Weekend work...

After an entire day of working in the yard this weekend we see very little improvement if you look at the overall areas that need attention. If you look at each small area and see the end result of our back-breaking work then there is a slight air of contentment. We live with such harsh winter environments, critters and especially deer, loads of oak, cedar and pine trees with their unique issues and various other elements that is it a huge job just to keep up with any kind of yard work or plant tending or preening in the landscape. Mr. Hubby and I bought this house with nothing more than construction ground surrounding it and spent the first year putting in the retaining walls and hardscape. We definitely supported the local economy with this massive undertaking. Then the second year we landscaped the entire 360 degrees around the house. When I say we I do mean hubby and I doing all the work with merely a helper now and then. Of course in hindsight we over-landscaped and now are letting areas go back natural as the deer and elements destroy our plants. We have lost more plants through the past few years than most people ever plant in their lifetimes. Flowers are the rarest item in our landscaping due to the voracious deer, chipmonks, moles and whatever else decide to eat or just pull up out of the ground, taste it and then spit it out in shreds. I of course wanted roses and we planted dozens of roses only to find out that those are the preferred caviar to deer. Needless to say we have very few rose plants left and the moment they bud the deer eat them until the plant eventually dies.

All in all I am thankful for the beautiful plants and surrounding beauty I get to enjoy each and everyday. With age and time we replant less and less since we are the groundskeepers and have plenty to take care of now.

I am looking into the bare rock wall at the top of the driveway to see if it has enough sun to plant some wonderful and happy sunflowers. Every year I just want sunflowers but so far have not found an area with enough sun. Hmmm...

I did have lots of daffodils this year and the deer do not eat them!!!

I have saved the pond to show and discuss in the future. It is my favorite item.

I wish everyone a wonderful week ahead and lots of creative time to enjoy your specialties.

Wonderful week...

As you can see by the photos we are nearing the completion of the kitchen remodel. I know I am not a great photographer however I was so anxious to get these taken and post them that I couldn't wait for Mr. Hubby to take photos.

I am so in love with this new kitchen that is now in my home. I have always loved my home but now it is complete and ever so beautiful and functional.

Mr. Wolf cooktop is propane and I am convinced the food prepared on it tastes better than on the old stove. Mrs. Bosch is very quiet and does a superb job of washing and disinfecting the dishes. Their son Grohe is a very practical faucet, easy to use and very handsome I might add. Their daughter Kohler is beautiful and amazing with a double sink and the new split divider feature. Our granite is from Brazil and named Bianco Romano. It was actually very difficult to find a light colored granite that also had lots of interest with movement and colors. Mr. hubby was determined to find just the right stone and through exhaustive searching and miles of walking huge yards and warehouses of stone he indeed did find the perfect one (not one slab because we had to buy several slabs for this kitchen).

I am so grateful to my husband for working so hard and doing this renovation. I am so grateful to my soul sister Lorraine for spending countless days and hours to sort, organize and reload all of the cupboards and drawers with me. I could not have done this by myself.

So now I love to just come into the kitchen and gaze around the room. I love to clean the granite and polish the stainless steel pieces. I feel energized to cook and eat healthier than we were before the remodel.

Now I have quite a line of friends who want to come and dine and see the new space. I see dinner parties, brunches and tea luncheons in the near future.

I am truly blessed.

A new week...

A new week begins and I have lots to fill it with. We are continuing to work on the kitchen. There is progress...however so much to do. Today my girlfriend is coming over to help me sort, dispose of and organize the contents of the 24 drawers that are in my kitchen. She really has a special talent for organizing and for getting me to pare down. The last two weeks we spent working on the cabinets contents. We definitely have a truck load of items to deliver to the local thrift shop. Saturday was a food drive by the post office workers and that helped me empty out the pantry. I am so thankful for all that I have and therefore I was extra generous with my food donations.
I shall keep this short as I have lots to get busy with.
Maybe next week Lorraine and I will get back to making things and being creative.
Happy week to everyone.

Happy Mother's Day...

I wish all mothers a very Happy Mother's day today. Mothers of children of all ages (including husbands), mothers of pets (otherwise known as fur-children), mothers of invention and mothers of creative spirit.
May you each enjoy your day and feel extra special.
Smiles ;o) and hugs ((((()))))
Saucy Chick Sherry

Visit with family...

Well I just got back from a very short visit with my daughter and granddaughters. They all live in Southern California and have very busy lives. My daughter, Jenifer, picked me up at the airport and we had a day and a half together. It was so very nice to see her, talk with her, enjoy her and see what her daily life consists of. I really like the area she lives in. Her car is very comfortable and we even put the top down. We ate gelatto, bought lots of candy at the most amazing candy store (I think it is a destination playland for kids of all ages) and ate our way through our short visit. I got to see and visit with my two granddaughters which was a treat for sure. We even went to Amy's work and got to see her in action waiting on tables and taking care of everyone at the pool tables too.We went to Amber's place and saw her brand new baby chinchillas along with the mom, Ruby, and dad, Emilio. They are so soft and cute. Amber says they are the cutest $100 bills ever. That is how much a baby sells for. We got to enjoy an Asian buffet dinner with the girls and their boyfriends and that was fun.I wish my visit had been longer however Jenifer had to work and at least now we know we can get together. She and I met my hubby for dinner and then she drove home to prepare for her week of work. She is a notary and certified loan signer. Her info is here http://www.creativeresourcesolutions.com/ if you are interested. She has managed to survive the downturn and still support herself and I am very proud of her and her hard work. Hubby was working in another part of So Cal and I needed to be with him for evening engagements. We dined with friends and got to catch up on how everyone is doing. I am very grateful for the time I got to spend with my family. I love them very much.