regular)
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • ¾ lb. fettuccine, or any other pasta you like
  • Parmesan cheese

Preparation Instructions

Cream butter and beat in savory, cover and refrigerate overnight (I didn’t do this step).  Remove sausage from casings and brown in a large skillet until cooked through, add garlic and cook 1 minute longer.  Add chicken broth and tomatoes.  Bring to a simmer and add the savory butter (or savory and butter).  Simmer another 10 minutes and serve over cooked pasta.  Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Serves 4-6

Stay cool this week and celebrate each of the last days of summer!

{GHP} Summer…just do it

10 Wednesday Aug 2011

Posted by in Entertaining, Family, Gardens, Outdoor living

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I’m not a summer person, most of my nearest and dearest know this fact.  Not sure how they know, unless it’s my whining as the summer heat sets in and I start to feel like it will never be cool again.  I haven’t had as much to whine about the past couple summers since its been pretty comfortable here in Southern California.  So, with that in mind I’ve decided to embrace the season, slow down and take time to read more, spend time in the garden, dine out on the patio more, relax, sip iced tea or, if it’s 5:00 p.m., something refreshing and seasonal  like a vodka tonic with lime.

To help me get in the mood…here are some images that make it feel like summer and inspires me to work on my attitude!

This image appeals to me, and I do currently have a bicycle in our garage (although it doesn’t have a cute basket attached),  it makes me want to enjoy a ride around the neighborhood.  However, the neighborhood is rather hilly and a bike ride like that will undoubtedly make me feel hot, so maybe I won’t. 🙂 (Am I whining again?)

 

There are other activities that I associate with summer.   When I was growing up we had a very large “side” yard.  I’m not sure if our lot was a 2-lot location or if the builder of the tract of houses felt the “side” yard wasn’t large enough to build a house on and tacked it on to our home.  In any event we used to play croquet in the side yard at every family summer barbecue, birthday celebration and holiday.  I loved this sport and wish my current back yard had a more level playing field for croquet.

 

image via Martha Stewart

 

via Party Resources

Joni over at Cote de Texas posted about her Pottery Barn vs. Kooboo chairs some time ago…this [below] is her outdoor use of those chairs and it was an image that inspired me to make better use of my outdoor garden space and to purchase a set of Kooboo chairs for my patio dining table HERE.

I believe this is a French Kissed image…I love the pea gravel and comfortable seating under the shade of a tree…I’m currently attempting to create the same look in our back yard.  I’ll show you pics once I get the pea gravel installed.

image via Dan Marty

There are so many activities that feel like summer, dining alfresco is one of them…I must make an effort to do this more often.

via House Beautiful

via Cote de Texas

image via John Saladino

image via Elle Decor

When entertaining in summer there are a wide array of little things that can enhance the appeal of the food and beverage.

image via Country Living via Party Resource

Another of my favorite spring / summer activities is work in the garden.  I understand how this isn’t everyone’s idea of fun, but I find such a comfort from digging in the dirt and am always relaxed once I’ve clocked in some time in the garden.

image via Content in a Cottage

Polished Pebble always has some inspiring images on her blog (her yard in Ojai, California)

I’ve always wanted to grow this variety of primulas…primrose. 

In the famous words of Nike ads, Just Do It (summer)!

{Party} Barefoot Contessa, new easy recipes, and Austin

08 Monday Aug 2011

Posted by in Family, Food, Recipes, Simple Meals for the Avid Cook, Travel

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Austin was wonderful.  HOT, but wonderful.  We always stay with Son #1, his lovely wife and now, Olivia!  Since Olivia is our first grand child we are over the moon with joy and we delight at her every move.  She is crawling and charming us with her smile.

While in Austin our kids always make it a  point to try new, well-reviewed places to eat.  I’m pretty sure I gain weight each visit but come away wishing Orange County, California had 1/4 of the fabulous places to dine.  I’m giving you the list, just in case you visit Austin sometime soon.

