Having the Deck Stained

 Now that the trees have been trimmed, it is time to stain the deck.  I hired a crew to sand it down, stain it, and put on a sealant that will protect it during the snow.  They started prepping this afternoon.

I am excited to see how it looks, once the work is complete!  I love the brown color that we chose.  It feels good to be getting the home maintenance done  for the cold season.  

I have been sitting by the fire reading library books.  Last night I watched "A River Runs Through It,"  directed by Robert Redford.  What a magnificent film!  It made me want to visit Montana.  The scenery is gorgeous!

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Had the DVD Player Repaired

 I have been living at the cabin for over a year now, and I finally had the DVD player in the sun room fixed.  I just couldn't get it working.  The man who came over to check it just changed a few cords in the back, and now it's good to go.  I am excited to watch a movie while sitting on the couch tonight.  It's going to be so comfortable!  I had been watching films up in the bedroom until now.  I am going to remove that t.v. and replace it with an antique lamp. 

I am reading one of Peter Walsh's books on decluttering, and it is really inspiring me.  He used to be one of my favorite guests on the  Oprah Winfrey show.  Each day I have been going through the seller's old belongings,  soring, cleaning, and boxing up and donating what I don't need or use.  The cabin feels entirely different now.  It's amazing how much larger a home feels when there is more space.  

The older I get, the less material possessions I want.  I do love comfortable furniture and gorgeous antique lamps.  I'm finding it easier to clean now, as well.  I am happy with my library books, yoga, nature walks, bike rides, and chats on the phone with friends.  

I met with my neighbor at the country club yesterday.  We sat by the lake, enjoyed a glass of wine, and had an amusing conversation.  I brought a real wine glass and some almonds.  It's a peaceful place to social distance and socialize.  There were only four people there.  

How are you doing?

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Ninety Trees Trimmed

Over the last few days I had ninety trees trimmed on my land.  Phew!  It looks so clean and beautiful now.  It's amazing how alive the property feels with all of that dead wood removed.  I stayed home and kept an eye on the workers.  It was exciting to see the men complete the contract.  They are very dedicated.

One of the pluses from all that trimming is  that I now have lots of firewood to burn this winter.  They stacked it neatly in piles for me.  I have been carrying it up to the cabin and  gazing at the  crackling flames each morning and evening.  I hung my mom's feminine lace curtains in the window next to the brick fireplace.  Flanked by a 1920's hand painted antique lamp, it is a really artistic look.  I just love the old styles.  I've never gotten into the modern decor that is popular now.  

The smaller branches were put into the chipper and spread as mulch.  The supervisor told me that my trees are healthier and greener than  many of the ones that they do, because I water and mulch them regularly.  It means extra time and effort, but is so worth it.  As I water in sections, I keep an eye on my trees and all that is happening.  That's important when you own land. 

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Paying Bills and Doing Chores

Today I cleaned up the front garden.  I pruned the roses, pulled out the dead, brown leaves on the purple irises, removed the dried sunflowers, and cut off the dead wood from the Meyer Lemon tree.  

Those little activities make such a difference in the garden.  I plan to trim off the brittle aloe vera stems and compost it all this afternoon.  I've been needing more browns for my pile, and now is the time!  The leaves are starting to fall, and they make an excellent nutritious mulch for the fruit trees.  

I paid my home insurance, a few utility bills, and carefully checked my most recent brokerage account statement.  I'm very happy how my dividend paying stocks have been performing.  They have been consistent and reliable.  What's happening with you?

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A Magical Getaway To Catalina, California

I just returned from a lovely holiday at the Wrigley Mansion.  It sits on the gorgeous island of Catalena, California.  The inn has been renamed Mt. Ada.  The classy historical charm of this comfortable bed and breakfast makes it a memorable treat. 

At 6:00 a.m. I dropped Lula off at the dog camp.  It was still dark outside.  I returned home, loaded up the car, and headed down the 405 freeway towards Long Beach.  Since  the virus hit, the traffic in Los Angeles has  been greatly reduced.  I arrived quickly and easily.  I found a spot in the long term parking lot, wrote down my space number on my ticket, and headed towards the lobby of the Catalena Express.  That's where you check in for the ferry ride.  You need reservations in advance.  They were fully booked.

Over the summer I had signed up for a special deal to celebrate my birthday.  They were offering  50% off the second night of your stay.  I had always wanted to visit Catalena and Avalon, so this was my golden opportunity.  I figured that I could drive there alone, maintain social distance and wear a mask on the ferry, and then sit outside on the terrace for meals.  We were situated above all of the congestion.  They only have six rooms at the hotel, and I met five other guests while I was there.  

The arrangement worked out beautifully.  Driving up to the hotel, my first glimpse of the mansion  took my breath away; it is so impressive!  The large, white electric gate swung open as we pulled through the driveway.  After enjoying a delicious lunch overlooking the water, I drove a high end golf cart, (which they provided,) down the steep, winding, narrow road through town and did some sightseeing.  The little shops and restaurants really still have the feel of old California.  There are no chain stores or fast food joints.  It's an enchanting getaway.  I can't wait to return.

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Dog Day at the Country Club

 Today was Dog Day at the country club.  Lula and I had a fantastic time.  It was so entertaining to watch all of the different dogs playing and swimming happily together in the lake.  It was really dog heaven.  There were tennis balls everywhere.  Lula was so excited and vocal.  She paddled like her life depended on it.  I was in the water with her until one of the dogs squatted and pooped.  I had made sure that Lula did her business before we got there.  They are draining the lake for the cold season after Dog Day, anyway.  Maybe I'll put a swimming hole in, up at my cabin.  Lula is such a water dog.  She didn't want to stop playing ball, and slept deeply during her long nap, after we arrived home.

While watering my pines and oaks, I chatted with my sweet neighbor about posting "No Trespassing" signs.  I put them at each entrance to my land when the evacuation warning hit.  I discussed some concerns with my insurance agent and he replied that the signs  do help.  The main thing is, you don't want a hazard, like a broken sprinkler on your property.  He said that the best thing you can do to prevent problems with suspicious individuals is to maintain the property.  That makes sense.

My neighbor mentioned  that she had seen some adults and kids walking on my land.  There have been some locals I know that have sneaked on it at times, too, but I caught them.  ( I have photographs.)  It's too bad that some people take advantage, but I'm prepared.  I don't let things slide when it comes to my safety, my home, or my animals.  It's so important to take the steps you need to take in life when your boundaries aren't being respected.  Documentation is everything.  My sweet neighbor is also a hard working woman who owns her own beautiful home.  She lives with her mom, who is one fabulous lady.  We stick together; she's really a great ally.   

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