A Spectacular Stay at the Simpson House Inn in Santa Barbara

 I just returned from a lovely one-night trip to Santa Barbara.  It's only ninety miles from my cottage, and is an easy trip.  There was very little traffic up the green and lush 126 and 101 freeways.  Upon arriving at the hotel, I was offered a glass of homemade lemonade and chocolate chip scones, (which were served with scrumptious clotted cream.)  The variety of teas was impressive.  I chose an herbal ginger blend.

This was the flagstone pathway to my room.  The artistic attention to detail is evident everywhere you look.   The plants and garden were in full bloom.   The Mediterranean climate in Santa Barbara is ideal for landscaping.

This was the view from my balcony.  A couple I met who were from Pasadena told me that they love to lay out on these lounge chairs and read.  The canopy of the mature oak trees provides protection and shade.   The comfortable and high-end lawn furniture made me feel like I was at home in a castle.

This was where I sat for breakfast this morning.  The velvety red roses, sterling silver sugar dish, crackling fire, and floral view made it just charming.  The food was superb: fresh berries and banana slices, homemade pastries, granola made in their kitchen, and a hot entree.  I just ordered spinach, since I don't eat eggs.  It was delightful.  The coffee was amazing!  I lit up after taking the first sip.  At the Simpson House Inn they do everything perfectly.  Be sure to call the hotel directly if you want to visit.  

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The Daffodils are in Bloom

 

Yesterday I dragged the hose up the mountain and watered the irises, tulips, daffodils, roses and herbs.  I fed the flowers some organic Tiger Bloom plant food, hoping to help them along from the snowy winter we experienced.  This morning I was pleasantly surprised to see the daffodils had sprung open and were vibrantly colored.  Plants are so responsive to care.

I charged the weed whacker and got a head start on the grassy areas, before they become overgrown.  My machine uses an electric cartridge.  The power lasts about forty-five minutes.  I will continue to work the land in pieces until the weeding is finished.  

It's thrilling and rewarding to see the first flowers of the season.  Spring is really here.  The birds have been zooming around in pairs.  The juveniles are taking dust baths and building nests.  They seem excited and energetic.  The robins have been eating worms and bugs from the soil.  I get the sense that they feel safe and secure here, with all of the trees, food, and shelter.  

How was your weekend?

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Cutting Back the Front Garden

 

My front garden has been springing to life as the weather is becoming warmer.  I have been busy pulling weeds, trimming branches, removing dead wood, and planting.  I dug this fragrant citrusy smelling yellow rose into the soil today.  The earth is wet, rich and black.  I found some healthy earthworms wriggling in the ground.  They help us so much, aerating and feeding the dirt with their waste.

The straw mulch really kept the weeds from sprouting, and it also has helped to hold in the moisture.  I am replenishing the mulch around the fruit trees.  They are filled with buds that are ready to burst!

I bought a Hibiscus and Lavender plant.  They are both in full sun.  I'm hoping to make tea with the Hibiscus flowers.  Mine are yellow.  This recent rain has made it so much easier for us to garden again in California.  Our neighborhood is on a list to receive a grant which will upgrade our water system.  If it goes through, we will have new pipes and our own meters.  What a relief!

Have you planted anything new this year?

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Cruising From Your Home City

 

If you happen to live near a cruise port, taking a cruise from your home city can save you money, time, and stress.  You don't need to book a flight or worry about it being late of canceled, and you can drive yourself to the port and park in long term parking.

I did just that a couple of weeks ago, on the Norwegian Bliss.  I found an affordable deal on a balcony room, and decided to cruise to Mexico for some sunshine and rest.  I needed a break after all of that snow shoveling last month.  

NCL did not disappoint.  The food was divine, I enjoyed the Vibe Beach Club, and Jersey Boys was spectacular.  The ship was completely full, so I used Vibe for a private sunbathing and jacuzzi experience.  I noticed that there were still plenty of deck chairs available near the pool, though.  

I checked out an engrossing book on Alaska from the ship's library.  Reading is so relaxing.  As always, Cagney's was my favorite specialty restaurant.  I love the filet mignon, creamed spinach, and bread.  Because of the dangers in Mexico, I didn't get off the ship.  There was plenty to do onboard; I entered the Miss Biceps contest, went to the gym, did yoga in my room, knit a pair of pink socks, walked the track, and swam in the saltwater pool. 

After disembarking, I drove home on the 405 freeway, and was on the couch, in the living room by 9:30 a.m.  A very convenient journey. 

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Watching The Sunrise

One of my favorite rituals is to sit by the window each morning, sip a mug of coffee, and watch the sunrise.  It is steady, reliable, and the colors of the sky are always different.  The backdrop of mountains and trees make it even more beautiful.  I enjoy the discipline of rising before dawn.  Before heading upstairs to bed at night, I set up the copper tea kettle, French press, and grind the coffee beans.  I add cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, nutmeg and cloves to the grounds.  

What's your coffee or tea ritual?

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