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Being Honest With Money

Today I stopped at a local fruit stand that I frequent this time of year.  It's located between my cabin and the cottage.  There is one woman who is always working there, by herself.  I bought two baskets of pluots, and one large one filled with sweet, white nectarines.  The quality of their fruit is always superb, and they don't use any sprays.

The total came to $16.25.  I gave her $21.25, so that she wouldn't have to use up her singles.  She handed me back a ten dollar bill, looking slightly confused.  I gave it back to her, and explained that she only owed me five dollars.  She looked extremely relieved and a bit panicked and gasped, "God bless you."

I could tell that she was surprised that I didn't just keep the money.  I would never do that; I know better.  A lot of people these days get confused when making change.  We learned and practiced it in school.  I was trying to help her, but it kind of threw her off for a minute.  I smiled at her and nodded. "God bless you, too," I answered.  She is a hard working lady running a needed and wonderful small business.

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Bus Tour, Avalon, Catalina Island

Reading About Catalina Island

This morning I received two lovely photos of Catalina in my email box  from my friend Anita.  She comments here regularly.  It turns out she and her husband stayed at Mt. Ada Bed and Breakfast in 2013.  It's under new ownership now.  These pictures show the breathtaking view from their balcony.  She gave me permission to use them on my blog.  What an enchanting place!   It seems to have such an old Hollywood feel. 

It's exciting to find getaways near you  that are such jewels.  Long Beach is just an hour's drive from my house.  From there, it's a twenty mile trip on the Catalina Express to the island.  I read a lovely book about living there today called, Living In Avalon:What It's Like to Live on Catalina Island.  It's by Tiffanie Edwards.  I ordered the Kindle version on Amazon.  It instantly appeared on the Kindle that I inherited from my mom.  As my dad said, "She used that thing every day."  (especially at the end of her life.)  It was a quick and enjoyable read, and put me in the best mood!  I think planning a vacation and looking forward to it is half the fun.  How about you?

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Tempted To Travel

moon flowers are in bloom

Today I spent some time on tripadvisor reading reviews about  Catalina Island, California.  I have always wanted to go there.  I decided to make arrangements to take a short trip for my birthday.  That way prices will be low.  Right now, they are at their peak.

baby pomegranates

I researched Mt. Ada, which is the Wrigley mansion.  It looks stupendous!  I would rather stay one night in a charming, historic,  high end hotel than spend several days in a motel.  All year I cook my meals at home. I so  look forward to eating out  a few times in quality restaurants.  I adore fine dining.  The view from the balcony looks unforgettable.  I can't wait!

The town of Avilon seems so quaint.  It reminds me of the Mediterranean.  I had hoped to travel to Spain again this year, but will explore California, instead.  I am so fortunate to live here.  I plan to watch some movies that were filmed in Catalina.  The Youtube videos really get me exited about going.

Do you have any travel plans?  Will you stay local, too?

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I Stained the New Back Door

Today I pushed myself to do something new  and stained the unfinished replacement back door.  It was pretty easy, and I actually enjoyed doing it.  I am not that confident with painting.  In the past I have not been happy with my work.  It looked amateurish and there were some drips.  I think the key is to not put too much material on the brush.  You  can always go back over it.  I also dabbed the heavier spots with a rag.  That worked well.

I completed one coat on the front and the back.  This door is a reproduction of the original one.  I really love it.  It goes with the house.  I have some sealer that I will apply after it dries thoroughly.  I may apply another coat of stain first, since there is plenty left in the container. 

It is a huge relief to have this done.  I had been procrastinating on it, and that made me feel guilty and upset.  Doing what needs to be done is so healthy for our minds and spirits.

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The Earthing Movie: The Remarkable Science of Grounding (full documentary)

Less Stuff

another lovely front garden and cabin in Wrightwood

After bagging things up for the termite tenting, I realized that I had accumulated some clutter.  I am conscientious  about using leftovers, yet still found some small, smelly jars of unrecognizable liquid pushed to  the back of the fridge. What a relief it was to get it all cleaned out and organized. 


