I Clicked it Up a Notch February Photo Contest

Hello Everyone!

It is that time again for a photo contest.  This time it comes from I Clicked it up a Notch.  This is for your favorite photo of February.  Why is it always so hard to choose?  Well, I decided to submit one of my brother's family that I just took while on vacation to CA.  I was so glad they asked me (after I strongly suggested it) take their pictures.  It was a quick photo shoot; around 30 minutes.  My bro doesn't go for the long, lot of poses, get real creative photo shoots but I was still able to get some good shots.  We chose a little courtyard area on a street with several quaint shops.  We also went around to the back of the buildings to the parking lot where there was a brick wall with vines.  So without further ado, here is the one I am submitting.

Back in the Grind of Life

Hello Everyone!

Well now we're back to real life.  No more vacation, no more slacken.  We got back from CA. last Thursday afternoon.  We spent the next few days unpacking, paying bills, grocery shopping, doing laundry and a hundred other things that one does when they come back from a vacation.  Today we started back to piano lessons for my daughter and my son started guitar lessons.  On top of all of this, I remembered that I signed up for a children's consignment sale that starts this Thursday.  Yikes!  Last night I hustled around getting things priced and tagged.  I made a couple of things to put in as well.  Saturday night, I whipped up a couple of bags for my SIL for her birthday.  I have been searching around blogland and youtube for tutorials on reusable grocery bags. I combined a few ideas and came up with my own version.  It was rather fun and easy so making bags is my new "thing".  When I get some pics uploaded I'll show you what I've been making.  So, that about covers what has been happening since I got back.  Now, I'll show you a few pics from my trip.  I didn't take as many pics as I did last year but I still took quite a few.  Here are just a couple.

It wouldn't be a complete trip without going to Yogurtland.

Fresh lemons.

Alvera street in Downtown LA for Mexican wares and fresh taquitos.

Trip to the California Science Center and IMAX

Saw this on Pinterest and tried to duplicate it but didn't have the right lens on my camera.
It says, "Jesus Washes Away Sins".

The coastline at Sunset Beach, CA.

We also went to a museum that used to be an old Rancho. It was really neat to see how the rancheros lived back in the 1700 and 1800's before So. California became so populated.

I just loved the big wide porches, top and bottom, that surrounded the whole house.

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The master bedroom.

The dining room.

It was a beautiful day to walk around the house and gardens.  We really enjoyed our time in CA.  We would like to go back in the summer as the whole family.  So that is all I have for now.  I will be posting my latest projects soon.  So until next time...

Have a blessed day,

maggie beth

California or Bust

Hello Everyone!

Just a note to let you all know that we are CA bound tomorrow.  I've already checked the weather and it is going to be glorious sunny and warm. (at least most of the days)  Compared to the cold of MO. I am looking forward to it.  I plan on taking lots of pictures and possibly a post or two while I'm there.  Don't hold me to the posts though.  I may wait until I get back for that. ;)  Here is a photo from last year that I sent back to my friends in freezing MO.

We came home to about 2 feet of snow and couldn't get back into our driveway.  Here's to hoping that doesn't happen again!  Well, I'm going to sign off and do a last run to town today and some last minute packing.  So until next time...

Have a blessed day,

maggie jane