Thursday, March 17, 2011
Where does time go?
2011 hummm.... March even... it's been busy and mostly good. So many blessings! But disappointments too. Mostly smooth and easy but some bumps along the way. 2009 until now has brought losses and changes to so many. A tough time. Are things going to get better? maybe for some of us. Poor Japan and it sounds like troubles for our whole environment. I hate Nuclear Power! It's like living with a BOMB in your living room! Not sure what all I wanted to write but felt I should make some comment or put some thoughts down since it's been awhile. Maybe it will be the start of something more....
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Venura Road Trip May 27 09
Santa Barbara Living on a shoestring – May 28, 2009
This week I’ve been on a ‘staycation’. A very popular way to enjoy time off. I love to be a tour guide wherever I live. I enjoy showing visitors and friends the uniqueness of the area and surrounding landscape. Many friends and family rely on me to plan activities and I like sharing the cheap and fun places I’ve discovered. Also I like keeping a record of what a day in the life of a single, mature, women looks like. Not sure anyone will care in the whole scheme of things but it gives this childless, spouseless gal a sense that she might do something worth remembering.
A dear friend, Dee on Wednesday gathers an ‘older’ group of want-a-be volleyball players together at East Beach for a lively romp around the sand court. Wednesday there were 6 of us: Dee, Cindy, Dan, Dave, Sam and me. It was my first time and I’m terribly out of shape but they are a kind group and really not much more skilled then myself. They definely more skinnier than me! Running around in sand levels the playing field! It was a gray May day but that probably served us better. For 2 hours, we volleyed, rolled and laughed together all in good fun.
Finally our growling stomachs got our attention and a meal was needed. Cheap. A hamburger seemed to be a common need. And what better place than, The Habit on Milpas. It was only about 11am but we were a little concerned about the ‘rush’ we might encounter. A popular lunch place with limited parking, we timed it perfectly! I love the Teriyaki Burger, the Albacore Tuna was a popular choice among the group too. Some had salad and some went for the fries- and were willing to share the abundant amount. My burger, salad and small tea cost less than $9! Wahoo! The sun was still not shining but we were all in a sunny disposition.
I headed home for a hot shower and clean up before meeting up with Dee at 2:30 for our road trip to Ventura. Dee had never had a chance to explore the jewel of San Buenventura (or Ventura for short) in the 3 years she had been here so we decide, it would be a fun quick ‘Road Trip’. Love those Road Trips! The sun finally poked its head out, the open road, the ocean – a winning combination!
The Universe also speaks in interesting ways to us. You just have to listen. Dee has a friend that is moving soon to Northern California. She was in need of Silverfish killer and had found a hardware store in Ventura that had just what she wanted. She heard Dee and I were headed there and asked us to run by and pick up her order. Sounded easy and it was! I even picked up some ‘killer’ for me. Those pesky silverfish had been appearing around my place too.
Avenue Hardware is on Ventura Blvd and is a small but packed little ancient hardware store. 4 Hawaiian shirted guys were hanging about and were eager to help us out. In fact, they gave us the best piece of advice of the day! Go to dinner at My Florist! More about that later.
Next we headed to Main Street, Ventura. We found a perfect 2 hr parking space near two of my favorite shops: Blue Moon and LeMonde. Great inexpensive fun clothing stores. Blue Moon is a discount store and I have found tops (Hot Cotton) my ‘large’ size in the past. Most of the items are for the smaller/medium build. They have shoes, jewelry and purses, too. Many items under $20-25.
LeMonde is down the street less than a block and they have a bigger space with more higher -priced items. But there is a uniqueness I love about the styles they offer. They also have dressy dresses. Prom or cocktail dresses and accessories to go with them. The gal that owns the store is fun to talk with and understands the value of a bargain!
Ventura has good eats too. We decided a stop at Ben & Jerry’s was in order. I had a Coconut Bar ice cream cone to die for! I think I might be hooked! Dee had cookie dough, with a chocolate rimmed sugar cone. We sat out on their patio and enjoyed the sun and people walking by. Next , we moseyed down Main. Looking in the windows and doorways of book, clothing, antique and home furnishing stores.
