A Photographic Adventure

walking path

I’ve mentioned before that I’m taking beginning digital photography. The day before yesterday, a friend from class and I hiked a near by trail with our cameras. The weather is still unseasonably warm, so we started our hike early in the day. The scenery was gorgeous and we had a great time walking, talking, and taking photos, using different shutter speeds. Shutter speed is something I knew nothing about only a few weeks ago. One of the things I love about digital photography, is that I can take dozens of photographs, knowing that I will probably delete most, but there is always the anticipation of that perfect shot. Before I owned a digital camera I was overly cautious about taking photos, and I’m sure I missed many good opportunities as I over analysed a subject. The digital camera gives me such a sense of freedom when taking photographs. My camera is basic and was not terribly expensive, but thanks to the class I have learned what my camera can and will do. I’m so glad that I registered for the class given through our local community college. It is a perfect example of why we as adults should never be afraid to go back to school. There is always something new and exciting to learn.

A Fabulous Day

Red roses

Please forgive the whining in yesterday’s post. If you happened to read it, you know that we had just learned our cleaning lady was no longer going to be cleaning houses. After talking it over, we have decided not to replace her, which means we need a schedule. Yesterday I told you my number one rule, which is even more important now that Rachelle has retired.

Rule  number one is Never Leave a Room Untidy.  In other words, everything in its place. Today I added rule number two.  Do a walk through the house when you first get up, quickly tidying if necessary.  I really do believe there are elves that sneak around the house at night, dirtying dishes and moving items around. There always seems to be something to pick up in the morning. Please don’t think I’m fanatical, because I’m not.  Honestly, I just enjoy a tidy home. I feel so much more relaxed.

Today I followed my number one rule and it worked beautifully. I accomplished so much, including time in the garden where I found these gorgeous blossoms on our Don Juan climbing rose. I also potted more marigolds. It really was a fabulous day. I realize that most households do not have someone come in and help with cleaning. Truthfully I felt guilty at times. I used to clean the house and work outside of the home, so I am certainly able to do it again. Maybe this isn’t the place to talk about this, but I hope that what I do may help others looking for a way to keep their houses clean, tidy and organized. I hope we might learn together. Tomorrow, Rule Three.

A Simple Plan For A Clean Home

kitchen

This is a post I didn’t expect to be writing tonight. For several years we’ve  had a wonderful woman come in every other week to clean our house. She does a fabulous job, and even though I thought it an extravagance when she first started coming, soon after I never wanted to lose her. Today, we found out that she has decided to no longer clean houses. Continue reading

A Change in The Weather

Teddy 2

Today I finished the polka dot curly scarf  I have been knitting. This little friend was the only one I could find to model my project. It has been so hot the past few weeks, that wearing a scarf is the last thing anyone wants to do.

Today was different though, and we woke to a cool, cloudy morning.  It was a wonderful change and I went out to the yard to transplant marigolds. It felt so good to be outside in the cool air.

After breakfast we went for a scooter ride to Newport Beach. I think the cloudy morning had discouraged beach goers and traffic was very light as we traveled along Pacific Coast Highway. We stopped for lunch at the Crystal Cove shopping center and it too was amazingly quiet. The sudden change of weather is very welcome, and long overdue. Once home, I got to work and finished the scarf. red scarf 2

Right now I am looking forward to fall, but I have a feeling, in just a few weeks I will be looking for summer weather again.