Proud to be AMERICAN...Home of the FREE because of the BRAVE.....

You must remind yourself each year as you see those Fireworks explode up in the night sky on the ever so exciting 4th of July....what AMERICA....means to you. What our FREEDOM really means. To me? It means the right to speak freely...to raise our children the way WE want..the right to vote. The right to roam the lakes and beaches of my state...to enjoy parades...while munching on whatever BBQ'd food of my desire. Buying WHAT ever I want...WHEN ever I want to. It's all about the right to be free. Although some things I don't agree on (Usually politically tainted)...I still appreciate the cost of the State Beaches, our tax dollars that allow our streets to be lit. Our Beach bathrooms to be cleaned and trashes emptied. Governed to keep scary things away. As much as we all struggle with authority, I appreciate it. I truly am so glad to BE AN AMERICAN! It all starts by keeping PEACE In America too......

Some fun facts : Did you know The 4th of July was finally declared a holiday in 1941? Did you know the stars on the first American flag were arranged in a circle
to ensure that all Colonies were equal? The words Under God were not added to The Pledge of Allegiance until 1954-And over 74 Million Americans will BBQ on the 4th! Cheers!

Every year, as a child.....I'd see these displays...and start the count down. It was almost something close to Christmas....just waiting for that nightfall. And then the count down of the day waiting for the sun to set....the water bucket full for safety. I loved it. I miss those exciting memories. I remember my parents allowing this splurge of a night....just enough to have fun....even as I child I knew that money was precious. These fireworks were like burning money in the street...but my parents knew what it meant to my sister and I. Remember these fireworks you'd have to hammer to the tree? Crossing your fingers they'd spin..... My dad would let us get 2. haha.

My favorite firework is the Flowers. The silly-ness of them...the hizzing sound...the craziness of them getting sideways.....maybe even landing in the curb....maybe even close to the worms we'd just burnt out on the curb. (I think that fun came from the allowance to play with fire....) sighhh....Where'd the time go? Now? We head out of town...or we celebrate at the beach...on the dock...and fireworks aren't allowed in Seal or Huntington...or Havasu. So it's kind of a tradition that has faded for Kali. I will always cherish the sights..the sounds...and the wild smell of the firework musty smellll.....and the shamefull air the next day......uhhhh....

Family...Flowers...Farmers Market...Friends...and Fish.....I LOVE SUMMER!

Well....it finally happened... my 3rd camera gave me a heart attack when the pictures I took of my saturday morning meeting with a long-time family friend "Uncle Bill" from Carson City, NV...were deleted....or at least not copy available...broke my heart. Simply because it's part of my dad. And they are lost...for nowwwww. ughhk! I took them for my dad....and now I can't get them off or view them. My Dads bestfriend since I was 1....comes down every year to the Marine/Fishing Swapmeet on PCH and Anderson St. It's literally a super short walk from our house. He travels a great distance...and when I'm in town...and not attending Soccer....I meet him. I sit and chat...I get caught up with his life...and he with mine... He sells Fishing Rods and Reels....Ol' Skool Skateboards...and boat parts. I brought him some organic grapes to enjoy on his ride home...and helped one of his buyers get a boat part down to the dock...and just like that....he was gone. When Kali and I got back home...Bill was anxiously waiting for us to take a boat ride over to Yard House for a yummy lunch.... The idle out....

My sweet Teen. Oh am I holding on to these years. Yes, it does fly.

Silly

Sugar plum

"Mom....we must get rid of those white glasses." "I know Kali...!"Blahhhaaaahaaaaa!

I think he's sayin "I've had them for 10 years girls...and I ain't partin' with em now"! Well...we will continue our bantering I'm sure. Sorry. Love u.

My favorite restaurant for breakfast in Seal Beach. I order Steamed Spinach...with a side of their Ground Turkey Scrambled Hash and wheat toast. Homemade Jam's there are delish! It's just the perfect little breakfast. YUM!

So off to Farmer's Market we go. In Long Beach. The perfect little spot. Take along a good cup of Joe...and walk around with those you love. Or alone. Take your own bags...and enjoy. It's simply perfect. Live music scattered here and there....and little stands selling the true-ness of homemade.

