Chase Away Winter Darkness

CHASE AWAY WINTER DARKNESS WITH THESE INTERIOR COLORS

http://bit.ly/17Qnsan

Can't Wait for You To Wake Up!

Here's "Snowflake" ... waiting for someone to wake up!

Rancho Palos Verdes

While at the Coldwell Banker Previews International Retreat last month at the beautiful Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes, we went on a tour of some homes for sale.

Inspiring Morning

On the way to the gym early last week ... the sky was particularly beautiful!  It was inspiring.

Property Sales Statistics in Rancho Santa Fe

Here's what's happening in "Property Sales in Rancho Santa Fe, CA" for the last few years ... ending August, 2013.  I hope you'll find this information interesting and informative.

Full Moon Rising

- Over the Atlantic - my first night back in RI in a while. Perfect
summer night.

My First Lobster Salad Back East

The first of many, according to my plans!  In the background you can
see sailboats docked- a sign of summer back home in RI.

Torrey Pines Cliffs

The fascinating geological wonders of the Torrey Pines cliffs. Note the fissures on the cliff face that will soon break away. That is why you only walk along the beach at low tide - to avoid the cliffs.

This is one happy cactus.

This is one happy cactus. One bloom is typical, but looks like I'll have a whole crown of blossoms!

My New Mode of Transportation

Here I am ... riding my "New Mode of Transportation" with Jackson looking on!

I was lucky enough to win these "wheels" at the recent Annual Coldwell Banker Golf Tournament "Silent Auction" which supports many of San Diego's local charities.
Yea! Me!

"LITTLE RICHARD" AS A CHILD....ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!

This is unbelievable....he was only about 4 years old. For those of you that are old enough to remember him ........Little Richard!!! You have to see this! Watch how he uses his fists and elbows and doesn't even look at the keys when he sings! This is amazing to see... It's Richard Wayne Penniman (aka Little Richard) about fifteen years before "Tutti Frutti, Oh, Rudy...."A-whop bop-a-lu bop a-whop bam boom
Here is some very rare footage of "Little Richard" as a child, when he was just starting out in the music biz'... From a movie with Van Johnson ... http://www.wimp.com/oldschool

St. Anthony ... I'm A True Believer!

Recently I had the terrible feeling of having lost my day timer (aka bible).  I looked all around and couldn't find it.  A friend of mine gave me this prayer to help me find it. So I kept repeating it again and again.  Sure enough, it turned up!  I found it the next morning - safe and sound! 

It works on anything lost!!  You just keep repeating it. 

 

Here it is:

 

St. Anthony, St. Anthony,

Turn yourself around.

Something has been lost that now must be found.

Help me find my [whatever it is you lost] - in this case, my day timer.

 

About a week later my husband misplaced something at the office, and I told him to repeat this prayer.  Sure enough - this important document turned up!

 

Needless to say, I am now a true believer!

#3 - In My Garden Series

Heleborus

Euyonimus Japonica Variegated

#2 - In My Garden Series

Agave Parryii Truncata 

Aeonium Kiwi

In My Garden Series -1

  Agave Hybrid - perhaps my favorite in my garden.

 

Aeonium Sunburst - sunshine in the garden.

 

 

 

The Coolest Golf Shoes Ever! - Dorky Golf Shoes Series

Now in 2013 the golf shoes are beginning to look like athletic shoes. So why not go all out and get flaming orange and silver golf shoes? Works for me! I even have an outfit to match! Am I cool or what?!

Dorky Golf Shoe Series

WALTER GENUINE – These were the coolest golf shoe a few years back – thought I could wear them on the street, as well as the golf course. Terribly expensive, and not that comfortable. (Rated Medium on the Dork-O-Meter!)

Dorky Golf Shoe Series

 

BLACK SLIP-ON’s WITH PERFORATIONS – Guess I needed to get away from the oxford-style, so I chose these oh-so-comfortable Italian golfers. Terribly expensive, and not that comfortable. (Rated Medium on the Dork-O-Meter!)

Dorky Golf Shoe Series

BLACK & WHITE ROUND-TOED OXFORDS – bought these on a very smoky day up in Banff at a pro shop, while the fires raged not too far away! Must not have been able to see too clearly! But they felt good. (Rated high on the Dork-O-Meter!)

