Walking in Circles

My life and my blogging have been random lately - odd bits of things I could write about, but not enough for a full post.

As I was walking around the house late last night (walking off a leg cramp), random thoughts danced around my fuzzy brain and I jotted things down on my phone.

I love our white walls

and am so happy that 2016 was the year the whole house went white.

Everything looks crisp and clean against the white backdrop.

I need someone living with us who will eat the mistakes when I'm baking for a party - I've eaten way too many smushed cookies this holiday season.

I would love to see 8 year old Sunny Pawar win the Best Actor Oscar for his portrayal of Saroo Brierley in Lion -I cried from beginning to end of the movie.

Carmel is magical

any time of year

and especially at Christmas-

even in the rain.

The 17 Mile Drive is spectacular,

but I am content with my own home.

I would have been happy without any gifts for Christmas

 - being with our daughter and her boyfriend along with our son and his wife for a family vacation in Carmel was enough.

But, I really do love my new jadeite dishes,

 Fishes Eddy star plates

and colorful Moda towels my family gave me.

Holga arrived too late for Christmas, but I gave her a plant and a heart so I think she can hang out in the guest room through Valentines Day.

Not hosting a party on New Year's Eve made this week very relaxing-

just a little bit of decorating - the clocks are paper plates.

You're probably thinking, "she's really rambling now - we already saw that pic!", but I'm sure you didn't notice the ring on her left hand - KC is engaged!

With that, I'm done walking in circles and I wish you

a Happy New Year!

on the road again . . .

Steve and I took off for a long weekend last Thursday morning and we asked ourselves why it has been so long since we have taken a road trip.

We realized that this little girl is why we haven't gone away - KC was watching Lulu for us and we are told that there was an excess of moping.

Our first stop was Carmel where we stayed at L'Auberge.

We were greeted with house made sea salt caramels ( yes, we bought extras! ), incredible trail mix that came in handy on the road, a bottle of wine and a birthday card for me.

I don't know how Steve found L'Auberge, but I am glad he did.

The setting was a lovely beginning to our weekend.

We had an attic room - our room is the one with the lights.

We had time for a quick walk before dinner, but the light was changing and this cute restaurant was the only photo I was able to get.

The fence on this cute cottage, directly across the street from L'Auberge, is fun.

It was just 4 blocks to the beach so we took a stroll before we began our long drive up the coast to Fort Bragg.

Carmel is the epitome of a quaint little town.

Every single house has lovely details - no cookie cutter homes in Carmel!

I love the stone path and the wrought iron gates on this house

and the balcony looking over the garden is gorgeous.

It was a beautiful day on the beach and we would have enjoyed a stroll along the sand, 

but we had a long trek, almost to the top of California, ahead of us.

So we headed back up Ocean Avenue to the hotel.

Steve teased me about stopping to take pictures, but I love the cut out in the green gate.

The sun was shining on this yellow gate so my picture isn't great, but I love the heart cut out.

Flowers were blooming everywhere although one woman told us that Carmel is suffering from the drought just like much of California and that they are trucking water into town.

Right next to L'Auberge is City Hall which is where Clint Eastwood spent his time when he served as mayor of Carmel.

I love the railing along the steps.

Our walk was short so my pictures do not even give a glimpse to the beautiful cottages of Carmel - it is definitely worth a visit.