Ah, relaxation.

Went to Felton over the weekend on a camping trip with some friends of ours and camped at Cotillion Gardens in the redwoods.  Even though it was a weekend filled with activities (we played games, had some BBQ dinners, went out for breakfast in Santa Cruz at The Buttery Bakery, got pedicures, picked up some new Red Wing work boots for Michael and dropped off a bunch of negatives at the photo lab, drove to Capitola both days and even drove to Moss Landing for an afternoon of antiquing) we got in some relaxation time and even slept in each morning.
 

This is what to do with your vehicle when you need some body work.  ;-)

Moss Landing

The Whole Enchilada Market

 

Varieties of sweet oranges to sample

While at Moss Landing we visited the produce market and had lunch at the nearby deli.

 Candy and nuts.

Just before we left Moss Landing, near the boats, was this cute guy floating on his back and soaking in the sun.  Every once in a while he'd glance over at us watching him.  What a cutie pie!

We drove into Capitola both days, the weather was so warm, the beach was packed with people in shorts and swimsuits and surfers.  Had an ice-cream sundae and enjoyed it sitting on a bench outside in the sunshine.  In the middle of January!

Last night, the last night spent camping, we watched Taken 2 and ate some Key Lime Pie from The Buttery Bakery.  If you're ever in Santa Cruz, I highly recommend stopping by this bakery to have some Key Lime Pie.  You will not regret it!  It's so delicious.  Normally, I look forward to visiting Gayle's Bakery but by accident discovered The Buttery Bakery and now have a new favorite.  Gayle's is still a favorite.
 

Our Noses to the Grindstone!

 As you can see, we've been hard at work all week long.  Lots of orders!  Four more packages to ship tomorrow before we take a much needed break this weekend.  Back to work Monday afternoon and then Tuesday is our wedding anniversary and I think we'll be going out to dinner somewhere special. 
I think Michael is looking forward to relaxing this weekend.  We're going to have some fun treasure hunting and playing card and board games with our friends in Santa Cruz and just go dinking around here and there.   Oh, one place I definitely want to go is Gayle's Bakery.  They have such scrumptious looking food and desserts!  I always have a hard time choosing, so many delights!

I just bought these lovely handmade coasters from Vikki at Sew Fairy Simple.  She even let me changed the thread color to red for me.  They are perfect!  Thank you, Vikki.  ;)

  

Our New Furniture

Recently we sold several pieces of furniture, something we've been wanting to do for awhile.  Our neighbor had a yard sale two weekends ago and so we put out some of the things we wanted to sell.  A leather sofa and matching club chair, three glass tables with wrought iron, a dining set, etc..  We were thrilled that everything sold that day! 

Our new comfy sofa and chair and coffee table.

Another coffee table we made and finished in Antique Turquoise for the other room.

The new kitchen dining table Mike made out of reclaimed wood and I finished and distressed.

The antique solid wood legs we used to support the table.

 Another accent table top I designed to go with this antique pedestal base and Mike made for me.

Winter Weekend Retreat

We were invited by our friends, Sharyn and Greg, to spend New Years at Cobb Mountain for a few days. 

The little red cabin in the woods.

 Retro.

Evening.

Inside, the cabin is lit by a warm golden light that feels so cozy and welcoming.  Plenty of comfy chairs, a plush sofa and cuddly throws for all. 

Mossy rocks and trees just outside the cabin.

We went for short walks.  Played Aggravation and got aggravated.  Played Apples to Apples and had lots of laughs.  Had pancakes with real maple syrup for breakfast.  Ate snacks.  Watched t.v. ; news, talk shows, a James Bond flick.

Cricket's Bait Shop ~ Krotz, Louisiana

Cricket's Bait Shop Photo by me.

We had such a wonderful vacation this past fall, we longed for home and yet we didn't want our trip to end.  So many beautiful places, so many fascinating people we met along the way.  We loved every minute of it.  This is one of those fascinating places.

And the Alligator.

And her dear deer.

A Special Request for Angelina

Painting of Max

Angelina received a custom order in November, to paint a portrait of Max.  A special dog that was very much loved and had passed away.  Angelina painted two portraits of him and let her customer choose the one she wanted to give to the family.  The customer wanted Angelina to incorporate a rainbow, three crosses and some bubbles.  That was one of Max's favorite things to do: chase bubbles.

She did such a good job, didn't she?  

Snow!

Our grandchildren's, Uncle Matt, drove all the way to Tahoe on Christmas day to shovel some snow into the bed of his truck and drove back to Fairfield to deliver it to their front porch. 

Isn't he a sweetheart?

Christmas Bright

Wishing you all a merry and shiny bright holiday season in peaceful and joyous company with family and friends close to your heart.

December Clean Up

Worked in the backyard today, trimming, pruning and raking up lots and lots and lots of leaves and decay. 

Tears From Heaven

 

Upon hearing of the sick and very sad news of today in Connecticut, I chose this picture that I took over the weekend at a beautiful and historical church graveyard in Jackson, Saint Sava Serbian Orthodox Church.  

I'm sure a lot of people are asking the question, "Why does God allow evil?" 

Baby It's Cold Outside

Love.

And this.

Herbert the Owl

Herbert enjoys comfy chairs.

I bought this print in San Francisco from Maggie Hurley on Sunday.  Isn't he adorable?  I'm going to crawl up in the attic to see if I can find my miniature easel to display it.  Maggie has the cutest artwork.  She's also written a couple of adorable children's books and she has another shop here. 
Here's some of her beautiful work:

Big Eyed Barn Owl: HERE

Goofy Ostrich: HERE

Pink Flamingo: HERE

Little Wren: HERE