Summer is here...

Did I ever tell you that in my early teens 18ish maybe 19ish I wrecked my sisters Honda Prelude while eating one of these and trying to drive standard? Yes! Its true I wrecked her car on Shary Rd. I did not have her permission to take the car for a spin, didn't know how to drive standard, and on top of that, I was eating a Grape Popsicle... A must blog!

Which brings me to my two nieces Robyn and Meagan who will be taking Drivers Ed this Summer... every Mothers nightmare! and every teens dream. Best of luck to the both of them!...



















This Summer I am reading " The Daughters of Juarez" A true story of serial murder South of the Border. This page turner has opened my eyes at the incompetence of law enforcement and government in Mexico! This story tells of the many poor victims as young as 10 who were kidnapped,raped, and mutilated and left in the scorching hot cactus deserts while, families had no where to turn, no money for proper burial's and no trust in local law enforcement.. This book is Chilling! and so very true.. I highly recommend it!




















I don't think this picture is at all flattering!.. I am also working on my "Summer Tan" while we wrap things up with our "NEW" Mortgage Co. another blog must!!

I think I may need a Pedicure!...

To pack or not...

As most of you know, Romeo and I are in the process of buying a home. We are in the last stage " The Underwriting stage" which for me is the most nerve wrecking! We have been at it for about 2 months Inspection,Appraisal, Ect... and here we are a week away from closing and our broker doesn't have the green light from the investor to clear for our closing. I have literally been on pins and needles for a week now!. Our broker hardly returns calls she prefers texting so, you can imagine my frustration. Meanwhile, I have already sold my living room set, in hopes for a new one, started getting rid of things I don't want or need started looking for a tenant to take over our lease and, have managed to somehow attach myself emotionally to my new home. I know whatever the outcome its for the best and God has his plans for us!. I just want to know NOW!! SHOULD I PACK OR NOT?

Bailey Wailey....

This is Lauren Bailey Sturgeon, I call her Bailey Wailey. Today she was in a talent show with her friend Erica as part of the end of the school activities. Her mom couldn't make it and asked me to go so, I went...

















I was so proud of her You see, Bailey is extremely SHY!.. She and Erica practiced cheers and dance moves for nearly 2 weeks...

















She got up in front of all these people and danced her heart away...

It wasn't too long ago that she was like this..
















Here are some of my favorites of Bailey Wailey...





























































Bailey, I am so proud of you! You have become a very smart,pretty, and talented young lady with good manners! And who knows you just might make it to "Americas got talent" one day... Love you Auntie..

My inlaws Vegetable Garden....

Over the week-end, while visiting my In laws and walking into their back-yard, I realized how fast their Vegetable Garden had grown. It is amazing to see zucchini, peppers, and cilantro.. all in their back yard.. I think its so satisfying to harvest and consume the fruits of your labor. Nothing beats fresh, crisp home grown, Vegetables at the Dinner table.

















Yummy Bell Peppers...

















Zucchini for my favorite dish..."Calabaza con Pollo"

















Serrano Peppers..

















Cilantro.

















Basil

















Chives

















Sometimes, I like to sit in this swing and enjoy the evening..

















In the Spring, the Orange blossoms in this tree smell like heaven

















And finally their dog Buffy who understands my Spanish.. "Vamonos de aqui"

Cooking light...

After, having a conversation with my friend Shannon, Afternoon coffee with Shannon blog spot about her passion cooking light. I was inspired to cook a fresh chicken, pineapple/mango Pico de gallo, and a sorbet pie featured in this month's issue of Cooking Light.

















This incredible tasty Pineapple/Mango Pico de gallo has a unique, fresh taste, that goes perfect with some chips on any hot Summer evening.

















De boned my Chicken and made tacos..

















And for desert....

















Raspberry Sorbet Pie...

















This light tasting Sorbet pie left me wanting another piece.. Thank you Shannon for the inspiration! I think I will try making the spaghetti squash with your gourmet sauce you told me about next...

Summer Peaches

When I saw this tree, first thing I thought of was my Grandpa Julian. He had a Peach tree in the front yard and every Summer that tree would give off so much fruit that sometimes, peaches would fall to the ground if, you weren't quick to pick them. Those peaches were drip-down-the-chin juicy and oh so very sweet! He would take extra care of his tree and would not let any of his grand children near it, until all peaches were ripe and ready to be picked! I remember my grandmother would take a plastic bag and fill the bag with gorgeous red/orange riped peaches she would then give them away to her family, friends, and neighbors. Sometimes, she would have so much that she would peel, blend, and freeze. Later we would eat it like a sorbet.

















I think I will buy myself a Peach tree for my new back-yard and think of my Grandparents as I prune, pick, and freeze my fruit.

Furniture Sold!

Today I sold my Living room set that had been with me since I got married. Anyone who knows me will tell you I'm not very sentimental over pieces of furniture but, I have to say that those sofas were dear to my heart because they were my first set! When we were first married, like most newly wed couples, we didn't have two pennies to rub together. We had saved enough money for our wedding and our budget was extremely tight! We were in the midst of remodeling a house we had just rented, and were pinching our pennies so tight I could hear Lincoln scream! My father in law who at the time worked for a furniture store was generous enough to give us an amazing never before heard of discount! We will always be immensely grateful to him for his kind hearted gift!

















As much as I loved this sofa set I will never make the mistake and buy pattern! I will buy solid and change pillows, rugs and accessories! I remember decorating this living room and thinking life couldn't get any better! How I loved my OLD home for its character and personality!

















My $19.99 Dollar Store Curtains I was so proud of.. I wish I hadn't sold that hutch I could of used it for my "Milk glass" Collection.




My little RED room... I had Romeo install the chandelier... Ahh...How I miss my Casita at 1508 Doherty.











NOTE: One of my pictures has the wrong date It should of read 2004

An Afternoon with my Aunt

Last week Melinda and I made plans to go visit my aunt Jaine have lunch and spend the afternoon with her.




















When I entered her home I noticed how warm,cozy and CLEAN it was...




















She had a candle going that smelled like Warm Apple Pie..




















She fixed us a Wonderful lunch!




















Mole Enchiladas..




















Rice..




















We even had a yummy dessert of Chocolate covered Strawberry's




















My uncle Fred joined us. It so happen to be his Birthday!




















After lunch we went Antique shopping!..




















Melinda and Aunt Jaine...




















We found this neat retro Record store with many old school records like "Cool and the gang", "ACDC", and "Krokus"...




















I love to tease her dog Blanco who needs k9 Orthodontic work..




















Thank you both for inviting us into your home,making us a gracious meal and making us feel at home. We had a great time!