Taco Stew, Yard Work, Massage And Flowers

Fall is definitely here. The days are still warm, the breezes are there and the nights are cool. Isn't it lovely? And, such a good time to try out all those new recipes we continue to collect or just use some good ol' standbys.

This is Crock Pot Taco Stew. The recipe can be found Here.  And, it was very easy and very good!

    

I have been doing a lot of outdoors work during the last few days while the weather is nice and warm and lovingly sunny. And, my body sure feels it! By that, I mean, it hurts, hurts and hurts some more.

Three years ago, about this time of year, I blogged a little animated photo of what would have felt good at that time and what would feel good at this time. The photo made me smile at that time and makes me smile now.   Nutty Hedges Health Farm And Spa!  You bet, I'll take a massage, too!

http://s563.photobucket.com/user/LadySandee/media/MassagingSquirrels.gif.html?sort=3&o=28

 Even though a garden takes a lot work, if I look around the garden there are beautiful reminders of what makes a garden special. The fall colors of the trees and scrubs are magnificent at this special time of year and there are a few flowers blooming.

Beautiful White Chrysanthemums are blooming in the White Garden. This plant (three-inch pot)was bought last year from the local High School horticulture students. It is blooming profusely.

And,  Elle' by Jackson-Perkins nursery, a lovely pink rose is presenting me with the "Perfect Rose" with the Burning Bush (Euonymus alata "Compactus) in the background. This rose seems to bring delight to me each year around October when the other roses have almost said goodbye.

On Thursday, the rains are forecast. And - - - on Friday, SNOW may reach the lower elevations which means it may be Here.


Who Will Be President

It won't be long and the elections will be over. Let's hope we don't have lots of confusion regarding "the winner". Remember - "hanging chads".      Be sure to vote!

Recently, I came across the art work of Andy Thomas who is an artist that I find to be very interesting. "Many call Andy Thomas the ‘Storyteller' and if you have ever had a chance to view his work you might just agree. In the past, he has painted many subjects from picnics by the river, kids playing sports, to a brutal bear fight. All of his paintings end up telling us some kind of a story of our lives. You just never know what he will present to you next."

The following works were completed in the Spring of 2007. For more about the artist and these two paintings, take a look Here.
  

"True Blues" captures the likeness and personality of our past Democratic Presidents.

"Grand Ol Gang"  captures the likeness and personality of our Republican Presidents.

A more recent painting of our current President was completed in 2009 depicting President Obama giving his inaugural speech and the painting is titled "Change".

 

Who will be Our President come Inaugural Day 2013?

Autumn Cleanup

It's that time of year again. Leaves, leaves and more leaves, pine needles and tree bark drifting down from above. I love being outside in the garden but my body doesn't like the idea of yard work at all, any more. I try to, at the very least, keep the front patio and driveway fairly clean.

 

It is a beautiful sunny day and the temperatures are in the low 70's. This past week we had the first storm of the season and another storm is on it's way in a few days.

 

I've been busy trying to get some housework done along with some outdoor work. Sadly, I have not been able to prepare the garden for the winter months like I have in the past. Life goes on. Hopefully, next spring I will be able to catch up. 

For My Birthday

Recently, (during the past  month) I celebrated a Birthday which was very nice. And, there was one surprise that "put me over the moon". Let me tell you more. For the past couple years I have been cyber friends with a wonderful women in Czech Republic. This friendship started when she responded with an email to my blog. She does not speak English, however, she can read and write English which allows her to communicate with me.

She is very talented in many ways. The above needlework doily which she sent to me for my Birthday is just one example. I have admired her work ever since I first saw it in photos. Take a look at this link - Needlework - and you too will be impressed!

I was in such a hurry to take a photo with my fresh cut roses that I didn't take time to iron this little beauty. You can see the folds from the shape of the large envelop that it was mailed in. Trust me, it is pressed and enjoyed every day on the dining table.

I marvel at how the world communicates with each other these days. Lately, it seems as though the technology is moving so rapidly and I feel a little unsettled that I am not feeling like I understand the latest social media advances. Even though I am not interested in personally using some of the electronic "toys" I like understanding how to use them.

I remember when ATM (at the bank) became available. I wasn't about to get left behind and become "an old lady" who doesn't know how to be current with today's world and the common everyday activities. Silly - huh?

Movie Night - Crock Pot Night

Something simple was on the menu Thursday night. This is one of my standby crock pot recipes that is so delicious and always so easy. Originally, I got my recipe from Better Homes and Gardens cookbook in the 70's. Since then I have seen it in many variations. It is that kind of a recipe. You can change it up in so many different ways. And, this time, that is what I did.

First off, I used Turkey Polska Kielbasa Sausage (Hillshire Farms) instead of Polish Sausage. I don't use much turkey but I am trying to keep the calorie count down. Especially, since we eat out a lot! And, you know most restaurant food is NOT low calorie.  

Even though the recipe does not call for browning the sausage, I thought it might give a little more flavor if it is browned. And, as long as I was at it, I thought why not toss the onion into the pan. The recipe also includes cream of celery soup, canned sauerkraut and brown sugar. In addition, I added some caraway seed, and celery  (just because I had it in the refrigerator) which I would have added to the browning pan along with the onion, if I had thought of it at the beginning.

