always room for improvement . . .

We walked around the Channel Islands Harbor today.

 I took advantage of the beautiful houses and gardens to get ideas for our house

because our son's fiancee is hosting a graduation party for him in our back yard and things need to be spiffed up.

I came up with a long list of projects that I need to complete before the party and I am writing about them on the blog to force me to follow through.

This is the "before" picture of my first project, but I'm not going to tell you what it is.

Two different projects are in this "before" picture - one I have to convince Steve to complete.

I am so embarrassed to show this "before" photo, but it is one of the most important projects - JP's party will be in the garden and I have to tame the jungle.

The front door needs refreshing - 

maybe I will replace the sack of dried flowers with a nautical wreath!

This little rock planter will be removed from the front yard, but I am still working on an idea for what will replace it.

I wonder how difficult it would be to make window boxes?

The old bicycle will be moved and I vow to finish the curtain on the garage door.

Another embarrassing photo is this baker's rack on the side of the house - a new location and well curated shelves are in order.

For the most part, our garden is ready for company, but there is always room for improvement.

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Join me for Tweak It Tuesday at Cozy Little House

a whole lotta nothin' . . .

That's exactly what is happening here,

a whole lot of little things,

but nothing has been completed.

I began organizing my creative space (third and FINAL change in 15 months), but I am not finished.

I started creating a sewing center in the armoire in our bedroom,

but I am not finished.

I have been working on the gift bags for my future daughter-in-law's bachelorette party.

They are finished except for a couple of items I have to buy, but I can't show you until after the "Palm Springs Weekend".

I painted a pillow for a swap I am participating in - I still need to sew it up.

I painted this cabinet the night before my surgery, left handed, but it still needs sanding and a coat of wax.

I wanted a curtain on the garage door so I threw a favorite vintage tablecloth over the curtain rod, but I have yet to sew it into a curtain.

I have been working in the garden,

but beneath all the pretty flowers are a whole lot of weeds.

The only project I actually finished was to create a seaside vignette in the hallway.

But, I have decided to move some more furniture around and soon this cabinet and vignette will be elsewhere.

One silly minor change packs a big punch.

I don't know if you are aware, but California is in a terrible drought and watering the garden is taboo.

This cute watering can sits under the kitchen table to be filled every time we are running water to get it hot .

With all the water we collect in the watering can, in addition to buckets in the bathtub, I am able to water the garden.

I am learning to be patient and not stress because once I finish all of these projects

I know there will be another project waiting in the wings.

good things happen...

I love quotes - I always have a quote on the retro typewriter in the living room and

the chalkboard in the guest room has revolving quotes.

I googled friendship quotes for this post, but ended up finding one about strangers instead.

Blogging has introduced me to so many strangers who are now friends and those friends have been incredibly generous lately.

 Kris of Junk Chic Cottage sent me a trio of cookies

that came in handy yesterday when a friend came by for help with her website - it took much longer than we expected and sustenance was definitely needed!

 Cindy of Consider It All Joy  sent me a cute little starfish box ages ago and I have never shown it off.

I think of Vera of Rowhomes and Cobblestones every single day when I make the bed - the La Mer pillow looks perfect in our bedroom.

Kathy of Kluless sent me these adorable little place cards - I need to have a dinner party so I can use them.

I tested the cards out using stickers that peeled right off - I can use the place cards again and again!

Bobbie of Cottleston Pie bought me the sweetest numbered napkin rings and there is a funny story that goes with them.

If you notice, the #1 is not in the box although it was in the box when she took it to the cashier.

Bobbie was in town to attend Craftcation and we were able to fit in a day of thrift and vintage store shopping.

Bobbie handed the box to the cashier who tipped it upside down to check the price without realizing that there was no top on the box -  #1 shattered as it hit the floor.

When I posted this pic on Instagram and told the story many of the comments were that at least no one would be competing for #1!

Due to my hand surgery, my garden was a disaster when Bobbie was visiting Ventura, but like a true friend, she assured me that she wouldn't judge me.

It was so embarrassing when I brought Bobbie to see the house because the yard was not in any condition to be photographed much less to be viewed in person.

Today, most of the yard has been whipped into shape, but of course Bobbie is back in Idaho and can't sit here to enjoy an iced tea and

talk about all the good things that happen when strangers become friends!