Taking It Slow

My hand is healing nicely - probably because I am taking it slow.

But, I am finally doing little tasks around the house and garden.

Steve's kitchen got a little bit of a refresh with new canisters - I looked at glass canisters online, but ended up finding these at Big Lots for $3 each.

I had red checked canisters there previously, but Steve likes this cleaner look in his space - and believe me, I like to keep the Head Chef happy!

Thanks to Jann of Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson

there is a cute little apron in the kitchen - Steve won't wear it for some reason.

Connie of Crafty Home Cottage helped to add a cute beachy look to Steve's stove.

Slowly letting my hand heal means lots of walks on the beach and of course practicing with my new camera.

After a long, very hot walk, we came home, sat outside and decided that dinner in the garden would be a nice way to end the day.

The only hassle was actually ironing the tablecloth, but Steve was making me scallops so I ironing was the least I could do.

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The garden isn't looking its best, but I am doing a little bit of weeding each day.

It is amazing that we are actually eating meals outside in February.

I had time to start one more little project

before it was time to head out to watch the sunset.

I'm adjusting quite nicely to this snail paced recovery.

What to do ... what to do?

With my dominant hand not working properly, I have had to find other things to do.

Via

Monday we took a drive along Pacific Coast Highway

to visit our son and his wife in their new home in Santa Monica - this is their view.

Via

While we were there, JP gave me his Canon Eos Rebel T3i camera.

So, I have been taking photos 

while I try to learn the ins and outs of the camera.

After cortisone shots in my thumb and wrist on Tuesday, I actually feel pretty good so we went out kayaking yesterday

and I captured some pics of the seals playing around our boats - not shot with my new camera!

I have been taking pictures of the house and objects that I can zoom in on.

One of the reasons I wanted my son's camera was because I have been wanting to get photos with an object in focus, but the background hazy.

This shot of my Valentine centerpiece and an old dried rose came out exactly as I hoped

as did this shot.

But, I haven't captured a hazy background since.

That's okay

because I have plenty of time to figure out the camera

and come up with new "handless hobbies".

Day Is Done, Gone The Sun

Upon my return from Dallas, I was greeted with beautiful, sunny weather.

Most people would expect sunny weather in May, but we usually have what is referred to as "May Gray".

When we first moved to Ventura from San Diego, it was spring yet I grabbed a jacket every night when we went for our walk along the beach.

Volleyball season is over and I get home earlier than usual.

Tonight, I found Steve in the backyard basking in the sun and reading.

It was too hot to just sit and I wanted to move, so we went on a bike ride.

After dinner, we were planning to go out to "doggy playgroup", but a friend called asking us to join them for the sunset.

We sat out on their balcony watching people enjoy the beach and the balmy weather.

I looked back to the window from the edge of the balcony and saw this awesome reflection.

The neighborhood surf crew provided entertainment and I saw my first whale of the spring.

Everyone has been pointing out whales lately, but I always turned just as the whale dove back into the water.

Tonight I saw a whale surface twice, but of course my camera was in my pocket.

Dolphins decided to get into the act and I tried standing with the camera poised ready to shoot, but alas, I was not quick enough.

The sunset over, we slowly walked back up the beach to our lane.

Day is done, gone the sun,
From the lake, from the hill,
From the sky.
All is well, safely rest,
God is nigh.