Remember, this is a crock pot recipe and you can get away with almost anything when it comes to technique!

 

When I was combining all the ingredients in the crock pot, I thought why not add some apple. So, I tossed in some sliced apple, mixed it some more and turned the temperature to high and put the lid on the crock pot. And, it was only 1:30 PM. Later, shredded Monterey Jack cheese was added just prior to serving. 

 And, while dinner was cooking, to the movie we went.

 

ARGO chronicles the life-or-death covert operation to rescue six Americans during the Iran Hostage Crisis in 1979 and 1980. It was an interesting movie that held a person's attention. Ben Affleck's performance was impressive.

Dinner was very good! And, the use of turkey worked out great. MSM (My Special Man) enjoyed it and does not have any problems with reduced calorie ingredients. Luckily, he is a person who can eat anything and everything he wants and not gain weight or alter any of his normal laboratory tests ordered routinely by his doctor. I am so envious - really - I am!

*Did you notice, my friend has regained his moniker - - -  MSM! We are so happy and plan on keeping it that way!

Beautiful Shadowbrook Restaurant

Stopping in to say hello. It just seems that I have been busier than usual. Perhaps, it is more accurate to say I have been having a lot of fun going places, resting up and going some more. As some of you know, it takes a lot of time to prepare blogs but I think it is nice to chronicle my life events. And, I really enjoy the responses from wonderful people, each and every one of you, who take the time to check in to see what I have to say.

Well, this is the last entry of our recent Capitola vacation. With a little help from google I can show you the beauty of this romantic and fabulous restaurant.

Shadowbrook Restaurant is located beside Soquel Creek in Capitola-by-the-Sea, Shadowbrook Restaurant is best reached by the quaint cable car, or the meandering garden path. Since 1947 Shadowbrook has provided world-class service, fine food, wines and liqueurs in an atmosphere of Old-World charm and grace.

 

 

This is the little cable car that holds about six people and transports you from the entrance/parking level down to the restaurant or you can walk through the gardens on a lovely designed walkway.

 

 

And, when you exit the cable car or arrive from the walkway, this is what you see. The dining rooms are very nice with white table cloths and decor. The menu, wine list, food, wait staff and environment is top rate. It can be compared to a fine San Francisco restaurant. Our table was next to the table location you can see in the photo above the steps on the left side of the photo. It was great!

 

The next day we drove down to Soquel and Aptos.

 

 

This was a great place to have breakfast. It certainly is a popular spot. Very informal, quite small and fun. People are waiting outside waiting to get in. And, when you get in you sign the clipboard and return outside if the limited seating inside is occupied. Then you wait for your name to be called. 

 

The food was very good and the service was quick. We left fortified for a day of sight seeing and driving home.

This is a flower shop in Soquel that I remember seeing for years whenever I have been in the area. It is on a corner on the main street that runs through the little town. Aren't the murals "special"?

 

 

The flowers were gorgeous!

Further along, we came upon a community garden in the next little community.

 There is a nice play area for children to enjoy while their "adults" are busy. 

 

And, then we had the 3 hour drive home. It was a Fabulous Mini Vacation.

 

 

I wanted to get this blog written so I can write about the most recent mini vacation to San Francisco that we returned from last week.

 

Yes, I am being spoiled! - Perhaps,for the first time in my life. And, I can't begin to tell you how grateful I am to have a wonderful man in my life. We have finally come to a stage where we have resolved the issues that plagued us in the past. Our communication with one another has evolved during the past two and a half years to a wonderful level of comfort. We value what we have and will continue to take good care of each other. We have both grown in areas that we would never experienced if we hadn't met - and we have worked to merge the diversities of our past, specifically that I have lived a single life for most of the past 40 years, and he was married for 57 years prior to his wife's passing.  And, that's a lot to process. Just, think about it!

 

Thank you for visiting. I will be trying to blog more and share a few projects I have been working on instead of taking care of my garden - that needs a lot of work before the winter weather arrives. 

What A Nice Evening

This is Ironstone Amphitheater a mile from my home. And, last night is the first time I have gone there for a concert. It is just something I have not done. No special reason. This photo from google depicts exactly how beautiful is was yesterday up here in the Sierra Nevada Foothills of California.

And, this was the entertainment for the evening. It looked like it was almost a sell-out performance.

Tony Bennett and Jackie Evancho did a mighty fine performance.

 

This is a very busy Labor Day Weekend in this little tourist town especially with this concert taking place. This is an area with a lot of retired people (like us) that remember the "early years" of Tony Bennett. And, he did not disappoint nor did Jackie. What a gifted young lady! 

 

Our town is so busy this weekend that all of the restaurants are busy busy busy. It sure helps our local economy. It was almost like a traffic jam downtown last night on Main Street with all of the visitors. It is only two blocks from my house but I never am disturbed by the activities or noise. I am just the right distance away and it is always quiet. Location, location, location. I am so blessed.

