Joie de Vivre

The weather was so glorious last weekend in Bodega Bay, CA; and the fish and chips were to-die-for, puffed up and crunchy - just the way I like them. A little fresh lemon juice. A little tartar sauce. And those golden morsels were history.

Of course, the rains return this week, and that's just fine as we need more of it. However, I'm grateful I was able to have a lovely afternoon with friends, enjoying the warmth of the sun and lots of good food. Spring is definitely in the air.

Here, Kitty-Kitty...

As a person who has consistently played the lottery and lost, I am so pleased to have emerged, at long last, as a winner...and of something soooo fine. I have Lauren at Pugs and Rugs, a hooker in the best sense, to thank for my success. I am now the owner of this delightful mat, now called Kitty-Kitty.



Before KK's arrival, I began to mentally debate the perfect place for her to reside, and when she presented herself in my mailbox, I immediately scurried inside the house and went hands-on to see where she would look her best.




This location didn't really work for me.




Nor did my second placement. Though I loved how the colors in my fabulous mat chimed in nicely with the wallpaper, I didn't like that KK was relegated to the back bedroom and would not be sufficiently admired.



As is often said, the third time is the charm; and this proved to be the case for my sweet little KK. Yes, front and center in the family room, where she can see and be seen.

Pur-r-r-r-r-fect!

Thank you, Lauren!

Forcing Spring

I love all 4 seasons; but, since I love to work in the garden and don't much care for the cold,  winter is my least favorite season. Therefore, I enjoy tricking Mother Nature into bringing a little spring inside the house in order to combat the outside dreariness, and bulbs are perfect for chasing away the winter doldrums. I picked hyacinths this year and placed them in colorful forcing vases on the window's ledge to catch the sunlight. Since hyacinths are slow to develop, it does take a little patience; but it is so worth the wait.

And there is a delightful bonus to this beauty: aroma, a soft, sweet smell that promises that spring is on its way. Soon.

Once in a Basketball Blue Moon

It doesn't happen very often; but when it does, it is a cause for joyous celebration. Yes, my Cal Bears are at the top of the Pac 12 standings with a conference record of 10-3. Of course, there are still a few games to play before they successfully grab the title, so I am celebrating now just in case disaster strikes, as it has often done in the past. I am hoping and thinking good thoughts that the Bears will prevail.

I've always said that it's not easy being a Bears fan; the losses and disappointments have been many over the years. Once again, however, I am hanging in there, hopes raised to the max.

Go Bears!