Everyone in blogland seems so organized - looking backward, planning ahead and even choosing a word for the year.
I on the other hand have not reflected on my past year and have few plans for the new year.
I noticed today that I have not posted since Christmas - what have I been doing?
Steve and I are continuing with our goal of walking at least 2 hours each day - it is nearly 6 miles from the beach to the Ventura Botanical Garden Trail and back.
Yesterday we walked along the beach from Summerland to Carpinteria logging in nearly 6 miles.
I have been busily rearranging the house after removing all of the Christmas decor,
loving the pillows Steve bought me for Christmas and
preparing a home tour post for Anne of Design Dreams by Anne for her Open House Sundays feature.
I spent some time decorating for the New Year's Eve Progressive Dinner on our lane -
we hosted the 9:00 to midnight portion and managed to accommodate 47 people in our little cottage.
As if organizing the house for the New Year's party wasn't enough, I also spent the day of New Year's Eve tearing up the back yard and moving things around
because our dear friend Manny spent the New Year's Eve day building me a house - and he still found the time to make incredible shrimp salsa for our party.
My little garden house is waiting for its door and then the fun will begin - so, I guess I do have some plans for 2015.
Happy 2015 !!!!.......love Ria...x!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year! A progressive dinner sounds like so much fun. I was involved with one, once. Your neighborhood sounds like a whole bunch of nice people. A little garden shed? I can just imagine how cute you will make it.
ReplyDeleteGood for you walking so much. I love to walk but it has been cold and wet here....pouring actually. I don't plan much anymore either but I used to be big on goals etc. Now, I try to live in the moment as that's all we're assured of. I wish you both a wonderful healthy and happy 2015.
Love that little house! Looks like you'll have some fun in 2015!
ReplyDeleteDearest Carol,
ReplyDeleteYOU AND ME, we both seem to not care about marking JANUARY 1st as the beginning of great things.....I think you and I both look at each day, seamlessly, as belong to a long string of living and we set our goals accordingly. You are more focused on each day, and so am I. The only thing I can say is that on New Year's day, Ruben and I finally arranged for our flights and hotel in CARMEL! YES! WE DID IT! As for the rest? Seamless. Planning occurs daily, walking just happens every day, and we just keep going until these flames of ours burn out....but hopefully, not YET!
I LOVE this little house you are having built. I can just see it: Carol's Cottage. A place where you go and plan in your head, come out steaming with motivation like an engine, and going for it, whatever it is.
Wishing you FUN, and health to keep the love comin'.
HUGS! Anita
Happy New Year, Carol. I love your new pillows and I never tire of touring your cute colorful cottage. Wow your little garden house got built quickly. I have been waiting four years now for mine to be built. You had 47 people in your little place? Wow!
ReplyDeleteYour little house is just darling Carol! As for New Year plans, just keep doing what you're doing.
ReplyDeleteYour house always looks nice and I like how you can change it up and do so often. Your new little garden house looks interesting, can't wait to see what you do to it. Congratulations on being faithful to your walking. And wishing you all the best in 2015.
ReplyDeleteHappy new year! The little house is adorable. Can't wait to see how you finish it!
ReplyDeleteCarol!!! I started to worry about you and thought you might have fallen ill again. Am so glad to know that you have been busy with things around the house and walking! Good for you! I need to do that, too.
ReplyDeleteI dropped by to wish you a Happy New Year the other day and to inquire about the little elves with which I have fallen madly in love. Do you think that shop has any more? I would love to have one that has red and white stripe leggings/legs and might have to give them a call. I am going to try to google for the shop's phone number and see. I have a few little Christmas characters I love dearly, and I think an elf would fit nicely into the pack.
I love the cute pillows Steve gave you for Christmas, and I am so excited for you with your new garden house! Oh, that is going to be such fun to have. Can't wait to see what you do with it. I love your house and garden and know that will be super cute, too.
