We love our mountain cabin - the Sequoias, the hiking, the cozy campfires. But there is another reason that we love the mountains. And that's our neighbors. We have created a strong community in our mountain retreat of Silver City, and it is a joy to feel the "querencia" and belongingness of a place that is such a large part of who we are. "Querencia" is a Spanish term that describes the feeling of place where one feels most at home. Silver City is that place for us. The comm

I'm the boss of this truck!! Encino, Watch out!

Wouldn't do a thing differently. 41 years of Joy!

My friend Nancy told me that there's no point in having a theme for a shower, because it's just a lot of trouble, and lots more money. AND even though I'm pretty sure that she is right, I just can't help myself! The Breakfast at Tiffany's theme for Julia's shower allows for lots of fun party decor and creative table setting. Two of my favorite things. So, even though creating the perfect setting, and theme decorations is driving me crazy, it's also lots of fun. I've been drea

Lots more bridal shower planning in the works! Can't wait to show you! But if you are interested in any silver pattern, or gift for an occasion, do contact Barbara at Beaver's Den Antiques. She is so lovely, and so knowledgeable about her inventory -- and as you can see -- she is a silver expert! All her contact info is in the video!

Too exhausted from my tidying up! But I DID go swimming and it was wonderful! Got to keep moving!

The link to the "Once a Month Cooking" recipe book can be found below. I feel like even though I'm making meals for Jenny as she goes back to teaching, I think I could use some of these myself. There are plenty of times that I don't want to cook dinner - BUT I also don't want to eat out or order in. Eating out is tricky because we will only eat at outdoor restaurants, and there are only a few of those around us here. And I find ordering in quite unsatisfactory, because when t

When you love fine china and have lots of gorgeous pieces around the house...but have two eve more gorgeous granddaughters, something has to be done. Of course, the china has to go!!! It was a little work to transform the book case from display case to play case, but it was worth it. I probably should keep it that way, but the grand babies are not here that much. Mostly, we go to visit them at their houses. So I'm ok with a little extra work when they come to visit. Now I ne

All I can say -- is great camera work, Jill. You would think I would practice before I do these videos. But I never do! I just say what I think and come what may. Robert says that it's a quality that gets me into trouble sometimes. I think my daughters agree. At any rate -- this is a good product especially for those with sensitive skin like me. It doesn't mean that you still don't have to be vigilant about the sun - or that you shouldn't wear a hat, it's just that I don't re

I just love this picture for many reasons...birthdays are a time to look back and to look ahead. Thirty eight years ago we were a family of 3...and now we are a family of 10!!! So many wonderful additions...but none more wonderful than children.

How generous of Julia to send us presents for no reason! And presents that show how much she understands what we like! Pens and China - our two favorite things! We're deep into planning the wedding and the bridal shower for Julia and Dan -- and I've made no progress on the attire for either. Ergh. But I have returned lots of dresses. Robert and I are going on a health kick for the next two months. We're going to eat super healthy and try to exercise almost every day.We'll see

I talk my head off in this video -- so no need to write anymore. I hope that I didn't oversell this novel -- but I loved it!