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Tuesday, October 21, 2014

FALL + BEACH + PUMPKINS + LIFE = CELEBRATIONS

   


Last week was what I would consider our first, “NORMAL,” week since before my sweet hubbies surgery and recovery. I think we are on our way back to normal, folks!!

"Normal is my new favorite word!"

On Monday of last week we celebrated a normal day, and my birthday by going to Half Moon bay for the day!! It was a perfect day for us.

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First we stopped at the Half Moon bay nursery, my favorite spot to buy plants and flowers. I needed some plants for the wall planter that is by my front door.




Once you step out of your car, you can smell the ocean, and the pine trees, the air is fresher and more crisp, and you know you are in Half Moon bay.


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When you enter the nursery you see table after table of beautiful flowers. It is so fun to stroll up and down all the aisles as classical music is playing in the background.

All the plants are very well taken care of, and look so fresh and happy. This is one of my happy places.

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This years fall color scheme is all purples and whites for my home. 

I used pansies, cyclamen and ornamental kale and a few white mums for good measure for my plantings in the front……

Ribbet collage 2014 Fall plantings
  
Here is the planter after it got a fresh coat of black paint and new soil and plants……

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I added a couple of little white mini pumpkins that will work all the way into Thanksgiving! 

Don’t you just love these little guys? They always make me smile. Just like when I see a baby anything I smile.

The ivy wreath is a perfect addition for any season of the year. As you can see in the pictures of the nursery they have quite the array of topiaries to choose from.


 
 The ornamental Kale was so gorgeous I had to add just one to the planter. It was the perfect soft green and white….

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This planter resides on the right side of my front door, so it makes a nice welcome for visitors and for us too!!


I also purchased a beautiful blue/gray/green pumpkin for my porch. Since I don't do orange in my life these pumpkins, and the little white mini's fit perfectly for my home.


After a trip to the nursery we drove into town to our favorite small deli where they make their own bread and their sandwiches are always fresh and delicious.

On colder days I also get a small bowl of clam chowder to take down to the beach with us.

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We drove down to Mira Mar beach set up our chairs and umbrella and sat and watched the waves. 

There were birds digging for crabs, dogs chasing balls, and children body surfing and doing cartwheels on the beach. 

We were thoroughly entertained, and relaxed in our favorite place to be…THE BEACH…..

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When we got there it was chilly but it soon warmed up, and off came the blankets and jackets and shorts were the attire for the day.

No makeup, no hair-do, and I could not be  happier. Even though this was for my birthday the real celebration was the fact that we were there  living a normal life together……

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Dougie sporting his colors!! Under the sweatshirt is a polo shirt that also has a Giants emblem on it. 

I can not tell you how grateful I am that we got this day together, and it was a very normal, but still special day for us…..

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Dougie loves to take pictures of pigeons. I love the way the water is glistening like little sparkly diamonds.

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These little birds gave us quite the show, they would push their beaks down far into the sand, and catch little crabs. We watched them for a good hour. Busy little birds.

Right before the sun went down we walked up the stairs from the beach, and went to the Mira Mar beach restaurant, and had salad and their clam chowder, which I highly recommend, it was delicious.

We had a view of the ocean, and got to see the sunset.......

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All and all a perfectly

NORMAL day

with the love of my life!!!

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10 comments:

Karena said...

Dear Kathysue,
I am so happy that you had a wonderful birthday and your husband is doing well. When we have been under so much stress, a normal day is just perfect!

xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena

Patty Day @Pattys Epiphanies said...

So glad you had this special day! xo
Patty

Liz@ HomeandGardeningWithLiz said...

Sounds like a perfect and wonderful day! So glad he's doing so well- and I'm sure you get some credit for that! It's interesting to me to see the plants you are getting at this time of year when we have to be buttoning up to ready ourselves for the winter! Your planter looks great and that garden center looks like my kind of place to visit! The ocean shots are beautiful!

La Vie Quotidienne said...

What a perfect day. I am so happy for you that you had such a lovely and relaxing birthday. And that things are back to normal again.

Grace @ Sense and Simplicity said...

Normal should definitely not be underrated. Your day sounds lovely and just a perfect way to celebrate your birthday. It must be such a relief to have hubby on the mend. Your flowers look beautiful in your planter.

Donnamae said...

Sounds like a perfect day! So happy for you both! ;)

Woodside Park said...

Hi Kathysue and Doug :)
First of all, happy belated birthday, friend!! And I'm so glad to hear Doug is recovering well. Yay! Your planter looks awesome - festive for fall! Happy Wednesday.
xo

debra @ 5th and state said...

normal is very good. what a wonderful spot in your part of the world and a nursery to die for.
happy birthday kathy sue!
xo
debra

Victoria said...

So sweet and lovely. You know what is really important in life.
XO

Merlin said...

Perfect way to spend a perfect day!! franki (Happy belated!!)