Now it was time for a coffee break. Palermo’s in the 300 block of Main was the ideal spot. Inviting and with lots of chatty people. In fact, it was a buzzing place and there were even quite a few age appropriate males with their laptops and coffees in hand. You could tell that many were regulars. Sat for a bit and relaxed even more.
It was cooling off so decided to wander back to our car and motor around Ventura a bit. We left the heart of downtown by way of the Pier. A great spot too! Drove along Harbor Blvd down to the Harbor. So many boats. Who owns these???Why aren’t they out in the ocean? I know a gal that has lived on her small boat in that Harbor for many years. What a lovely idea! But for me an idea only!
One of my favorite stops in the harbor is Margaritevilla which looked to be having some renovations going on. It a terrific place to enjoy a Margarita and a sunset. We will give it a try on another day.
We drove further south on Harbor toward Channel Island Harbor. Dee was wondering what was so special – the big electric plant by McGrath State Park – yuck! But a short piece later – A big improvement! The development past Wooley road is amazing and lovely. I love the canals at Mandalay Bay! What a great place to live! It’s a bit off the beaten path but hey! A super place to chill! We looped around to Victoria and then to Gonzales back to Harbor. Lots of great places and a lovely spot to call home. We took Harbor to Seaward and then back to Main. Heading in the late afternoon sun back into the heart of downtown.
Our final stop – dinner at My Florist! I fell in love with this wine bar, café and bakery! An open modern deco with a huge grand piano. They offer music most nights. Didn't notice any flowers so not sure where the name came from and I guess it didn't matter to me. The wait staff was attentive but not intrusive. Love those waiters that always seem to wander if all is ok right in the middle of an intense conversation. Not the case here. They offer a nice list of wines and you can even take the unfinished bottle home! I’ve not turned into a Wine lover yet. But many of my friends are. I ordered the Sangria – yummy!
For dinner, Dee had French Onion soup and I had the Butternut Squash soup. Dee had the crab cakes and I the Brie Salad. We shared and the Brie Salad was a super hit. All items were very tasty. I’m not a salad person but it had some key ingredients I simple love and couldn’t resist. First, Brie! blackberries, caramelized pears and smoked almonds with raspberry vinerette. We thought we could do this at home but hey –why? The atmosphere and price made it more doable there! (I always prefer eating out and having someone wait on me!)
We reluctantly needed to head back to SB and asked for our bill - $46. Not bad! Since it was our first visit and they are known for their bakery, we each got a free loaf of bread! I took the Olive bread and Dee took the Onion. What a nice surprise and gift! My Florist is at 76 S Oak – a must! Tell them Kathy and Dee sent you!
We headed back north on the 101. We could have seen a lovely sunset but didn’t. We could have seen Channel Islands but didn’t – Did it matter? Nope! It had been a super afternoon! We were home by 8pm!
Until the next ‘road trip’, explore your neighborhood!
PS. Just found out – Road Trip to Santa Monica tomorrow!
Check more about Ventura at www.ventura-usa.com
This week I’ve been on a ‘staycation’. A very popular way to enjoy time off. I love to be a tour guide wherever I live. I enjoy showing visitors and friends the uniqueness of the area and surrounding landscape. Many friends and family rely on me to plan activities and I like sharing the cheap and fun places I’ve discovered. Also I like keeping a record of what a day in the life of a single, mature, women looks like. Not sure anyone will care in the whole scheme of things but it gives this childless, spouseless gal a sense that she might do something worth remembering.
A dear friend, Dee on Wednesday gathers an ‘older’ group of want-a-be volleyball players together at East Beach for a lively romp around the sand court. Wednesday there were 6 of us: Dee, Cindy, Dan, Dave, Sam and me. It was my first time and I’m terribly out of shape but they are a kind group and really not much more skilled then myself. They definely more skinnier than me! Running around in sand levels the playing field! It was a gray May day but that probably served us better. For 2 hours, we volleyed, rolled and laughed together all in good fun.