The workers finished replacing a board on the chicken coop, and they artfully hung the new back door.  It looks just like the original, without the termite damage.  (which was severe.)   I had the gas man come to relight all of the appliances.  I had to hire a plumber replace the original gas line, because it contained a small leak.

baby persimmon in the backyard orchard

Everything is now working again, and I heaved a huge sigh of relief over  having the termites gone.  Next, I need to stain the door and replace the front fence, which is sagging.   The cottage feels much happier and brighter.   Home improvement is so rewarding.

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Floating On A Raft At The Lake

the office, snack bar and gym are little cabins

 
The country club membership has been such a gift this year.  I am so thankful that my name was pulled as a new member.  It's  the perfect location to hang out in the summer.  I love spending a few hours a day there.  The kids seem so relaxed and happy.

As I was walking down the shady street, I noticed that some of the homes have a cherry tree or two planted in the front garden.  They are really spectacular looking.  Something about the colors with the pine trees and mountain backdrop really go well together. 

This majestic old home has a gorgeous stone wall built in front; I always admire it.  I have uncovered pieces of this same rose quartz on my property.  The color is so unusual and pale.  I love how it looks as a wall.

As you approach the country club, the tennis courts come into view.  The mountains and trees provide heavenly surroundings for the tennis players.  

I tried using my bicycle pump to blow up my raft at the lake, but was unsuccessful.  A few kind people attempted to help me, but it didn't work.  I decided to just inflate it  the old fashioned way, blowing it up with my mouth and lungs.  It didn't take long, and sunbathing on the float was very enjoyable.  The weather was perfect.  I took a short swim, too.  Once home, I warmed up with a hot bath and a cup of freshly brewed Italian Roast coffee.  The views out on the deck were pristine.  Mountain life suits me.  Where are you happiest?

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Baby Chili Peppers and Other Garden Treasures

feverfew, a fairy plant

This morning I cut back some of the plants in my garden that had gotten a bit wild.  I trimmed the red rose geraniums, pruned the locust tree and snipped off the dead feverfew flowers. 

the sunflowers are getting strong and tall

All of that is now piled on the compost heap.  I dug a hole in the middle of it and dropped in my melon rinds, coffee grounds, carrots peels and other produce discards that I had collected in a tupperware container.  I really think that compost and mulch makes a huge difference in the garden.  Everything is so green!

I went searching for a small chili pepper plant that I put in the ground last month.  At first I thought that the rabbits had chewed it to the ground.  But then, hiding behind the four o'clocks, I found it!  I was amazed to see that some tiny fruits had formed.  They are so special.  I love their shape.  I am thrilled. 

There is something magical about growing a variety of food that you have never grown.  It brings out the child in us.

How is your garden doing?  (if you have one.)

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Finally! Success With Tomatoes

there are over fifteen tomatoes on this one compact plant

 
This is the first time in twenty years of gardening that I have had an abundance of fruit appear  on a tomato plant.  As the joke goes, I was one of those hopeful gardeners that grew a single, $14.00 tomato.  It always depressed me, and I didn't know why I had such a difficult time with this popular plant. 

After a few attempts, I stopped trying.  I stuck to growing things that  did well: hollyhocks, pumpkins, citrus, zucchini and herbs.  Deep down, though, I still really longed to grow tomatoes, like the ones in Italy.  I don't even know the name of this variety.  I threw away the tag after planting it, assuming I would fail again.  I bought it at the Tractor Supply shop, right after the virus hit.  This, a single pepper plant, several packets of organic Seeds of Change vegetable seeds and seven more fruit trees. 

I think part of the reason my three rose bushes  and lone tomato plant did well this year is that I piled  straw mulch on the soil before the rain.  It attracted loads of red wiggler worms.  I have fed the plants compost tea once a week, and reapplied the straw mulch after it decreased.  It keeps the soil cool and moist. 

healthy green leaves and sunlight

Sometimes when you least expect it, what you've wanted will creep up on you, unexpected.  It took me years and years to break into some of the shows that I really had a desire to do.  I continued to audition, and didn't give up.  When the timing is right, things happen easily.   Your heart's desire can come true.  Sometimes it's the little things that bring us the most contentment and sense of reward.  Do you grow tomatoes?

