CrazyBusy Cool

These last several weeks have been CrazyBusy.

Work - Really demanding right now. We have a new client and I transitioned my long term pediatric patients to another Nurse Case manager so I can work with these new adult patients. I pride myself on being flexible with work, but it's an adjustment. One 80 year old is equal to 8 10 year olds clinically. I am really going to miss talking with some of these special patients and their families.

House- So much to do, so little time. Organize office, purge youngest son's room of toys/clothes,books etc. How so much crap accumulates is beyond me. We aren't big shoppers so I don't know how this stuff sneaks into the house. Plus, I regularly get rid of things, so again, not sure how the drawers get full to bursting.

Garden- aka Cheap therapy and workout - the conversion of my side yard from grass to a rock/flower garden is almost done and I have the sore arms and hamstrings to prove it. I can't wait to post my before and after pictures. Here is a sneak preview of part of the "Work in Progress" pictures. These are some of the roses, agapanthus, and alyssum ready to be planted.

Blogging- Woefully behind on some really sweet Awards and Memes from some new bloggy friends. Thank you so much and I appreciate it and You Know Who You Are!!

Family- Our oldest has his 8th grade promotion ceremony last week, it was delightful and touching. Thank you all for your Well Wishes as he gets ready for high school. Youngest's last day of school is this Friday. They will both stay busy this summer with Scout camp, baseball, and swimming. Plus we are going to Oregon for a week next month.

So all good stuff, and lots of It! What's up with you?

Vintage Pin Collection

I have always been a fan of fashion pins and I am delighted they are back in vogue. (Thank you, Mrs.Obama!) I have a collection of Swaroski crystal and enamel pins from the 1980s when I sold costume jewelry wholesale during college. Two of the pins, one of a seal with a pearl on his nose and the other of a sword, are from Mallorca, Spain with the traditional black enamel design. At the top of the picture is a pin from China made with jade, coral, and peacock feathers. I am especially fond of the animal pins including the Toucan, Carousel Horse, and Spotted Jaguar. The crystal encrusted Lizard always gets a second look whenever I wear it. Please double click the picture for a closer look and Thank you for sharing in my collection. Thanks also to The Cookie Girl and Vintage Mafia for inspiring me to post about my vintage treasures.

What treasures do you collect and enjoy?

Fantabulous Frugal Fans - Heavyweight Giveaway

I am a big fan of the new blog, Fantabulously Frugal which offers all manner of Fabulous Savings Secrets and Goodies including a New HUGE Giveaway which has the following prize package-

Decorative envelopes from etsy seller Adnagam
Frango Dark Chocolate Mints
Sunshine Yellow Hair Pins from etsy seller creamrose
Purple Rain Amethyst Earrings from etsy seller Sew*Cool Design
Paperchase 8 Folded Cards with Envelopes
Small change purse from etsy seller Made by Hank
Cucumber Melon Salty Soap Scrub from etsy seller Sissy Soap
Soap Nuts from Laundry Tree
Spring Flower Garden Cupcake Liners from etsy seller Layer Cake Shop
2 Vera Bradley cloth napkins
Musings Recycled Notebook in Blue from etsy seller subu
Fleur de Lis Necklace from etsy seller Bumble Beadz
Marc Jacobs key fob
Stationery and small letter-pressed notebook from etsy seller Sarah Drake
Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Protective Recovery Complex
Coriander Ivory Small Cosmetic Bag from etsy seller The Sweet Sugar Beet
Smashbox Lip Gloss
Reusable Sandwich & Snack Bags from etsy seller Green Street
Reversible Coffee Sleeve from etsy seller LilE
Running with Scissors by Augusten Burroughs
OPI Nail Polish
Stick With Me, Kid Shopping Tote from etsy seller Earth Cadets
As well as MANY MORE surprises!

Please, Go there, enter, and let this amazing blogger know Martha sent you for extra entries for All of Us Winners. I will be totally jealous if you win. Thank you so much and I do wish you Good Luck, Really.

Ruby Tuesday - Fresh Strawberry Cake

Today's Ruby Tuesday, a photo meme to celebrate all things Red, gives me a chance to show off my baking skills. Here is a picture of my very fresh, Strawberry cake with whipped cream frosting. I made this for a friend's son's graduation party because it is the graduate's favorite.

A few of my baking tricks include making a three layer cake by dividing the batter in thirds and reducing cooking time by a third. For example, if two eight inch cake pans take 30 minutes to bake, three layers will require approximately 20 minutes.

Between two of the layers I spread Seedless Strawberry Jam and then thinly sliced, rinsed and very well dried fresh strawberries. Between the top two layers, I apply whipped cream frosting.

Whipped Cream frosting is whipping cream, a little REAL vanilla extract, confectioners sugar and dash salt. The secret to great whipped cream frosting is to use a Deep, Metal bowl and thoroughly chill your metal beaters and bowl prior to whipping up your frosting.

To decorate with fresh fruit, it must be throughly washed and DRIED and also sized to take into account ease of cutability.

Of course, love and caring are sprinkled liberally.

(My detail oriented husband wiped off the crumbs on the cake stand before we delivered the cake, but unfortunately After I took this picture, can I tell you how much this bugs me to see crumbs there?? Ack!!)

Double Trouble Photo Meme- A Quack Post

There is another West Coast in the U.S.A and there is another Martha who lives there. Her son is hosting a photo meme that celebrates Pairs because cute things come in pairs, like jeans, boobies, and shoes. So here is my QUACK entry which shows a duck couple enjoying my neighbor's sprinklers. Thank you and may your joys be doubled today.

Perfect Moment Monday - Feline Edition

Welcome to Perfect Moment Mondays, an exercise in appreciation and mindfullness of what my dear older brother, Bob calls, "Bright Moments".

Here is a picture of my sweet and sassy cat, Abigail, a Tuxedo Manx. She is enjoying her sunbath and just oozes contentment with her beautiful yellow eyes and big, warm belly.





I adopted Abigail from Cats At The Studios, a feline rescue organization in Los Angeles. Abigail leads a very quiet, retiring life, spending approximately 20 hours a day asleep in the dark recesses of our closet. She chirps and loves to be scratched. She is a source of much love for all her family including our dog, Charley. I love all animals, but am first and foremost, a Cat Lover. I have had cats all my life and their very existence and companionship have gotten me through some very dark times. To own a cat and be owned by a cat is a pleasure and a privilege. Thanks, Abby Dabby, we love you always and you are part of what makes our house a home.

Our most gracious host of Perfect Moment Mondays, Lori of Weebles Wobblog is nominated for A Most Inspiring Blogger Award from Blogluxe.

Vote for Weebles Wobblog

daily through July 6.

Do it and the cute cat
won't get it.

(Just kidding, I would never do anything to hurt one hair on my little wee beastie. However, Lori and I would really appreciate it if you click over to vote.) Thank you so very much!

Shadow Shot Sunday - Jellyfish at The Aquarium of The Pacific

This picture was taken at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California. Jellyfish are beautiful, graceful, and best viewed behind glass. If you ever get up close and personal with a jellyfish in the ocean, a mixture of water and vinegar help with the sting, unless of course it's a Portugeuse Man O'War. (Totally love that name, it's all right out there- this is where we are from, that is what we are all about- WAR!!)



Here is my first entry into Shadow Shot Sunday, yet another photo meme. I had no idea photo memes would be so much fun and educational. I love all the stories behind blogger's photographs and have been treated to some great sights from all over the globe. Thank you for stopping by.