Finally our growling stomachs got our attention and a meal was needed. Cheap. A hamburger seemed to be a common need. And what better place than, The Habit on Milpas. It was only about 11am but we were a little concerned about the ‘rush’ we might encounter. A popular lunch place with limited parking, we timed it perfectly! I love the Teriyaki Burger, the Albacore Tuna was a popular choice among the group too. Some had salad and some went for the fries- and were willing to share the abundant amount. My burger, salad and small tea cost less than $9! Wahoo! The sun was still not shining but we were all in a sunny disposition.
I headed home for a hot shower and clean up before meeting up with Dee at 2:30 for our road trip to Ventura. Dee had never had a chance to explore the jewel of San Buenventura (or Ventura for short) in the 3 years she had been here so we decide, it would be a fun quick ‘Road Trip’. Love those Road Trips! The sun finally poked its head out, the open road, the ocean – a winning combination!
The Universe also speaks in interesting ways to us. You just have to listen. Dee has a friend that is moving soon to Northern California. She was in need of Silverfish killer and had found a hardware store in Ventura that had just what she wanted. She heard Dee and I were headed there and asked us to run by and pick up her order. Sounded easy and it was! I even picked up some ‘killer’ for me. Those pesky silverfish had been appearing around my place too.
Avenue Hardware is on Ventura Blvd and is a small but packed little ancient hardware store. 4 Hawaiian shirted guys were hanging about and were eager to help us out. In fact, they gave us the best piece of advice of the day! Go to dinner at My Florist! More about that later.
Next we headed to Main Street, Ventura. We found a perfect 2 hr parking space near two of my favorite shops: Blue Moon and LeMonde. Great inexpensive fun clothing stores. Blue Moon is a discount store and I have found tops (Hot Cotton) my ‘large’ size in the past. Most of the items are for the smaller/medium build. They have shoes, jewelry and purses, too. Many items under $20-25.
LeMonde is down the street less than a block and they have a bigger space with more higher -priced items. But there is a uniqueness I love about the styles they offer. They also have dressy dresses. Prom or cocktail dresses and accessories to go with them. The gal that owns the store is fun to talk with and understands the value of a bargain!
Ventura has good eats too. We decided a stop at Ben & Jerry’s was in order. I had a Coconut Bar ice cream cone to die for! I think I might be hooked! Dee had cookie dough, with a chocolate rimmed sugar cone. We sat out on their patio and enjoyed the sun and people walking by. Next , we moseyed down Main. Looking in the windows and doorways of book, clothing, antique and home furnishing stores.
Now it was time for a coffee break. Palermo’s in the 300 block of Main was the ideal spot. Inviting and with lots of chatty people. In fact, it was a buzzing place and there were even quite a few age appropriate males with their laptops and coffees in hand. You could tell that many were regulars. Sat for a bit and relaxed even more.
It was cooling off so decided to wander back to our car and motor around Ventura a bit. We left the heart of downtown by way of the Pier. A great spot too! Drove along Harbor Blvd down to the Harbor. So many boats. Who owns these???Why aren’t they out in the ocean? I know a gal that has lived on her small boat in that Harbor for many years. What a lovely idea! But for me an idea only!
One of my favorite stops in the harbor is Margaritevilla which looked to be having some renovations going on. It a terrific place to enjoy a Margarita and a sunset. We will give it a try on another day.
We drove further south on Harbor toward Channel Island Harbor. Dee was wondering what was so special – the big electric plant by McGrath State Park – yuck! But a short piece later – A big improvement! The development past Wooley road is amazing and lovely. I love the canals at Mandalay Bay! What a great place to live! It’s a bit off the beaten path but hey! A super place to chill! We looped around to Victoria and then to Gonzales back to Harbor. Lots of great places and a lovely spot to call home. We took Harbor to Seaward and then back to Main. Heading in the late afternoon sun back into the heart of downtown.
