A Pleasant Surprise

I was in the drive-up line getting coffee at Starbucks, and it was my turn to order.  The lady at the window said to me, "Good Morning, my love."  I just looked at her in surpirse.  Have you ever been called  "my love" when ordering something through drive through?  I know I haven't.  We talked a bit, I got my coffee, smiled, and drove away.  This was one cup of coffee that was especially good.  As I was driving home, I thought about how people can brighten your day with just a few words.  These flowers are for the lady at Starbucks, and for you...

Have a nice day, my love.

Tea Time

Lately, we have been wanting to take time out each day to enjoy a cup  of tea.  We like the English tradition that has been carried on for so many years, and we thought we would enjoy it as well.  I have to say, it is very soothing after a hectic day.  We all have our own favorite blends that we make, and mine is English Breakfast.  I also like the taste of orange in my tea.

Nel has tea time around 4:00 each day, and with her busy schedule, she really appreciates this simple pleasure.  Her favorite is the Chai tea.

Jess enjoys the Green tea with her lovely 'flamingo' cup.

We hope you take time out of your busy day to sip on a hot cup of tea.  You'll be glad you did.

Day at the Beach

"The sun on my face

The sand in my toes

Makes any day a delight.

Hunting for seashells

And surfing the waves

Makes everything seem all right.

Building a castle 

Fit for a king

Makes all my dreams within reach.

Wearing those shades 

And getting a tan

Makes a great day at the beach!"

~Author Unknown

Wine a Bit!

For Father's Day, we went wine tasting in the beautiful vineyards of Temecula. 

Our first stop was South Coast Winery. This is a popular Californian winery with beautiful grounds and a wide assortment of wine. 

Its wine has won numerous awards, which are displayed along an entire wall in the tasting room.  

Our server was very knowledgeable and even gave us a complimentary tasting in honor of Father's Day.

The gift shop was full of charming merchandise for any wine lover.

Mom bought the Ruby Cuvée Syrah for its sparkling berry taste, and it just so happened to match her red, black, and white kitchen  ;-)

We built up an appetite after tasting and made our way over to Wilson Creek Winery, which had a quaint picnic area. Families and friends were visiting outside with wine glass in hand.  The clouds had cleared, and the weather was perfect. 

We found a table and filled ourselves on meats, cheeses, bread, and various side dishes...the ideal wine tasting lunch break.

After our delightful lunch, we made our way to Maurice Car'rie Winery, a casual spot with a home grown feel.  

We all tried Papa's Red in honor of our own wonderful Papa.  This was one of my favorites - it had a very unique taste. 

Cheers to Daddyo!!

Our last stop was Van Roekel Winery, which was just down the street from Maurice Car'rie.  The tasting room was lively with a group who had just stepped off their party bus.  Luckily we had great service and tasty wine. 

They also sold fun accessories for the wine connoisseur.

Party napkins...

Clothing...

 

And other fun gifts...

 A SUNday well spent with the family!

"What is the definition of a good wine? It should start and end with a smile" ~William Sokolin 

Under The Sea

I have always loved Mermaids.  There's just something mysterious and wonderful about them.  I have collected a few through the years, and I want to share them with you.

And my favorite....

It makes me want to see all the treasures under the sea.

A Twinkle In His Eye

There are some little girls who spend time helping their mom in the kitchen baking cookies and treats.  I was close to my mom, especially in my later years, but the truth is, I spent very little time in the house.  I was always outside playing, running, building forts in the dirt fields that were close to my home.  I spent time with my dad too.  I would have long talks with him while he was planting his garden, he would take me places with him, and I would even go hunting with him when the season started.  I would talk to him, and he would listen.  There's just some people that you "click" with, and that was my dad.  He had a beautiful smile, a big heart, and a twinkle in his eye.

The youngest out of FIVE, he was my best friend.

There is a song that reminds me of my dad, "What a Wonderful World," by Louis Armstrong.  Every time I hear it, I put a smile on my face.  Thank you Dad, for always being there for me.  This Father's Day I am thinking of you and thanking you for showing me what a wonderful world it really is.

"I love my father as the stars - he's a bright shining example, and a happy twinkling in my heart."

                             ~Terri Guillemets

It's that time...

 

The sun is setting, and the world is slowing down.

 

It's my favorite time of the day...a time when I can RELAX, read a good book, be creative, or watch my favorite program.  

 Won't you join me?  

May you rest your weary head and do what makes you SMILE.  

You deserve it.

San Diego - What a fun place to be

We went to San DIego last weekend, and I have to say, everytime I go there, I enjoy myself.  There's so much to do and see.  When we first got there, we ate at Miguels in Old Town...good food and fun atmosphere.

Across the street in Old Town



There's nothing like some chocolate after lunch.  These pictures are taken in the Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego.

And my favorite....

We drove to Pacific Beach in San DIego and did some shopping.  I loved this artwork.

This outpost store has to be one of the most unique, interesting, and wonderful stores I've ever been to.  Me and Jess stayed in there for so long just looking.  They have sections of the stores that had different cultures, and they had a section  with the most whimsical and beautiful mermaids I've ever seen.  I bought one that I will show you later.  It was called the San Diego, CA PANGAEA Outpost.

Hope you enjoyed our little trip to San Diego. 

Have a good week ahead.