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Exhausted From the Protests and Violence

I meant to read all of my favorite blogs today and comment, but I am just too drained.  This week has been so intense.  After all of the fear and death spreading with Covid, seeing the brutality and craziness in the past seven days has sent many people over the edge.

A friend of mine posted a page of Mr. Floyd's last words.  It was heartbreaking to read.  He knew he was going to die.  I hope and pray that some good comes of all this pandemonium.  The damage and danger really alarms me.   I am especially concerned for the children.  Still, I have kept up my daily yoga, meditation and prayers, which keep me calm and bring me peace.  Daily bike rides with Lula and swimming in the mountain lake has been incredibly healing and relaxing, too. 

I spent most of today cleaning the cabin.  I used boiling hot water on a clean rag, paired with  my homemade liquid soap.  It worked really well.  It's safe, non toxic, inexpensive and easy.   I was impressed with the results.  Yesterday I volunteered at our co-op to help the cleanup crew.  They use a bleach solution, and I just can't be around those chemicals anymore.  For hours afterward my eyes were stinging, and my throat felt irritated.  I have cleaned with baking soda, Borax, and white vinegar for years.  The Borax is excellent on hard water stains.  It did wonders on my kitchen sink this morning.

Today I watched an interesting movie on a DVD called Downsizing.  It really amused me.  Matt Damon was excellent, and so likeable.  The story was timely, as it involved some people in a cult reacting to a pandemic type situation.  It reminded me of Waco, Texas, and David Koresh.  It was an entertaining way to spend part of the afternoon.  I also finished knitting my first sock for my friend in Minneapolis.  I just need to stitch together the toe.  I used electric blue yarn that I was given by a woman from Scotland that used to attend one of my knitting groups.

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Supporting Small Businesses

It has been heartbreaking to watch the video footage of the rioting and looting that is raging in our country.  I sigh at the destruction and how it will backfire, financially.  Insurance premiums will go through the roof.  They are already sky high due to the fires.  The people who can least afford it will have the hardest time. 

Today I read an encouraging story about donations pouring in from all over the world for one  of the business owners of a martial arts studio in Newport Beach.  It is heartwarming to see the support that people are giving to those who have experienced this extreme damage and violent devastation.

I am making arrangements with local tradesmen to have the work needed done on my house.  I am happy that they are still working, and  enjoy writing a check to them for their services.  It makes me feel relieved to know that the money I pay them will help them to buy groceries, gas and supplies.

Today I mopped the floors and fed the plants in the front garden.  I still need to get back to knitting, but have been very busy growing food and cooking.  I will comment on  your blogs soon; I apologize for the delay. 

Thank you for your comments.  They add so much talent and energy to the blog.  Please comment in English.  I'm sorry, but comments with links will not be published.  If you enjoy the posts here, please share them.  Comments may take a few days to appear; they are moderated. 

Good Fortune

Yesterday I received a phone call from one of the ladies that runs the country club.  Each year in May they hold a lottery. They draw names to pick the new members.  It's a small place, and very popular with the locals.  My name was picked, and I am now a full fledged member!  I received my key card for the security gate.

This morning I got there early and took a refreshing swim.  I rode my bicycle from the cabin, and parked it at the bike rack near the office.  I packed some beef jerky, fruit and water,  and brought warm hand knit clothes, since the lake is cold and stimulating.  I love the charge our bodies get  from the chilly, fresh water.

I took a short walk on the hiking trail.  The views are exquisite.  I will have to take more photos for you.  I ran out of storage on my ipad again.  It's hard for me to part with my pictures.

I had the lake to myself!  I swam with the tadpoles.  The snow melt feels amazing.  It makes your body tingle.  What a relief to feel so relaxed and one with nature.  There is another nearby lake that just opened.  I was afraid it would be closed, due to the pandemic.  I am still wearing a mask and keeping my distance from others.  I may also buy a kayak and explore the larger lake, too.  It's near a public campsite.  There is so much to enjoy  in these mountains.  I am so happy that I found the cabin.  It has been a calming refuge during many stressful times.

Have you been swimming yet?

Thank you for your comments.  They add so much talent and energy to the blog.  Please comment in English.  I'm sorry, but comments with links will not be published.  If you enjoy the posts here, please share them.  Comments may take a few days to appear; they are moderated.