Our final stop – dinner at My Florist! I fell in love with this wine bar, café and bakery! An open modern deco with a huge grand piano. They offer music most nights. Didn't notice any flowers so not sure where the name came from and I guess it didn't matter to me. The wait staff was attentive but not intrusive. Love those waiters that always seem to wander if all is ok right in the middle of an intense conversation. Not the case here. They offer a nice list of wines and you can even take the unfinished bottle home! I’ve not turned into a Wine lover yet. But many of my friends are. I ordered the Sangria – yummy!
For dinner, Dee had French Onion soup and I had the Butternut Squash soup. Dee had the crab cakes and I the Brie Salad. We shared and the Brie Salad was a super hit. All items were very tasty. I’m not a salad person but it had some key ingredients I simple love and couldn’t resist. First, Brie! blackberries, caramelized pears and smoked almonds with raspberry vinerette. We thought we could do this at home but hey –why? The atmosphere and price made it more doable there! (I always prefer eating out and having someone wait on me!)
We reluctantly needed to head back to SB and asked for our bill - $46. Not bad! Since it was our first visit and they are known for their bakery, we each got a free loaf of bread! I took the Olive bread and Dee took the Onion. What a nice surprise and gift! My Florist is at 76 S Oak – a must! Tell them Kathy and Dee sent you!
We headed back north on the 101. We could have seen a lovely sunset but didn’t. We could have seen Channel Islands but didn’t – Did it matter? Nope! It had been a super afternoon! We were home by 8pm!
Until the next ‘road trip’, explore your neighborhood!
PS. Just found out – Road Trip to Santa Monica tomorrow!
Check more about Ventura at www.ventura-usa.com
Thursday, January 29, 2009
New Orleans Here I come!
Vacation time!!! I'm headed to NO Feb 5th-14th! I get to hang with my Mom! Even at 58 I still become the kid when I hang with my Mom. Though many times now days I think I'm the adult and she's the kid :) That is fine as we all need to remember the kid in us. Do something every day that makes you feel like a kid. Recently I tried do a Hula Hoop! I use to be good at it but I've lost it along the way. I think the hoop was too small so now I'm looking for a Giant hoop to give it a try again. One thing about the hoop is you shouldn't break an arm or a leg. I get anxious about activities that I could break something. I've never had a broken bone and I sure don't want one now! Now did I get on this subject? Oh the wandering mind! It will be lovely giving my mind a vacation... hope it doesn't lead to breaking anything!
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Jan 6 09
We have had such beautiful days! It does get cool in the evenings but the days are FAB! Too bad I've been inside so much, WORKING! Because of the ecomonic times our compnay is offering shorter work weeks if we want them. I'd love to go to 36 hrs a week but not sure yet now to make that work. I'm 'thinkin' on it! I've started making woven purses again. I usually 'gift' them but I might be able to sell a few. I do like 'crafting' - But I do need to move around more so I did some exercises last night watching TV. I tried Hula Hooping and I still can't keep it going. I'm going to keep trying! I use to do it when I was younger and I can't see why I can't do it again. I'll be so glad when my heel is well and I can walk and dance. I saw a fun band at Cold Springs Tavern called Studio C. It turned out to be a good way to spend the Sunday evening.
That's all for today!
That's all for today!
Monday, December 29, 2008
Dec 29 08
Well, it's back to work! The Holiday was lovely! Didn't do very much. Just relaxed and nursed this silly cold. Reading the 3rd book in the Stephanie Meyer series. Also, I rearranged my front room and I love it! Wish I would have done it this way a long time ago. I moved my huge bookcase in front on the picture windoe to beside the stairs and now I have more light in my place. Can't wait to have company :)
Len called today and it was so warm he was able to sit out on the patio with out a shirt. Crazy Weather! It's beautiful here today. Should be good tomorrow also.
Len called today and it was so warm he was able to sit out on the patio with out a shirt. Crazy Weather! It's beautiful here today. Should be good tomorrow also.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Christmas 2008
Merry Chrismas Everyone! It's been a wonderful one! Hoping yours has been also. Rain but not snow - yeah! Looking forward to 2009!
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