Yes, I can believe that you had that many guests because your house flows so well to the garden. In a former home, we once squeezed a bunch of people into our bungalow, and they loved it. I had to open the back room which was eventually to become the laundry room which flowed into the kitchen on one side and a little office on the other that flowed back into the family room (which was another bedroom in 1924 when the house was built). But the to-be laundry room had nothing in it but a hot water heater, a paint splattered floor which Mr. Magpie quickly painted, and windows. (It had been part of a back porch at one point in its life). So I thought, "Hmmm... I'll let people know what it is going to be!" We had to wait on the washer/dryer because our budget didn't allow it. So, necessity became the mother of invention. I used a wooden ironing board we had collected, put a tin wash tub in there that had done double duty for drinks at other gatherings, and added a box of BORAX, a flat iron that I found for a couple of bucks, an old wash board I had for years, and then strung a clothes line with my Christmas socks on it across the corner of the room from one set of windows to the other. I put my Christmas apron on the ironing board like I was going to iron it and had a candle there, too. People went NUTS over it. I think there were five people in there at any given time, taking pictures! Then I started worrying that it might become a fire hazard. ;-) But that house flowed to a wonderful porch that could house people as well. It still is my favorite home I have ever owned. It just had such charm, and I would open it up and let people wander over the upstairs, too. I can't remember the square footage, but it was a small foot print with an open-pen floor plan that worked beautifully. I had colors in that house that remind me of yours, and I had heirloom quilts and pillows that I would make for various occasions. I don't know where they are now, but I bought a bunch of cute fabric and made quilted Christmas balls for the tree which also had paper chains and put that on the landing upstairs and also made pillows for our bed that featured the Isaiah scripture: For Unto Us A Child Is Born, Unto Us A Son Is Given, and His Name Shall Be Called: Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. The letters I cut out of fabric and used fabric glue to attach them to the little pillows. I wish I could find them! I think I might have given them to someone in one of our moves.
Sorry. I got sidetracked going down Memory Lane. I am looking forward to blogging with you in 2015 and want to wish you and Steve all the best for the coming year. All the best to you for 2015!
xox
Sheila :-)
No need to look back or plan ahead~sounds like you have been busy living a wonderful life in the present, Carol! Happy New Year to you and Steve! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm so pleased for you getting out a walking that distance so regularly! And thank you for the shout-out, I can't wait to share your gorgeous cottage on the blog tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteEven though I'm a planner at heart, I do think that taking things one day at a time is a healthier approach (but my Type A personality has too big a grip on me still!!).
Happy Saturday! xox
What's the saying, we plan God laughs? I think you will have a wonderful 2015. Happy New Year.
ReplyDeleteHugs from Oklahoma,
Valerie
Oh I can't wait to see what you are doing with the little house!!
ReplyDeleteOh how beautiful your scenery is. It must make those two mile walks seem effortless. I would love to be able to be working in our yard this time of year but being in the Chicagoland area we are under a winter advisory. I think one of my future New Years goals should be to start in a warmer climate! I love progressive dinners, we did one once with our old neighbors and it was a good time. I just adore your new garden house. I think I'm going to have to add that to my garden plans.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year to you!
You have been super busy Carol. I can't wait to see the home tour and your finished garden house. Fun things ahead for your in 2015!
ReplyDeleteYou and Steve have inspired my husband and I to walk everyday but we can't fit in 2 hours. Anything is better than nothing, right?
Carol,
ReplyDeleteI cannot wait to see what you do with the garden house. Ohhhhhh so sweet. Hey how about sharing that shrimp salsa recipe sounds really yummy! Happy New Year my friend.
Kris
Carol, You will have that little garden house shining like a brand new silver dollar.:):) I am so excited to see what you come up with. Wow, walking that many miles a day is awesome. Good for you and Steve. Blessings, xoxo,Susie
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, Carol. Your energy is amazing. I'm looking forward to seeing what you'll do with your little garden house - so much scope for imagination.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see what you do with your little house ~ I know it will turn out adorable! Yay for you guys with the walking!
ReplyDeleteHappy new Year to the three of you!!!
Hugs ~
I can hardly wait to see what you do with your garden house. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteSince we're retired I think we should be able to wing it a little more and plan a little less. Looking forward to seeing your cute little garden house come to life!! Mimi
ReplyDeleteThe biggest thing for me this year is getting the house ready to sell. You mentioned on my IG comments I was doing a lot of work to sell the house-- if you only KNEW!
ReplyDeleteWe are a bit lopsided on the mortgage- and need to make enough to free up the debt and pay cash for a fixer upper! So any improvements will hopefully put cash in our pocket.
Minor things like paint, floors and I think turn a closet around to make a bedroom! ( minor)
That's my biggest goal-- sell!