One of my favorite flowers. Gerbera Daisy's.

He loves me, he loves me not. He loves me.....

It's all about the display. I will buy any herb, from any seller that display's in a wicker basket. Ahem...It is the little things....afterall.

One of my other fav' flowers. Peace just in the name Lavender.

The prettiest array of sweet baby tomatoes on the vine.....

The most robust crop of gigantic CARROTS. Wow.

If it was winter or fall....Bill would use these in his famous Carrot Soup. Super awesome.

The one and only Farmers Market Apple design guy....So cute. So sweet. Love this. Made for Kali.

Apple Bird.

Isn't this the prettiest display of Blackberries, Blueberries and Raspberries...?

It makes me want to make that cake I've seen before...with the layers of whippin' cream and the American Flag represented with berries. So cute. So cute.

A neighbor was throwing out this old Picklin' jar...and I asked to keep. I actually want to take to Havasu or leave at the beach cottage for rolled up blankets for sitting by the fire one day...but for now...? I've added some flowers for smiles...Kali and I planted a flat by the dock...and they look so happy. As we drove down to Home Depot...we notice a lunch truck depot goin' on. Hmmm...We've always wanted to give it a try....

And so we did....Kris tried the SlapFish truck...and had the Lobster Popcycle. Pretty yummy. Pretty pricey too. This truck below was a waffle truck. The topping was your choice of ice-cream, with Banana's and strawberries..and of course all the toppings....LOOKED Delish.

Back onto the dock. This little guy could barely keep his eyes open.

And our little octupus friend was exploring all over....

Isn't he awesome?

Kali and Mac caught a little guy....released quickly after....

This crab lives in the last little cubby on the dock. I sit out here and read my books or magazines and he cruises all over....but it's one of those things...it's only a little something you can describe, yet never get close enough to take a picture of. Well...Kali did. So sweet.

Kris' first catch of the day.... A little shark.

Ready to release.....Thanks for the thrill buddy.

Kris' second catch of the day.... a Bat Ray. These guys are so neat.

Just some quick pic's and you are almost ready dude.

And you're off.....

And our weekend came to an end....The sun shining, my sweets on the dock with me.....nature in full swing.

My favorite bird the Pelican. Their wing span seems to be about 4-5 feet wide...and they fly with grace and courage above everyone. Cheers to another blessed fun weekend......I love life. It is flying by. I do know that for sure. Play hard. Work hard. And enjoy it while we can. And remember as I say over and over again- Add the little things in life...for yourself, your love, your kids...along with friends and family....the homeless or a stranger....keep the little things in front...I DO know it means more than you may know. Sometimes I may think Bill isn't watchin'...or listening (which I laugh at alot...he's engineering something in his head as I ramble on like a little fish...) but they are...he is. The little notes we might think are corny at first...? Try it. It's an instant free smile. Guys seem grabble on the outside...but truly on the inside they yearn for the little things too....it's just hard for them to ask....And for my GUY followers...you know the most simple spots could use a surprise love note. In her car...or in her purse...just do it....And our kids? Well it all starts with us.

Who's that doggy in the window....?

Meet Osito....(which means baby bear in spanish)- He's a lover.... He's 2 years old....his parents are looking for a home for him...they are losing their home in the OC. He loves little ones...he's very patient and of course very kind. Walks on a leash...sits, plays fetch...loves people and house trained. He loves to snuggle...he's currently being fostered by a friend...he loves hanging with people...Look at that face.. He just needs a good home....

These are the less fortunate....yet the best situation....already settled...trained, (no digging, no accidents in the house...bad habits...puppyhood done...) just getting shuffled due to bad circumstance....as you all know how to some way get ahold of me...please do. If you read my blog through friends of friends or family through family...some how you can reach me. I will be the matchmaker and give you both a companion. These emails break my heart because as I wish I could help each one. I simply can't. I love my cats. And Bucksie too...Can't add to much more to my plate....

Oh my....I just imagine running along the beach with him. Cuddling with him and laughing out loud at the silly things both dogs and owners do for eachother.....L.O.V.E. the helpless.....