+ Walton’s Fancy and Staple

 

This little gem is owned by Sandra Bullock (yes, that one) and her sister.  the pastrami sandwich on pretzel bread was the best pastrami sandwich I had eaten in a very long time.  I unfortunately ate it all which left me with no room for one of their fabulous desserts.  The cafe also sports a florist and small gift shop.  It was wonderful.


+ Eastside (I actually mentioned this HERE)

I had eaten here a visit ago with Jamie’s mom (DIL).  We’ve decided to make it a tradition.  The food is delicious and many of the ingredients are grown on the grounds.  They even have a chicken coop with a wide array of chickens, their eggs are from those wonderful chickens.

This little rooster was very small for a rooster.  The baby chicks above are so cute.  I didn’t take a picture of the mom but there are a wide variety of chickens at Eastside.

+ Haddington’s

 

+ Franklin Barbecue (this was mentioned in a recent Bon Appetit as the best barbecue in the nation!  It didn’t disappoint but you have to arrive before they open to get in line.  Once they run out of brisket, ribs or any other delicious meat, they close)

When we got home I was ready for some simple recipes for easy summer meals, 87 degrees, not 107 temperatures.  I had tried a couple of recipes from Barefoot Contessa, Ina Garten’s “How easy is that?”.  Even though this recipe requires the oven, I think you will enjoy the fresh flavor of the green herbs and summer is the ideal time for salmon, right.  I prepared this with rice and a mixed green salad.  Super easy and so delicious.

image via the kitchen designer blog

Roasted Salmon with Green Herbs

Serves 6

1 (2- to 2 ½-pound) skinless salmon fillet
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
¼ cup good olive oil
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
½ cup minced scallions, white and green parts (4 scallions)
½ cup minced fresh dill
½ cup minced fresh parsley
¼ cup dry white wine
Lemon wedges, for serving

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.

Place the salmon fillet in a glass, ceramic, or stainless-steel roasting dish and season it generously with salt and pepper. Whisk together the olive oil and lemon juice and drizzle the mixture evenly over the salmon. Let it stand at room temperature for 15 minutes.

In a small bowl, stir together the scallions, dill, and parsley. Scatter the herb mixture over the salmon fillet, turning it so that both sides are generously coated with the green herbs. Pour the wine around the fish fillet.

Roast the salmon for 10 to 12 minutes, until almost cooked in the center at the thickest part. The center will be firm with just a line of uncooked salmon in the very center. (I peek by inserting the tip of a small knife.) Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and allow to rest for 10 minutes. Cut the salmon crosswise into serving pieces and serve hot with lemon wedges.

Hope you are staying cool and enjoying the final weeks of summer.

Off to Austin…time with Olivia

27 Wednesday Jul 2011

Posted by in Family, Holiday/Seasonal cooking

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…and Son #1 and his lovely wife!

We’re off to Austin tomorrow.  We can hardly wait.  Our little Olivia is now 8 months old and is mobile…crawling with a smile on her face, knowledge that this is the first of many steps towards getting around on her own!

I will miss all of you…I didn’t schedule any posts during my absence but will be back August 5th with something fun {hopefully}.

Stay cool, I know I’ll be trying…see you soon.

{Party}A Napa wedding #2

22 Friday Jul 2011

Posted by in Entertaining, Flowers, Food, Party Planning

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We attended a beautiful wedding in Napa last September HERE and were lucky enough to be invited to another.  Who doesn’t love a wedding, especially in the wine country of California?  Warning, there are no pictures of the wedding/reception in this post.  I just couldn’t bring myself to take my camera to such a formal affair.   Once there, I realized it would have been perfectly fine since lots of folks had their cameras.

The mother of the groom did send me this image…the bride had arranged for her and her groom to sit on this loveseat during the dinner/toasts.  How romantic is this?!

Instead, I’ll share with you our road trip to Napa and some of the highlights of the incredible weekend.  First off, those who live in California probably know that the wine country can be pretty hot in July.  We lucked out…I’m convinced Mother Nature knew to comply with the lovely bride’s day!  It was a pleasant 72 degrees and never warmed more than 75 degrees during the entire weekend.