Everything else is same ol' -same ol' here!
Continue budgeting, organizing and living frugally "outside the box" --- creatively , you know?!
Your progressive dinner with the neighbors sounds like so much fun!
That little house is a wonderful idea. No doubt you will paint it and decorate the outside of it to blend with your beachy artistic vibe!
Happy New Year!
I'm so proud of you walking everyday. Keep it up:)
ReplyDeleteOh, what I would give for your little cottage by the sea! And to be working outdoors! And to be WALKING anywhere!
ReplyDeleteBrenda
Your walks sound delightful....such a lovely place! Loved this post....I am not too organised either and don't look back much or choose a word for the next year....I just dive in and go with the flow :) Looking forward to seeing that little garden house all finished....Wishing you a very Happy 2015!
ReplyDeleteHelen xox
Happy new year dear Carol, a healthy , sparkling year! I love garden projects, I'm sure you are going to have the desired result!
ReplyDeleteOlympia
I'm on the same road you are, I'm not organized enough to "plan" what's up for next year, or pick a word? I mean I have idea roaming in my head that I want to do, but I like to let it flow, it seems to work better than. I wish I could be sitting in my garden right now....it been sleeting/raining/snowing, and we're predicted to get 7" of snow Wednesday! So glad I love winter or I'd be pretty depressed! Can;t wait to see what you do with your garden house. Blessing to you in the new year!
ReplyDeleteSometimes life is just as it should be and we don't need to make a lot of plans for change. It sounds like you have soem really good stuff going on. Good for you!
ReplyDeleteI love everything you shared! Your New Year's Eve progressive dinner sound like such fun! Your lane must be the best to live on! Good for you and Steve walking 2 hours per day...that is awesome! I have been slacking for a while, but starting Monday, I am back at it. I can't wait to see your garden house!!! I know it will be fabulous with your touch on it! Have a lovely Sunday.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year to you! You and Steve are sure getting the new year off to a good start with all your walking. Love those sweet pillows Steve bought you for Christmas. They're perfect! Looking forward to seeing more of your new little house.
ReplyDeleteI envy you the beach to walk on all year long! You will have a great 2015 and share many fun things with us I'm sure!
ReplyDeletehugs,
Linda
I will definitely be looking in to see what becomes of the little garden house!
ReplyDeleteKaren
Can't wait to see what you do with the little garden house! I've made the decision to go back to walking this year on my cushioned air treadmill. I have bad knees and the doctor said no walking outside on hard surfaces for me. Bummer....but I will be good and do as he says.
ReplyDelete~Cindy
Carol, It sounds as though you have been quite busy since Christmas and have plenty to keep you busy for the foreseeable future! It's so good that you and the hubby have continued to walk regularly! It's such a healthy form of exercise! May 2015 hold many blessing and Joy for you both! cindy
ReplyDeleteOooh - a little garden house - you lucky gal! I have a dream of a garden house for the new-old house but I fear the dream will be more ethereal than real until a few other projects are done. It sounds like you had a very good New Year's.
ReplyDeleteOh goodness!!! DO tell more about this little garden house!!!! How cool is that!!!! And as I was reading this post my son was looking over my shoulder as he is having a hard time falling asleep and he informed me that your house is "so cool"...thought you would get a kick out of that!! Now I am impressed with the walking...good for you! And I am glad you were able to have all of your friends by for New Years! Wishing you a wonderful year Carol!! Nicole xoxo
ReplyDeleteOh Carol, I love your little garden house. Can hardly wait to see how you fix it up. I have always wanted one. I am so glad that you are feeling good again and the walking sounds great. Bet Lulu loves the walks also.
ReplyDeleteI really like the pillows that Steve got you for Christmas.
Sounds like you know the direction you are heading for in 2015. I have a long long list. We shall see, if my health holds up.
Wishing you and Steve a wonderful New Year.
Mary
Who needs plans when life progresses in its own sweet way! And things indeed seem pretty sweet around your place. Picking a word for the year - nah, I don't do that either. Here's wishing you and your family a healthy, loving, amazing 2015.
ReplyDeleteOh, I can't wait to see what your little garden house is going to look like! Such fun!