Cheers to Friday! I have been under the weather all week. Flu bug, turned into eye junk and today I actually feel normal. Woo hoo! Bring on some good wine tonight!

It's all about the word DAD.....and DOCK weekend....

Usually the question answers itself on a beautiful saturday or sunday afternoon when the sun comes out and we step out onto the dock....especially if Kali is game-free....It's simple, it's peaceful and it suits us just fine....This day we'd plan to go shopping for appliances...but then we sat out talking to Mark and Jordan...and well...I pulled out my chair..and soon enough pulled out Bill's too....(we just did more planning on paper....) lol! For the last 5 years we've been remodeling the beach cottage...(Condo) and now it's time for the kitchen and living room. It's exciting, it's fun...but it's mind boggling too! It's like you wish you could just hire someone to do it...someone that knows your style...your colors...and just do it. We are saving money and sourcing everything on our own.....ohhh come on patience...ohhh come on agreements....haha! Jordan has wanted to come over and "fish on the dock or take the little boat out"- We welcome them with open arms...or open gates, I should say....It's amazing when we mention to Kali about taking her friends out...or taking the kayaks out...she rolls her eyes at us....But boys like Jordan soak up the chance to toss his line in the water...or putt around out there for a while...

Jordan waiting for the big bite!

Saturday afternoon was spent at Sandra's house for Father's Day celebration bbq. We were asked to bring Margarita's...simple enough...and Bill's speciality- Gaylord and Billy 2011

All the kiddo's in the jacuzzi....Their backyard is almost finished with their remodel...their house is beautiful...and the backyard even more....

The kids bought Bill a "Slide Anchor" for the boat.....we've always wanted one..and realize some days we need one...so here it is....and will be put to good use this summer at the lake. (Thank you Sean for picking it up for us) A little hiccup on Saturday when our friend Randy was gonna stop by and pick up Bill to go over to West Marine to get things they needed because of their "sale"...after Bill said WE need an Anchor hun! lol ohh boy! Blocked that action....again!

Our family favorite place to dine. Simple. Yummy. Organic. Located in Huntington on PCH and Warner. I encourage you all to try it. Nothing fancy. But the food is delish..

Kris brought this card. The words the kids write each year bring a new meaning of what Bill means to them. I love to read their interpretation each year. So sweet.

Kali's absolute favorite dish on the planet. We used to share this. Mango Blueberry pancakes with egg whites scrambled with veggies...(all organic)-Now she asks for her own...and Bill and I share our dish...and happily share with her anyway...lol- Note: Look how cute the blueberries look in the syrup. awwww.....it's the little things.....

Our DAKINE Quesadilla.....amazing. Simple as that.

Cuddle bugs. Chilly Sunday morning....but we love our little picnic bench...with a view of the beach across the street....

We love their Wally's Walnut Smoothy too! YUM! Kris orders their version of a Chorizo burrito. In fact it's SOYRIZO....and until now if he reads...doesn't even know the difference. He said "Mom I love this burrito" I said..."Well yea hun it's really healthy...and it's good too"- teehee!

The banner on the way home from breakfast....so sweet.

Bill and I decided on a little boat ride around the harbor....just to chill- Kali wanted to stay home.....

Awwwwww

My dream house. Not located exactly where I'd like in the harbor...but it's style, it's color..everything about it is us. On their outside fireplace mantel, she has about 50 candles that line the entire top...so rustic, so elegant and beautiful.... They own "Hot off the Grill" restaurants in HB and LB.

As we cruise by....Kali on the dock just as cozy as ever.....still didn't want to hop in with us....

Back and chillin while Bucks sleeps in my lap....he loves the boat...Kris left him with us and he has a good time. Haha...can you tell?

Boat watching...

He didn't want to hang with us on the dock...so instead he found his bed on the patio....

Our Father's Day BBQ.....we love grilled veggies....we also love grilled Pineapple....and Pizza. Something fun and yummy to try...get a frozen pizza...preferrably cheese...and add your own veggies and sauce to the top...put on the grill to the side...and let it melt and cook...so yummy! Nice little appetizer before dinner....

And that's how our little weekend went.....Cheers to humpday...and come on sunshiney weekend!