Prepping for Irene ...

Last night we went out to our favorite little spot on the water. The boat yard next door was hopping! In prepping for the storm the marinas around here have been pulling boats from their slips. The highways have been filled the past couple of days with trailers bringing boats of all sizes and varieties to safer grounds.

*I took these photos with my point and shoot so they aren't the greatest.



It's somewhat hard to see, but the lift {the Dodson Boat Yard} was hard at work the entire time we were there.


On a *normal* summer evening this marina is packed with boats. Often there are parties peppered along the pier on the boats. It has such a fun and festive feel. Not last night, it had almost an eerie and lonely feel.

These boats have been *parked* in the parking lot as space and time is very limited.

A maze of boats.

When we arrived you couldn't even see the front of the restaurant through all the boats. Talk about using every available space!

{I took this when we were leaving so it was dark}

While I was running errands yesterday I watched several of the submarines head out for safety. They are much safer underwater than rocking against a pier.

I've had contact with my son this morning. All is well for now in his area of NC. Thanks Corey for the update last night. I really appreciate it!

We are clearing off our patio this morning and securing a few other odds and ends as we await the storms arrival.

Leave A Comment

Summer has flown by ...

 I can't believe that summer is coming to end in a few short days.

School starts next week. They have delayed our start due to the hurricane that will soon be arriving.

I feel like I've been going non stop for weeks but have little to show for it when I look back on the days. Do you ever feel like this?

Many fun days have been spent at the beach club. It's always a great day when you're with friends, sunshine and a good book! I'm going to miss the sand between my toes.



A good friend and I treated ourselves to a relaxing day at the Ocean House in Watch Hill. After a day of pampering and lunching I was ready for a nap on the beach ;)




Our summer routine always includes Farmer's markets. There is just something about filling my basket with fresh goodies, and preparing them for my family. It just makes my heart happy!



Despite a nasty storm that was brewing, we enjoyed a great concert at Jonathan Edwards Winery with our very good friends. Ben Taylor {James Taylor and Carly Simon's son} and guest, Arnold McCuller, filled the vineyard with their amazing voices! As an added bonus, the concert also benefited Chikumbuso. I have one of their amazing bags that I use to tote my beach items.

I made my yummy roasted antipasto platter ~ filled with fresh veggies, cheeses, tapenade, and freshly baked bread. So good! We have several courses of great food and wine as the night wore on. Extra time was spent on the treadmill the very next morning.




I've been working on a few dresses. No, there will not be a design collection with my name on it anytime soon, but I do have a few cute dresses to wear around my home {with the shades drawn} :) My "skills" in the sewing department are limited! Ha.



Lastly, but most importantly, we celebrated a special anniversary last week. Kevin and I don't normally exchange gifts but rather go out to a nice meal together. However, since this was a milestone, we bent the rules. He *really* surprised me with a ring for my right hand. I wasn't expecting him to put such thought into that little box. I guess he does listen when I ramble on and on and on endlessly ~ on a regular basis :)

Today I am spending the day worrying about my son. He is in North Carolina attending school{as many of you know.} This mama wants to go down there, scoop him up, and keep him safe and sound until the storm is over. Nicholas has assured me numerous times that he has a plan and will be just fine. Probably, but once a mama ~ always a mama! We too are expecting Irenes powerful arrival. The stores have been packed! Many are out of generators, flashlights and bottled water.  I planned ahead so we are all set ~ good thing we visited wine country earlier this summer! ;)

To all of my friends on the East coast, you're in my thoughts and I'm praying for your safety!

Leave A Comment

Coastal charmers

These are the hidden treats of summer on the coast...

Seashells that are plentiful on the shore each and every visit.

~ and~

magnificent hydrangeas with massive blooms.

Instant seasonal beauty for the home!

My shells needed a little *some special* so I dressed them up for a dinner party. 

I chose a few and gave them a little face lift.

Perfect!

{and SO inexpensive compared to Pottery Barn's}

Leave A Comment

Not picture perfect

We've all had this conversation with our husbands ...

I'm always the one behind the camera. When I'm gone {not happening anytime soon} no one is going to remember what I looked like.  So, it would be nice if you took some photos while on vacation.

Here is the result of our conversation ...

Try not to laugh too hard

Despite the lovely photos  

{these pictures remind me of the faces on pain level charts posted on the wall in doctor's office ~ how badly do you feel?} 

we had a great evening downtown in Paso Robles. They had live music in their sweet little town square with food, beer, and wine vendors. It was obviously an event that families, neighbors and friends thoroughly enjoy each week. How fun to have this to look forward to every Friday night. Yet another reason to move ;)

I think we need something like this in our town square every Friday night ... right after we get a town square that is!

Leave A Comment

What a View

The scenery of California is so mesmerizing as we traveled through the countryside. The green is so vibrant against the golden dryness. The symmetrical rows of vines and plants, weedless acres of walnut trees and immaculate farming plots never seem to lose their charm.

{Perhaps it's because nothing in my yard comes remotely close to being so organized and I am envious!}

Gorgeous ~ natural beauty!
I could figure out a way to enjoy this everyday.

Paso Robles is just beautiful.
I should have inquired about summer employment for next year.
I'll gladly work for wine!

This gentleman gave us a private tour of his land ... breathtaking! We had the best time at his vineyard. If you were listening in on our conversation, you would assume we were related. Our conversation was so natural and flowed freely and easily.  In fact, I think we may have made plans to get together for the holidays. He's bringing the wine :)

{everyone we met in CA was equally as nice and friendly}

The letters on the barrels are the winemakers "gradings" of the wine at the current time.



Love the massive size of these doors and the attention they demanded when you approached the vineyard.





Just think how easy it would be to consume all your fruit servings in a day if you owned a vineyard! ;)

Leave A Comment

Stowaway

It's been a crazy busy summer here in our home. My husband's work schedule has been insane with lots of travel ... opportunity for me! :)

We started our day off touring the Queen Mary in Long Beach. The history of this beautiful ship is impressive and the craftsmanship stunning even after all these years.





"Parked" right next to the Queen Mary is the Russian submarine; the Scorpion. Being the sub riding naval officer that he is, my husband felt the need to share this fine boat with me. Trying to be a good sport {being on subs scares me like you would not believe!} I went along. I was good for about 3 minutes until I hit my head on a hatch and the closterphobia began.




In his glory! Love the smirk on his face.
I was treated to a very detailed step by step tutorial of what everything was and how it worked. I know, you're jealous! :)



I'm not sure I would have lasted long with such amenities.



The view from the deck .



Love this photo.
The glistening of the water below the bright orange and white of the lifeboats just screams summer.



After a guided tour we headed for one of my favorite restaurants that my husband introduced me to last year, Dukes. The food is great and view is amazing!

We enjoyed a late lunch and I did a little house hunting. There are some great deals to be had in the sunny state of California. Now all I need to do is sell our home here and convince my husband to move. I'm starting with the no snow factor ~ ha!

It was a sunny but hazy day which created a photo challenge for me.

More to come ...

Leave A Comment

via

It's  amazing what a little time of away from the daily drudge can do for your disposition.

I'm refreshed and renewed

 Ready for a new project

A few last licks of summer fun

Clam bakes with friends

Beach club gatherings

and

Getting back into the summer swing here on the east coast.

In celebration of the heat wave {we returned just in time!} I'll be taking it slow and easy this afternoon.

 A day by the water with sun, sand, and a few good friends is just what is required for such a celebration .

Keep cool

and

Take it easy!

I have a few fun photos of our trip to share with you but they will have to wait just a few more days.

It's too sunny and bright to stay indoors!

Leave A Comment