ReplyDeleteDear, girl...where would you find the time to do a review or find a word? Well, you have one~it's called busy! How neat you two are walking. That is so good for your health, I admire you both. Love seeing pics of your home and the little garden house is going to be awesome!! :)
ReplyDeleteJane x
Hi Carol, I just love that you and Steve are walking so much. What wonderful exercise and what a lovely time to share together :)
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to seeing your garden house once you have added that special "Carol Touch" :)
Happy New Year.
Connie :)
Hi Carol,
ReplyDeleteSounds like you began the new year busy as a bee. Can't wait to see your little garden house all done. Wishing you a very Happy New Year. May it bring wonderful new adventures...planned or not :-)
Hugs,
❤️Ana
The little garden house is going to keep you busy, no doubt! Have a great 2015 by the sea!
ReplyDeleteoh, i love the little house--what fun it will be to play with! happy new year to you, carol!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year Carol. I have tried to think of a word as well. After a week I fell back on something I have been trying to do for 15 years, SIMPLIFY. When I say simplify I mean everything. I did simplify my wardrobe and shoes last year by purging and not worrying about having a large variety of shoes and clothes. Still have some clothes I need to purge. I think for now I will work on simplifying my daily routine so I will have more productivity in everything, especially the things I enjoy. Looking forward to seeing your garden house evolve. Debbie
ReplyDeleteCarol,
ReplyDeleteHow exciting a little garden house. I'm sure you have all kinds of fun things planned for it. Wishing you and Steve a happy and healthy 2015.
xoxo,
Vera
Your SUN SEA and SAND cushions are so cute! I love them!!! I can't wait to see your little garden playhouse. I want one!
ReplyDeletexo,
RJ
oh how fun a little Garden House just for YOU.........I bet your little head is filled with color and ideas and plans of all sorts. Can't wait to see what transpires. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteStopping by from DesignDreams by Anne to let you know what a lovely home I think you have. I live in a small townhouse and I really love your use of space, I see a few tips that I think I'll have to implement. That garden house that you are having built looks like so much fun. Happy New Year and thanks for sharing your home!!
ReplyDeleteDon't worry Carol, I've not organized my year either. I DO have a word but I haven't even written about it yet. Good for you walking two hours per day. That is impressive and it does sound like you've made at least one worthwhile goal! Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you dear lady,
Patti
P.S. Love all your pictures
It's a busy time of year and I feel behind, as well. No list of things accomplished, planned or even the word! Looking forward to seeing your new little house in the yard. Sounds like you did all the right things...spending time with friends! Walking two hours a day....wow, good for you!
ReplyDeleteHi Carol, Love your sweet garden house and I know it will be adorable with your touch. Wishing you a wonderful new year filled with many blessings!
ReplyDeleteHugs
I know better than to think that you do not have any new plans my friend. You are always busy. I can't wait till it warms up and I can get back outside walking. Need to walk off some of this winter chub. lol! Your New Years décor is so fun and I'm sure you had a fabulous time. Can't wait to see the garden house!
ReplyDeletehugs,
Jann
Happy New Year. I'm sure you will enjoy all those walks with Lulu. Sarah x
ReplyDeleteI often take Rufie on 2 hour walks but I'm not sure if it's the equivalent of 6 miles, he just stops to sniff stuff ALL the time. It's great exercise though and I want to start walking to work again, it's only half an hour each way but it all helps doesn't it.
ReplyDeleteI have no special words or goals this year, I'm just determined to get on with decorating my house, which reminds me.............. I'm very intrigued by your little house. I'm sure it'll be great whatever you do.
Happy New Year Carol - oh my goodness - I am so excited about your adorable garden house and can't wait to see what you do it -know it will be fabulous. Your 2 hours walks are inspiring - I am just back up to a mile - getting adjusted to 2 new knees - but getting there so I can walk Balboa Island with you. Have a wonderful day. Blessings, Erin
ReplyDeleteGreat article, Thanks for your great information, the content is quiet interesting. I will be waiting for your next post.
ReplyDeleteWho says we have to be so organized by looking back and planning forward. No blog since Christmas...50 lashes with a wet noodle. LOL You're retired and you can take each day as it comes. Sit back smell the roses.
ReplyDeleteI'm so impressed with your walking and still finding time to change your decor. Love the little garden house idea. Should have had him make it a tab bigger for a crafty area too. JK.. Always enjoy your blog