Tuesday, December 31, 2013

A Good Year


To All,

We wish you the very best and hope you have a wonderful 2014.

Happy New Year ~






Sunday, December 29, 2013

Milk and Cookies

Every once in a while you click with someone instantly. It's as though you've known that person for a long time even though you've just met. Barbie and I clicked when she started working a 12-week Traveling Nurse assignment. When her time was up and before she started her trek back to Texas, I was able to knit her a Cable Lace hat with Leche yarn. It turned out pretty well and I'm sure it will keep her nice and warm this winter.


 


Before she left she baked Christmas goodies for us: a variety of cookies and biscotti. It was doubly-good since she forgot to bring it when she came over and made another trip over The Grade the next day just to bring us her delicious gifts.  We tried to dissuade her but we're glad she returned with the baked treats.




Barbie, my friend, Happy Trails to you….





Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Central Coast Christmas



Merry Morro Bay

And Goodwill to All

Last week The Man and I took our cars for our biennial Smog Inspection. The County of San Luis Obispo requires a smog check in order to renew your yearly vehicle registration. After dropping off the cars we walked over to the Goodwill store to pass the time.

We've been to the Atascadero and SLO Goodwill locations in the past. It's fun looking for a bargain and I enjoy browsing the household items and have found a space in my home for several glass carafes and vases.

We didn't even get in the door before we were drawn to the lineup of bicycles outside. There we spotted a sharp-looking Trek Navigator 2.0 Comfort bike. It was the counterpart to my granny bike, in very well-cared-for condition. We weren't even sure it was for sale until we saw the price sticker. It had just been dropped off that day and it was priced under $150. What a find. I urged The Man to give it a spin in the parking lot.




But wait, there's more.

While The Man was pumping up the bike's tires and testing it out in the parking lot I came across another good find. Someone had donated a radial arm saw and cabinet. At first I thought the store was doing some construction work. The large saw sat in the middle of an aisle and it looked like it had just been turned off: there was a dusting of sawdust covering it. Then I saw a price sticker. I opened the cabinet and discovered lots of extras: new blades, packs of sandpaper, bits and bobs. I went outside to flag The Man down.

But wait, there's still more.

While The Man was busy dismantling the saw and loading his truck I took another look at the Household section. I came across a new, still-in-the-box, Potholder loom for $1.50. It's the Harrisville Designs metal one not the cheapo plastic loom. I have an idea that I can use my yarn stash and not just to make potholders. Yes, another fiber tool. I bought it.

One of the helpful ladies working there told us they get items from the families of people who have "passed on". She commented that she had just put the bike out a few hours before we saw it. We're impressed at the generosity of people that donate items to Goodwill and other thrift stores. Merry Christmas and Thank You for your kindness.


 "Nothing in the world - indeed nothing even beyond the world - can possibly be conceived which could be called good without qualification except a Good Will." Immanuel Kant

Sunday, December 22, 2013

All Fired Up

Yesterday, was the official first day of winter. We've been enjoying our fall/winter weather, even the freezing temperatures at night. The Man starts a fire every morning and manages to keep the house cozy and toasty all day long. He and his log-splitter are getting quite the work out.


Everyday Fireplace


When it gets really cold: the Big Stove


Friday, December 13, 2013

Yum: Life is Sweet

(Thanks to Sandee for the inspiration of this week's post.)



Thanksgiving 11/28/13






Thanksgiving Treats for the Boys and Girls


The Goaty Boys



The Girls


Fresh Eggs!


Life is Sweet


Saturday, December 7, 2013

Rockets Red Glare

Wonders never cease here on the Central Coast: we were able to watch an Atlas V Rocket launch from the comfort of our own home.

Vandenberg AFB is about 70 miles south of Atascadero.  Driving distance is about 1 hour 15 minutes.  Traveling via Atlas V Rocket is much much quicker.


Atlas V Rocket, December 5, 2013 11:15 pm PST