Dorky Golf Shoes Series

SILVER OXFORDS - What was I thinking? Bought these on sale at a pro shop near Silverton, Colorado. Obviously, it was the silver mines nearby that steered me towards these - they are awfully comfortable.

Constitution USA

Two weeks ago this series started – Constitution USA – on KPBS.  Peter Sagal of NPR Radio’s  humorous “Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me”, has a quest to cover the US riding his American-made, patriotic red-white-and-blue Harley Davidson to discover what the Constitution means to Americans in all walks of life around the country.  It is on Tuesday nights on KPBS at 9p.m.  It’s humorous, it’s poignant, and it’s enlightening.  Well worth the hour sitting in front of the TV!

In My Garden

 

My All-Time Favorite

This is a hybrid agave.  It's a slow-grower, and it's almost bullet proof in its care.  I just love the soft 2-tone leaves and the purple, very sharp, spikes at the ends.  It just gives me a lot of pleasure - it's so beautiful.

One of my goals for my garden is to have as many different agaves as I can find. It's a fun quest!   

Graceful Beauty

 

This is a Helleborus, a lovely, softly-colored perennial that has been in the same pot on my east-facing veranda for years.  It grows slowly, and it blooms for months at a time.

The Prettiest Hens and Chicks

 

This time of year, I am anxious to be outside in my garden.  I want to share with you some of my favorite succulents growing in my drought-tolerant garden.  My favorite 'hens and chicks' is called Sempervivum Calcareum".  I love the bluey-green leaves with the purple tips.

Jackson is going to get that balloon which is much too close for his comfort!

John F. Kennedy rose in my garden - April 2013

Beautiful Rose!

I used to have 28 rose bushes, but since I garden only organically, I

could not keep up with their care, so I am down to only 8 beautiful

bushes. Right outside my living room windows.  The rest of my garden

is now primarily agaves, with some other succulents.

Ohmmmmmmm......

Last weekend I went to my yoga teacher’s annual Yoga Retreat held in Ojai at the exquisite Green & Green 1908 Craftsman Estate called Casa Barranca.  The estate has been lovingly restored to its original condition – original lighting and fixtures, polished mahogany throughout, etc.  It is truly a breathtaking home to stay in.  We ate like royalty - the gourmet chef cooked organic and primarily vegetarian – so, so delicious.  The Casa Barranca Winery is on the property, as well. The current owners built a yoga studio on the grounds.  As you can see from the photo, the studio looks as authentic as the home itself.  And, yes, that is me doing my handstand!  I love the inversion poses.

Personal Memories of Past Marathons Run in Boston

I went to college in Boston - I lived 1 building off Beacon Street, and would see the Boston Marathoners running down Beacon Street. Always thrilling to see. This article does not surprise me at all - the Bostonians are a wonderful, big-hearted group. More than Random Acts of Kindness.

Welcome Springtime!

DANCE OF THE FLOWERS

 

Each flower is filmed for two days and photos are collated within 7 minutes to get this effect.

 

Video is about 2 minutes long.

 

You will enjoy this ... turn on sound also!

 

Click:

http://Clic aqui La vida de las flores

 

Kauai Sunrise

And yet Another Memorable Sunrise here on Kauai! Have been tasting all the local fish & last night had Barracuda – fabulous!  Aloha!

St. Patty's at Hanalei Gourmet

Filled with loud & laughing menefhunes & kamainas of possible Irish decent drinking green beer & singing & stomping Irish songs! Fun!

 

Micronesia Languages

   Yes, that’s right, languages for each island, not dialects!!

   Was speaking with our waitress here on Kauai & I asked where she was from. She explained that each tiny island in Micronesia speaks their own language, not dialect, and the way they communicate inter-island is with English!

   Something you probably never knew!

Sunrise on Kauai

 

     First day of vacation on beautiful Kauai.

     Last time we were awakened in the middle of the night: “Tsunami! You have to evacuate!” YIKES!!

     Damage was slight on Kauai because the gentle slope to the ocean floor around the island. Not the same w/Maui & The Big Island. They got slammed.

     We are hoping for less excitement this trip!

Trip to Mars!

You will love this trip to Mars! Great for kids to watch also! Made in the USA ... Sound "ON"

 http://www.youtube.com/embed/XRCIzZHpFtY?rel=0

What A Wonderful World!