 

Tomorrow we are going to another picnic. So, I think I am going to make another salad with the same recipe as I made last week. The Tropical Slaw was very good. So, I better get "in the kitchen".

The Wharf And More

This is a nice photo of The Wharf that shows its relationship to the "colorful motel" and surrounding area. We walked all around the area and to the end of the wharf. We considered going to dinner the first evening at the Wharf House at the end of the wharf but changed our minds after reading reviews and taking into consideration the walk to the end and back at night time. So, of course, we had to check it out in the daytime.

And, here we are at the Wharf House.

I guess I would say that it is pretty typical of an "end of the wharf" restaurant. It reminds me of the Crab Shack at the end of Santa Cruz wharf which is just up the coast a bit.



Now, we have many photos of the sights around and from the wharf. 

 Meet me on Sunday!

 Let's play volley ball   - Misty Mae and Kerri Walsh?

 The weather was overcast in the mornings but transformed beautifully to sunshine.

The surfers were having a great time and there were lots of them but not in this picture.

Beautiful Homes! Love the purple accents.



After walking all around the area, it was time to find a place to eat lunch. So, we walked back to The Esplanade and decided on the Paradise Beach Grille after poking our noses into several doorways.

 From our seats we had a view of the area that we had been walking around. Isn't it pretty?

 And, the Tomato-Carrot Bisque Soup was sooooo good.

 Look at these scrumptious Fish Tacos.

 The food was great and restaurant was nicely appointed with flowers and art work.

The Esplanade with lots of outdoor seating and beautiful views.

Next time - The Shadowbrook Restaurant and the communities of Soquel and Aptos.

If You Like Coleslaw

You may like this Tropical Slaw I made for our annual Church Picnic and Potluck. The bowl was emptied in short order.  The ingredients are many but it is very easy to make.

Look at all the goodies in there - cabbage, mandarin oranges, pineapple, raisins, coconut, marshmallows, banana and walnuts and more!

Our picnics are generally held at White Pines Lake in Arnold which is north of here. The lake is behind the cross that was painted by the children at Vacation Bible School. You can not see the lake because of my lack of photography skills! But, believe me it was beautiful. And it was delightful to worship and sing under the trees. As usual, the picnic foods were bountiful and delicious.

This year the First Nations Fellowship Church and their pastors from a neighboring county were invited and joined us for a very spiritual and enjoyable gathering. Our church believes that "Whoever you are, Wherever you are on life's journey, You are welcome".

After spending an inordinate amount of time on my second vacation post with many photos, I lost it to the caverns of the Internet abyss! My extensive retrieval efforts were to no avail and I am a very unhappy blogger.

Fantastic Capitola-At-The-Sea

A week ago today, we left for a mini vacation to the coast. The weather we left behind was in the low 100 range and had been for several days. The change of climate to temperatures in the 70's was a very pleasant change.

When we checked into our motel on 41st Avenue the lobby was very inviting. We were pleasantly surprised with a nice upgrade to a suite at the Best Western Plus Capitola-By-The-Sea Inn and Suites.

This little fella looks playful and fun! Don't ya think?

The first evening we dined at a very impressive restaurant, Cafe' Cruz who "believes that using healthy, high quality ingredients translates into the best tasting food. They use the freshest local produce (organic when possible), freshly caught fish from sustainable sources, fresh natural California poultry and pork, and Harris Ranch Beef (naturally raised in California), complemented by other top of the line ingredients". And, wow - the food was great!  This restaurant was only a few blocks from our motel and very conveniently located on the same street.

 

We entered through the rear parking area. The restaurant was quite large with many rooms and was filled with enthusiastic diners on a Monday Night! The menu was extensive and the service was exceptional and without fault.

 

Many murals were on the walls depicting their philosophy of natural cuisine.

 

We entered walking through one of the garden rooms that was beautifully appointed with lovely plants and fire pits for warmth as the evening cooled.

The next morning we drove a short distance to Capitola Village where there are many boutique shops, art galleries, wine tasting rooms, restaurants and beautiful surroundings.  The first stop was at Mr. Toots Coffee House for some special coffees. 

 

 

The air was cool but not to cool to sit outside on the little balcony overlooking the colorful Venetian Hotel, Wharf and Sea. If you look closely you can see the little table where we sat below the Mr. Toots sign. It was so relaxing. 

 

This is the enjoyable picturesque view from the outdoor eateries on The Esplande where we enjoyed our coffees.

 

The colorful buildings are all part of The Venetian Hotel which is in the Mediterranean style with hand-carved doors thematic of Venice, Italy. So charming. 

 

At the far end of the individual accommodations, near the Wharf, there were beautiful gardens with a plaque commemorating the destination by the Department of Parks and Recreation National Registry as the First California Condominium Sea Side Resort 1924. See the photo below.  

 

This is the seaside view of The Venetian Hotel taken from The Warf. You can see the gardens on the far left of the photo.



This is a photo from the Chamber of Commerce website showing the seaside view of the Esplanade.



And, here is a little friend on The Wharf sitting and waiting for some tidbits that may present for his enjoyment!

 And - - - - - What a handsome guy he is!

 

 More tomorrow about The Warf and Shadowbrook Restaurant.