Our favorite things...

about our new home in California.

It's been almost two weeks since we moved in, and we have the art on the walls and the best spaces defined.



The front yard is kind of cute and I really like the front entrance. The lights are really pretty - now we just have to figure out why they don't work. (One of several quirks that we've discovered).



Inside, the front rooms are a lot of fun. The living room is cozy and light. It will be lighter when we have window coverings that open and close - someday.











The dining room is our main eating space and I think the refinished furniture looks nice in this space.


















We all like the kitchen. We can be in here (everyone), and it's not too crowded. Plus, it's right off the family room so we are all together even if everyone is not right in the kitchen.

















Upstairs is the space we all love! The den and "Kid's Lounge" are right off the bedrooms and this space could not be more perfect. Another great thing about this space is that we can have a movie night, and then literally crawl to our bedrooms. No flights of stairs to climb!















I've been working in the gardens this weekend - it's literally a jungle out here. Fortunately, I cannot exhaust myself with a one-weekend overhaul, because I am limited to one trash can of yard waste a week. So, I might have the gardens tidied up by Christmas - and I can be okay with that. Thank goodness for the longer yard work season here.






















We have so many roses (and a fountain)! Oranges, Reds, Whites and Yellows. I think that there's even an hibiscus plant. And now we know that this is our Orange Tree. A friend of mine let me know that oranges often ripen around Christmas in Florida, so we'll keep watching these green balls of fruit.




This is the children's hide-out - right between two large climbing trees. One child has already gotten stuck (we'll let you guess who).



The yard took Brian 10 minutes to mow (with the push-mower) yesterday. He wasn't super impressed ... but it gave him more time for football - so he couldn't really complain.



And I have to show you this - we live on a big hill, and there's the wilderness right outside the front door (behind Brian's truck)! Apparently this means that there are critters that check out the neighborhood. We have been lucky thus far and have not had any encounters. I'm sure if we do, you will know about it. And I would've shown you some of our lizard friends, but they are super quick and not photo-happy.

This is our California home, and we are pretty happy to be here. Oh yes, and we would love for you to come visit.