First stop…Bakesale Betty’s

We live in Southern California and the road trip, while not for everyone, happens to be fun for Hubby and me.  We love to stop in North Oakland (Temescal District, adjacent to Berkeley) to grab a favorite fried chicken sandwich from Bakesale Betty’s.  This quirky bakery only sells this sandwich and an array of baked goods that could add 10 pounds to anyone in a very short time.

The only sign for Bakesale Betty is the had written sign taped to the glass door.

This is even more delicious than it looks.  I think I could duplicate the slaw but the chicken is a challenge.

Alison Barakat, an Aussie, cooked at Chez Panisse Café for 3 years before meeting her husband and opening the bakery.  There is always a line for lunch and Alison has set up tables (ironing boards) around the entrance to the walk-in bakery for dining.

Next stop…4th Street, Berkeley

This is a wonderful diner and I have never been there when there wasn’t a wait…so worth it.  Oh, and just so you know, there is no ocean view!

We then hit 4th Street in Berkeley for a quick stroll up one side of the fabulous shopping/dining area and back down the other.

Mulholland Brothers have been making quality leather bags for years…I liked all of them but especially the 2 bags below…

On to Napa…

The rehearsal dinner was held at Silverado Vineyard.  I felt as though I was standing on the patio of a pensione in Italy.

The food, ambiance and wine (of course) were delicious and we enjoyed the evening.

On Saturday we decided to visit one of my favorite Napa Valley towns, St. Helena.  We started by enjoying an all-American breakfast at Gillwood’s Cafe.  We then walked the main street.  One of my favorite stores is Vintage Home.   I wish there was a location closer to Orange County.

Love the Hermes lamp, even if orange wouldn’t work in my home.

The wedding began at 3:00 PM at a historic Catholic church in St. Helena.  The church was dressed in beautiful white peonies and trees at the entrance, planted in zinc planter boxes, added beauty to the venue.  (Kate and William started something having trees at Westminster Abby, a really effective addition).  Bride, groom, groomsmen and bridesmaids all performed perfectly.

We were shuttled to the estate of Beaulieu Vineyard, the private home of the Beaulieu family heirs, where all of us were wowed by the formal gardens, European arbors, fountains and mature trees and vines.  I really wish I had taken my camera!  Anyway, the wedding was beyond lovely and fun.

Along this walk were places to take pictures to be put in a book for the bride and groom, there were stations offering appetizers and drinks.  By the way, the beverage offered as we disembarked the shuttle was a St. Germaine.  Elderberry liquor, vodka, club soda and a splash of grapefruit juice, refreshing and delicious.

This area was set up with long, black, wooden tables which bordered the perimeter of this garden.  On each of the tables, down the center, were glass/crystal footed pieces that floral arrangements were sitting on that consisted of white peonies, white hydrangea and white dahlias.


I’m afraid these Googled pictures don’t do the site justice but it was truly beautiful and I’ve since found several photographers that have photographed weddings at Beaulieu.  If you are planning a wedding this is a magical venue.


The following morning we were invited to Yountville Inn for breakfast.  Yountville Inn was recently remodeled and I think it is my new favorite place!  See for yourself.

This is the courtyard off the main lobby…so inviting.

The grounds of the Yountville Inn are filled with white, flowering plants…lots of hydrangea.

Love this fountain/sculpture.


All in all it was a magical weekend.  Truly memorable.  Thank you Jim and Glenys for including us.

Have you attended a wedding that will forever remain in your memory?

 

{Party}Easy Taco Salad

15 Friday Jul 2011

Posted by in Entertaining, Food, Simple Meals for the Avid Cook

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Because its Friday, summer and fairly hot I thought I’d pass along a super easy recipe for taco salad.  Hubby even likes this (I know some men do not consider salad a meal by itself).  This recipe is really easy and very hearty…you could have extra tortilla chips and maybe heat up a jar of queso if you worry it won’t be substantial enough for super hungry in your home.