 

David Attenborough is a marvel storyteller of our world.  He certainly makes one feel grateful for being alive after watching this -

http://www.youtube.com/embed/auSo1MyWf8g?rel=0

The Housing Market

     I’m extracting from a memo from Michelle Morris, CB mortgage broker:

     Mortgage rates were quiet this week, even as the stock market rallied on signs of a strengthening economy in the United States.

     The Dow Jones industrial average reached record highs this week, with the help of recent economic reports that were perceived by investors as positive.

     One report showed the economy added 198,000 jobs in the private sector in February… But … remember that the unemployment rate of 7.9 percent remains elevated and more than 12 million people are unemployed.

     "By looking at the stock market everyone feels like the economy is getting better. But is it really?" asks John Stearns, a mortgage banker at American Fidelity.  He says the housing market is not ready for higher rates yet. "Any uptick in rates is going to slow housing down," he says.

     "Residential real estate markets strengthened in nearly all districts and home prices rose amid falling inventories across much of the country," the Fed's Beige Book says.

     The Fed says the U.S.economy improved in January and February, thanks in part to the recovery in the housing market and strong auto sales.

     "Housing is a big part of the recovery," Stearns says.

     I can definitely feel the difference in the market.  Sellers are now beginning to feel confidence, and buyers have already been feeling confident.  2013 is going to be a very busy year I feel.

RSF Golf Club Receives Distinguished Award

In 2012 Al Castro was hired as the new Club Manager.  He has done a masterful job of bringing in Club members to enjoy new venues the club is offering.  Al is very personable and is seen regularly welcoming folks and greeting diners in the dining rooms.



We now have dinner 6 nights a week, as well as lunches, with Monday being the only day the clubhouse is closed.  And now the Club is open for breakfast both Saturday and Sunday.  Al recently hired a new chef, Brian Freerksen, who has a fabulous menu that everyone is raving about, including the all-new dessert menu.

Al recently announced that RSFGC has been awarded the prestigious Distinguished Emerald Club Award by Board Room Magazine.  The award is based on the Club’s Member Experience.  Our club was 1 of 18 clubs in the entire country and 1 of only 5 in California to receive this Distinguished Emerald Club Award.

What Al really couldn’t say was that it was probably mostly his doing that we received this award. 

Did you know that all Association members are welcome to dine at the Club?  You should really come and experience it!

Breast Cancer Angels

This is an all-volunteer organization operating in Los Angeles and Orange Counties.  The Mission of Breast Cancer Angels is to provide financial and emotional assistance for women and their families as they are going through breast cancer treatment. 

Breast Cancer Angels is an independent, not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization founded by Faye Dietiker (a breast cancer survivor) in 2000.  It originally started with 6 women sending in $20 a month.  Now there are hundreds of “Angels” who send in monthly gifts.  They host 2 fundraisers a year, and a corporate sponsor pays their overhead.  This enables them to use 100% of all other donations to assist women in treatment.

Each year they assist more than 650 clients and their families.

The other day Breast Cancer Angels held their first San Diego County meeting at the home of Holli and Anthony Lienau.

As a survivor myself and one who has lost close relatives and friends, I was compelled to join right in.  At our first meeting we raised over $8,000!

Some of the programs for 2013 include:  Food Program (gift cards to clients’ market of choice), Housing Needs (many women become homeless and jobless while fighting breast cancer), Medical Co-Pays and Cobra Costs (so these women don’t lost their insurance or are unable to fill prescriptions), Transportation (gas cards or rides to and from treatments), and many more.

This year at the RSF Golf Club the beneficiary of the Women’s Golf Tournament will be Breast Cancer Angels. 

If you’d like to know more about this worthwhile group, give me a call (858-735-6505) or go online to www.breastcancerangels.org.  Maybe you would like to join us at the next meeting. 

Rancho Santa Fe Farmers' Market

Have you heard the rumor going around?  We may be getting a true farmers’ market here in the Ranch.  I like the idea because it gets the neighbors out to a beneficial, local event.  And a chance to buy some really good fresh produce.

Surely, you know about the collectible cars that show up every Saturday morning and park along the streets in the Village?  Well, a Farmers’ Market would be more relative to daily life than any old car that you can’t really drive, now wouldn’t it? 

