August came and went like a very hot train. I believe this is one of the hottest Augusts we've had in a long damn time. It was a stressful month for sure. Just a lot of not so great stuff going on. But as always - chin up. Find the positive. Find the joy. Here's another month of memories!
I started the Inchie Challenge again. This is a little watercolor thing Renee turned me on to last year. You get a prompt and are supposed to do art on this little "Inch" paper. They did this challenge for 12 days. I'm no artist at all, but I found myself really enjoying myself so I signed again this year but it was only 7 days. So I opted to join her website to continue through the month of August. It's called Mindful Art Studio. I've just loved doing these daily prompts. I'm not sure I'll stay with this group, but I may. I mean it's only $25 a month.....but if you want to see all my "Inchies" I put them here: INCHIE
We also took another really great trip to Idyllwild you can read about HERE.
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On August 1st I saw a Quail on my walk - they represent staying grounded and protecting your energy. So right on for this time right now ***Chuckle***
Food: Pat and I tried the "Memosas" at Rutas one morning. Not bad!
A yummy charcuterie board at Centro in Tustin
One of my favorite Pat recipes - Steak Sammie!
Fun tiki drinks - although they're mocktails. I'm the only drinker in this group.
Pork Milanease with an Italian Salad
Fish tacos
This fish dish was so good! Cod with a peach/avocado salsa and a corn/arugula salad! |
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| Pat and I hit up Eat Chow in Costa Mesa and look at my friggin breakfast burrito! |
The Fur Friends:
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| At the Farmer's Market Pat bought Rascal a solid Yak Cheese Block. He carried it all the way to the car! |
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| The daycare sent us this photo. Apparently Rascal was buddies with Balto. LOL |
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| Needy |
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| Luna watching the Fig Beetle trying to get at me |
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| I love her so |
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| My favorite pastime |
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| Ridiculous |
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| This is Montgomery - a coworkers dog. He's been bringing him in because he needs to be watched after his surgery. I legit started crying because tell me he does not look just like Poe!!!! |
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| I love him |
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| Our dog is so weird |
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| You're not a leaf... |
Hikes:
It's so damn hot, but we still try to get hikes in early.
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| Hit up the Weir Canyon Loop one morning |
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| Rascal and my shadow on a morning walk |
I'd like to just randomly post my orchid here. I kill every plant I ever have and orchids are super tough. Never have I ever kept an orchid alive. But this baby keeps on blooming! This is her third round! I'm so super thrilled!!!!
Bowling Fun:
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| The Dad Coaches |
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| Jenny made these little treats one night and I just loved the little bees! |
Jen, Maria and I had our monthly brunch! We hit up
Plumeria Cafe in Laguna Niguel. Great food. Gets a bit crazy for brunch though.
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We doubled up on our mimosa order since it's a walk up and order and it was so crowded. LOL!
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One weekend I made a couple of beach trips. Saturday morning Pat, Rascal and I met Julie for Julie and my monthly brunch. I've been wanting him to try Bluewater Grill - especially the oysters - so he joined us this time.
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| So glad Pat finally got to try good oysters! |
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| Ponzu Scallops - another favorite here |
Then David joined Carol and I for our monthly breakfast. We hit up Caterina's in San Clemente. Such a beautiful day!
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| Looks like a damn penguin! |
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| The blues that day were just stunning |
Julie and I hit up the Sawdust Festival one day. It was hot as hell down there which surprised me because - hello! beach! But damn this weather. We had a lovely time and even wandered down to the beach to stick our toes in the unusually hot ocean water.
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| We always try to take advantage of the free art classes they offer there. This time we did a white paint pen on black paper. I was surprised how much I didn't hate mine! |
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| Funny side note, some of Jules friends heard she was dating someone. They thought it was me after she posted these pictures. I mean we are basically married and would make a hella cute couple! LOL! |
The Hernandez Clan wanted to come over and have Pat show them how to make pasta one night. So we did a little dinner with them and The Rhodes. Lovely evening indeed.
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| I bring a mean snack game |
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| Me and Jose basically just watched |
So there you have it. Another month flown by. Hoping life starts to be a little more light as we roll into the end of the year. But certainly enjoying and trying to capture those beautiful moments that always show up no matter how rough life can get.
