CA Road Trip

Howie and I headed to CA on Saturday 

to see the kiddos and help with a few projects.

  It was a perfect couple of days 

filled with planting, yard work, great dinners and 

lots of talk and laughter.

Ben had been thinking of an herb garden for his porch,

so we found a good set up at Lowes and viola!

Hannah has a small dirt area out her back door

 perfect for a patio and garden, so we spent a day,

 clearing and cleaning off the ivy wall 

and Hannah pulled out about 10 lawn bags of debris.

Then Tom and Hannah went back to the store for pavers

and Tom began laying 54 of them perfectly level. 

Ben and I watched while Ben also cooked and 

I organized some cupboards. 

David and Howie were helping?

Hannah has promised pictures upon completion.

I also repotted and potted new plants for a lovely little corner.

Industrial lights will be strung and it will be a cozy retreat.

THEN there was THIS...

One of the most delicious meals ever.

PERFECT RIBS and TRI TIP and INCREDIBLE 

Roasted Potatoes.

Horrible photo, just trust me.

Prepared by our favorite cook Ben.

He uses a sous vide first for hours 

and then the magic of his 

seasonings and skill.

We made yummy noises throughout the dinner.

We raved so much that Ben said he now 

doubted our sincerity. 

These three are so incredible. 

I adore them and miss them.

My last night they took me to the cutest 

Irish bar up the street.

I have declared it my bar.

The vibe and fish and chips were perfect.

I can't wait to go back.

I am blessed and never take it for granted.

Z

Super Son

I thought I heard a soft knock- nope, guess not.

Then text from son saying 

Happy Washing Machine day!

Ben knew I was a little down about having to

buy a new washer last weekend on top of all

the expense of the yard re-do.

I took a pic of new washer and texted it back.

The next text said did you get your package?

I SPRINTED to the door because the last time

he did that, he was standing on the other side of the door.

This time, no Ben, but there was this from Amazon.

2 hour delivery- amazing!

I never splurge on quality ice cream

and NEVER Tide due to cost so, 

what a treat and what a 

Super Son!

I am so bloomin' blessed 

with these kids,

it helps me deal with all the other crapola.

Tomorrow begins the installation of nearly

 40 plants including a couple trees,

and my new brick patio and pergola. 

Many, many issues popped up but

we worked through them all.

It is NOT how they wanted it to be,

nor how I planned it to be,

it IS close to what I wanted, 

and it will do.

I have never had the luxury of just doing

anything exactly as originally planned or wished for.

I always have to start with what is affordable

and I work backwards from there.

( when we last visited)

SO smaller patio,

different design of plants,

fingers double crossed and 

eating ramen next couple months.

Reveal next week, I hope.

Enjoy your spring

Z

On A Personal Note

DD, Hannah and BB, her beau Blake

At Del Mar for his birthday and their 4th Anniversary.

Two of my three favorite people.

Now that Dearest Son and Darling Daughter 

live five minutes apart,

they see each other often.

They like each other as friends,

as well as love each other as siblings.

Mama could not be happier.

They are even going on vacation

together this year.

The three kids are campaigning to 

get me to LA permanently and I have spent hours

researching any possibilities,

but location and financials are mind boggling.

Houses are unaffordable since I refuse to 

take on a mortgage, after not having one

for over a decade, and condos come

 with large HOA fees.

Both come with triple the property taxes 

I pay here.

The worst though is where?

What small town within 60 minutes

of Culver City would suit me?

Definitely not more than 90 minutes away.

My eyes cross after hours on Zillow

and Realtor.com.

Any CA girls out there I'll GLADLY take any advice, 

area recommendations, realtor names etc.

I'm just thrilled that they want me near.

Till then the 4 hour drive seems to

be getting easier for all of us.

We're averaging about every other month.

and if they ever would build the super train...

of course in 80 years they will live much closer as the

rising ocean will have pushed em back 1 hour my way...

BUT I'm sure I will be long gone by then.

I told them last week maybe they should hold 

onto this property as it is in the very south of town and 

will be beach front real estate some day in their retirement! 

Ha!

forever stuck in lala

*******

And yes Amy, since you asked, I would love to have

 folks travel in for a Gathering class.

3 blocks away is a lovely large casino hotel 

Green Valley Ranch

with spa, movie theaters,

and adjacent a wonderful mall called the District. 

Mall has Pottery Barn, Williams Sonoma,

Anthropologie, West Elm, great dining and more.

by car

I am 2 hours from St George and 

4 hours to Culver City in LA.

if that helps...

There are still a few spots in Sept class,

and it will be cooler then.

Bring your hubby, leave him at the casino

and come play with some great gals for the day.