Casa Gold Fever

A Sunday afternoon family event at the Casa was centered around the exhibit on display. Gold Fever had many activities including paning for gold. I had a table where children planted California "Golden" Poppies. Helped 60 + children plant seeds.

Monday, a foggy morning , brought my Casa volunteers out and we totally revamped one of the courtyard gardens! Diane hauled several wheel barrows of trimmings out. Bill worked hard and Ralph laced out the 'round' tree on the left. I will take 'after' photo soon.

Last week

Went on a garden club field trip to several members gardens. Patricia had this rope swing in her garden. Couldn't resist giving it a try! It's really harder than it looks because there was no seat...

Another annual garden club activity we have participated in for 4 years is helping the clients decorate a pumpkin at the local Adult Day Care Center. A club member donated all 75 pumpkins and we showed up to help. Mike joined us and was a big hit with the guys. This guy made a mustache and gotee to match Mike's. For an hour of volunteering, the rewards are great. There is nothing that compares to making time to give back to community. There are so many opportunities and it is amazing what just an hour will do for them-and you!

Aubrey's beach time

After the Casa butterflies and story time, we headed down the hill to the beach. A beautiful, really warm day. Aubrey enjoyed making sand castles, dragging seaweed to the shore and made a friend - same age. They had a ball playing in the shallow water! Then we walked to the local Pizza place for a bite before heading home.

We see the ocean from our home every day, I walk the beach trail regularly with my friend, however, grandchildren take you to the sand and in the water. It's like stopping to SMELL the roses. The time is precious and probably more so to Grandparents but oh so much fun for the children.

Aubrey's visit

It is so much fun to have the grandchildren one on one every once in a while. This was Aubrey's turn to have the undivided attention of Grandma and Grandpa. And, like the others, she loved it. Here are some photos of our trip to the Casa. Aubrey picked up and held every ladybug and monarch caterpillar she could find. She joined the weekly story circle and the gals that volunteer to do it every week always finish the story time in the butterfly garden. I was there today and it was fun to see the little ones looking for butterflies and caterpillars.

Siena visits

Randy and Staci had a concert date in Hollywood and we were honored with a Siena date!
Riding the Big Wheel and playing on the swing on the deck was so much fun.

Now, a trip to San Clemente is not complete without a trip to the beach. It was unseasonably warm and Siena had all these warm long sleeved clothes in her bag. Stopped by the local Stationery store for a 'beach shirt'.


And, watering Grandma's flowers is quite a chore for a little one.

Precious time with precious little ones-nothing can compare!

Casa Herb Garden

This was a really busy Monday. The other project was to use these left over tiles they stored in my garden area. Perfect stepping stones through the herb garden I will be planting soon. The wall of Rosemary cascading down makes for a great backdrop for the herb garden. I have some Borage, oregano and scented geranium started. Ready to go now

Casa Pots

A contact of mine donated these 4 beautiful pots to the Casa! Early this morning I took the first photo, hoping volunteers would show up so we could place them. They did! Shari, Bill and I carefully moved the pots into place-which we decided on the spot. It was a lot more fun for my Monday morning volunteers to do this than weed today.

We placed two of them at the entrance. Filled the bottom of the pots with brick etc. Found a large plastic empty nursery pot that just fit the top and 'hangs' on the rim. I just set this Jade and Fern in there until I decide what to plant in them. Wow. These are the most awesome pots-they really don't even need a plant.

Weekend with grandchildren

The Sea Fest and Chowder cook-off was held on the San Clemente pier Sunday, Oct 5.
Here I am holding Garrett and a cup of chowder. See the Casa Romantica in the background? It is the single story building with arches to the right of my head. When I am working, my view is this beautiful pier and ocean :)

Aubrey was happy to climb on this wooden piling out on the pier and flash me a cute smile.

Siena and her parents arrived after the Sea Fest. They all enjoyed the garden. I love watching the children playing in the fountain water, moving rocks around, asking to find worms, exploring...