I think it would be a good thing to try something new – and maybe beneficial to the residents here – so I am in favor of trying a Farmers’ Market to see how it is received by the Ranch residents. 

I understand it is going to start out in the Association Office parking lot.

Forward thinking, RSF.

Taps at Fort Rosecrans

Wednesday, Feb. 20^th I had the sad privilege of attending Hap Chandler’s funeral service held outdoors at Fort Rosecrans overlooking the beautiful San Diego Bay. This was a decorated WWII Navy pilot’s farewell.  The Navy really knows how to do it right. A sailor played taps absolutely perfectly.  The flag folding ceremony was very touching. Stories of Hap’s heroism and bravery were shared. Then the thrilling part was the F18 Fly Over when 2 Navy F18 jets roared low over the crowd.  As they disappeared out of sight a whole symphony of car alarms began to play - all around the cemetery!  I smiled and thought that man was not going to leave this world quietly.  A cemetery full of honking horns!  It was the perfect send-off.

San Diego Makes the "Most New Construction" List

The 20 Cities With The Most New Construction!

I thought it was interesting that San Diego was cited as number 14 in a tie with Miami of the 20 Cities with the Most New Construction! What do you think? Read this entire, interesting article ... http://www.forbes.com/pictures/mhj45mkfd/introduction-41/?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=pulsenews

 

Rancho Santa Fe Real Estate Market

Here we are in a brand new year - 2013! Let's look at the Real Estate Market Trends for Rancho Santa Fe, Del Mar, Solana Beach and Encinitas summarized for the end of 2012.

We're Having So Much Fun!

"Alex, Granty Nancy (great auntie) and Jackson sharing a big laugh!"

Dogs Can Truly Be Amazing!

The Man Who Comforts the Old Dog That Saved His Life!

When John Unger had suicidal thoughts after a breakup ... it was his dog Shoep who brought him back from the brink. This photograph shows Unger cradling his friend in Lake Superior to soothe the dog's arthritis.  What a true friend!

Acts of Kindness that are Truly Awesome!

 

The Disney Security Guard who is AMAZING at his job!

“This would be a man that loves going to work and does not dread it the night before., Upon entering the Magic Kingdom, one of the security guards said to the girl “Excuse me Princess, can I have your autograph.” I could see that the book was filled with children’s scribbles as the guard asked the same question of many little Princesses. The little gir4l could not get over the fact that the guard thought she was a real princess.”

Excerpt from “26 Moments That Restored Our Faith in Humanity This Year” (buzzfeed.com)

"Doggies Dining Out"

Two Dogs in a Restaurant - Here's a real Classic!

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=EVwlMVYqMu4&vq=medium#t=125

 

D A O (Downton Abbey Overload)

 

One of the things I wanted for Christmas was the 2-season set of DVD’s, CD, and book from the PBS series “Downton Abbey”.  I was really intrigued by this series.  We missed the first season, but were able to catch-up with reruns last year. 

While recovering from a holiday cold, and with my husband, I have watched 6 of the 7 parts of Season 1.  Yep, we really didn’t miss any of it in reruns.  Only Part 7 left, and then on to slog through Season 2.  (Did I say slog through??)

What has been intriguing is getting to know the cast of 16 characters, both the Crawleys upstairs and the servants downstairs, who all play important parts in this oh-so prapah English caste system. It’s terrific writing. Maggie Smith, the acerbic Dowager of Downton Abbey, has some real zinger lines!  And Shirley MacLaine will be joining the cast this season as the American counterpart to Maggie.  I can see the sparks flying now!  So juicy!!

On these DVD's you get to visit backstage and hear each of the actors speak candidly.  They all have a lot of fun backstage with lots of bantering and giggles.  The backstage part is as interesting as the onstage part.

I bet you’ve seen, and maybe read, many of the articles in various newspapers and magazines on “Downton Abbey”. As I have.

So I feel I am becoming an absolute Expert on “Downton Abbey”.

Not that I wanted to be, mind you.

So I will sit through, and probably enjoy, Season 3.  But then, please do me a favor and never ask me a question about “Downton Abbey” - ever!  I am seeing the first signs of DAO - that dreaded affliction - Downton Abbey Overload!

Aaaaaaaah!