It's just the little things.

Now that I'm back from my mini mental health break for Carmel it's time to be an adult again :(

One of the many things I love about the Carmel house is the fireplace. Years ago it use to be wood burning. Back then an elderly couple use to rent the house for 3 or 4 month every year. They would burn so much green wood (that is very bad) it would fill the house with smoke. It got so bad that they actually disconnected all the smoke alarms. I only discovered that when one of the smoked detectors wasn't level on the wall.  On top of all that, they would complain that the house smelled like smoke (wonder why) and wanted the inside of the house painted before they arrived the following year. As time went on, they started to damage things in the house.  Pulling on locked cabinets that were clearly marked as a private family closet and damaging the doors. Trying to change a ceiling light bulb but when he couldn't get the glass panel down just ripped it out the socket. I will say it wasn't an easy light fixture to change as I had to do it once and it took a lot of fussing around. Common sense would just have you call the management company to send someone out to change the light bulb. The last straw was when the man fell against the front French doors (they have been painted shut for years) and broke a panel. Almost all the glass windows are originally to the house which was built in the early1940's. The window glass all have gas bubbles and a nice rippled look of age. I'm guessing he was trying to open the doors as there isn't any other reason to be near it. So Im not sure who decided their time in Carmel was over but after that they never rented the house again. 

A gas fireplace was finally installed and it was a game changer. Besides not having to deal with wood smoke, the fireplace can be set to turn on when things get really cold even if no one is there. The upside to all that is the front part of the house doesn't get damp anymore so doesn't get that a moldy stale smell. It's nice to just press a button to enjoy the fireplace in the evenings. 

Now off to packing up a few more boxes before heading out to my next dog sitting gig. 

Another good score at the Goodwill

Sometimes I find things at the thrift stores that just makes me laugh! I'm thinking I will go back to that GoodWill  today (senior discount) and see if this mug is still there. I really don't need another mug and with me moving, really shouldn't. The mug wasn't there but I picked up this owl. I thought it was funny and could be used both for fall and halloween. When I got it home, I did the sold comps and found out it last sold for (this year) for $180! I was a little shocked especially when I paid only $5 for it. Of course I can't flip it for that much but I definitely will make a profit!

Let the planning begin

New Raffles Planner

I finally broke down and got a new day runner. I was on the fence because the only ones you can find right now are the 17 month planners which start in August. Part of me (the thrifty part) knows in a few months these will go on clearance but the organized part of me wanted to get things on the 2025 calendar now. 

I usually get a plain Blue Sky planner as it's very basic but the 2025 models aren't out yet.  I stopped by HomeGoods (there aren't a lot of shopping options here in Monterey) and found this one. I liked the faux leather cover and design so thought why not try something new. I know I can use my laptop calendar (and I do) but I'm still old school and like to actually write everything down with a pen. Really I write in pencil most of the time as I make a lot of mistake. So has I hunt for a new place to live and getting ready for the grandkids visit I will at least know what day it is. :)

Creative Inspiration

When I'm in Carmel I try to make to Pacific Grove and visit The Quill a nice stationary store. They always have interesting greeting cards. I've been thinking about pulling out my quilling supplies 

(I made a hedge hog years ago) and when I saw these card, thought maybe I could combine my beaded candle cupcake with some quilling. 

I like the cupcake with the cat and thought I could add a beaded candle. The trio cupcakes look more like soft swirl ice cream so thinking I should make a waffle cone. I do like the cupcake wrappers so maybe do something fun with that. The daisy and the bee, I could make a beaded bee instead. The cherry blossom tree inspired me to get out my tree branch dies. 

I know I should really be focused on looking for a place to live but my brain does need some time to recharge. :)

Panic Attack At The Beach

While walking on the beach, I do pick a trash which there's very little. Of  course I'm walking along the water line so I would guess the tide would take it out to sea. :(  

Walking back to the stairs, I found someone's ear pod case and what looked like stuff that fell out of her purse. I picked everything up and took it up the stairs and left it by the water spout where I rinsed off my feet. I was wondering  when she would notice it was missing. 

When I got to the top of the stairs I went to pull out my phone to see how many steps I had taken. Well my phone wasn't in my pocket. Major panic set in! I looked back at the beach hoping I would see it before it got buried in the sand. I went back down the steps and lucky for me I dropped it when I was rinsing off my feet and putting on my slippers. Wondering if this is a sign I should stay home today!

Another First at the Beach

Went for a walk on the beach this morning and saw what I thought were fat gulls on the south side of Carmel City beach. Turns out it was a flock of ducks. You see few at the other end of the beach by Pebble Beach but never this many. 

Manifested Beach Time

Sometimes you just need a little beach time to help clear your thoughts and help you get back on track. 

I had to manifest some beach time, thank you universe!

Last month when I asked about the Carmel house, it was booked up. I had hopes of being able to drive some of the boys toys and things I've been storing in my very tiny place.  There's a small green house at the beach house that I've used before, which worked out very well last year. 

 Someone must have canceled as it opened up this week! It will be nice to have a little more room in my tiny space to pack up for my next move. There are a few art projects I want to get done before my art supplies are packed away so that's on the agenda down at the beach house. 

Iris folding circle - advance class

Mini beaded embellishments for cards

Sewing needle book