You can also use this for a ladies lunch if your friend’s enjoy Mexican food.  It’s not too spicy but does have a little kick if you add spicy salsa.  Guacamole is a wonderful addition to this salad, as is sour cream.  This is a good basic salad with plenty of room for you to use your imagination.

Enjoy and have a wonderful mid-July weekend.

Trader Joes Taco Salad

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Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 bag Romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1 16-ounce jar Trader Joes chucky salsa
  • Grated cheese
  • 1 14-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 14-ounce can corn, drained
  • Chili powder, Lawry’s seasoned salt, cayenne pepper to taste
  • Tortilla chips

 

Preparation Instructions

 

Sauté ground beef until golden brown.  Add all other ingredients except lettuce and grated cheddar.  Serve meat mixture over top of a bed of lettuce, top with grated

cheese and crushed tortilla chips.

 

Serves 4-6

 

{Garden, Home and Party}In the beginning

13 Wednesday Jul 2011

Posted by in Entertaining, Gardens, Misc

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I’m relatively new to blogging.  I was encouraged by our eldest son to blog about Garden (I have always loved working in the garden and used to be in a landscape business; we planted cottage gardens for our clients), Home (I have enjoyed feathering my nest, no matter where I live, since I was 8 years old) and Party (who doesn’t love to attend/throw parties?) … in July of 2007.

Photo by Neil A. Landino

Photo by Zeo Perigord

I had only gone back to the corporate work place in April of 2005 and was still adjusting to working full-time for someone, over working part time as my own boss.  I thought logically, “Sure, I can do that!” without having one tiny idea how or what to do.  Does that ever happen to you…someone you love thinks you can move mountains when you don’t know how to fire-up the bulldozer but you’re so flattered you say, “Okay!”  {Maybe writing a blog isn’t really moving mountains, I may have exaggerated a bit, but when you don’t know how to do something it can feel like moving mountains}

My first few posts were pretty pitiful and when I asked our 2 sons, who are both in web development/advertising,  how often I need to blog I nearly fell over when they said, “Everyday”.  I felt like a duck out of water.  I quickly decided that a) I really didn’t have that much to say and b) there was no way I could make time to blog daily!  So for the year of 2008 I didn’t even visit my site.  I told sweet Son #1 that it felt too much like “homework” after a busy day at the office.  Fortunately or unfortunately he didn’t lecture or pressure me about it, he is wise beyond his years.

By 2009 I had discovered blog sites like The Happiness Project and Pioneer Woman.  Gretchen Rubin of the Happiness Project was so much fun to read and I found myself looking forward to her emails that signaled a new post.  I stumbled upon Ree Drummond’s (Pioneer Woman) site just before she attained rock star status.  My loving to cook made her site a favorite when I wanted a new recipe.

 

I sheepishly approached Son #1 and asked if my site was still up or if he had shut it down.  He said he’d left it ‘as is’ and I could start blogging if I wanted.  I still had some misgivings but decided I needed a creative outlet since my job as Executive Assistant wasn’t doing anything for me in that arena {sorry, boss}.

Over time I have become comfortable with a schedule of posting 3 days a week and try not to feel guilty if I take a vacation.  I don’t try to earn money doing this, although I know there are plenty who do…I say, good for you!  I have visited many sites of many, much more talented and clever writers than myself but I have fun doing what I do (deciding on topics that interest me) and am thankful for the few regular readers that are following my ramblings.

 

It’s an amazing world this blogging business.  I have heard from one of the designers I happen to love, and had posted about, (Randy Boyd, HERE) and the daughter of a well-known architect I featured (HERE) and (HERE).  *My good friend moved into his former family beach house in Emerald Bay, California.  There are a few bloggers that I feel a kinship to and when they have commented on my site I am always giddy with happiness.  (Hubby has walked by my desk and commented, “what are you smiling about” and it’s usually a comment from someone that triggers that smile!

Thanks to each and everyone of you who take the time to read my ramblings, I truly appreciate you!