My Hero

This guy is my hero and the love of my life. He has been taking such good care of me since my spine got all outta whack this last week—running around like crazy with me limping and wincing in tow. My folks are pretty darn amazing too, but really, most of the weight of my total helplessness has fallen on this guy. And he just keeps telling me it's no problem, that it's all going to be OK. And that he loves me.

tea time

It seems to be a tradition to have high tea with my mom sometime during the winter.

Oten we go with a group of ladies and sometimes it's just us two. There are almost always Kir Royals involved.

This year, for the first time ever, we went with our sweet heats. The four of us dressed up and lifted our pinkies while we sipped Earl Grey at the Biltmore in Montecito.

The Biltmore is so fancy that's it's definitely just for special occasions. But oh boy do they make tastey treats. This year they added macaroons to menu.

That's my dad asleep behind the strawberries. He's more of a coffee guy.

Tradition

Our handmade Valentine tradition continues. These bear a strong resemblance to last year's love notes.

everyday is Valentine's Day with you, dude

Mr. C and I have no grand plans for this Valentine's day. He works. I work. Maybe we'll exchange hand made cards, as is our tradition. We really have so many great days together... any random Wednesday could lead to a lovers adventure. It's like everyday is Valentine's Day.

Also, today is my ma's birthday. So she gets our love and attention too.

old fashioned afternoon

Yesterday was (sort of) my day off with Mr. C.

After running hither and yon, gathering things for my classroom, we spent some time just hanging out. 

For as addicted as I am to Words With Friends, there's still nothing like a good old fashioned game of Scrabble. Mr. C won with a 4 point spread.

best bicycle mechanic

My man, Ian Crawford, is the best bicycle mechanic in Ventura. Maybe the world.

He's the star (and only) mechanic at a beautiful shop here in town called Non Stop Ciclismo. They specialize in all things Italian and will even make you shots of espresso while you shop.

Mr. C also looks pretty fantastic with is bike.

prom pics

I almost forgot to tell you... Mr. C and I were chaperones at the Oak Grove high school prom.

I was the photographer and was lucky to get these test shots with Ian as my model. Sadly, I didn't get any pics of me in my sequined frock....

So I had to shoot myself in our bathroom mirror at home.

speaking of birthdays...

... Ian gave me the loveliest bunch of blossoms. I just couldn't stop photographing them in all the shades of light in the day. These are a few of my shots...

missing you - day 7

Of everything I'm missing while out on the road, I pine for Mr. C the most. Without a doubt.

If you're reading this Mr. C, I'll be giving you big kisses when at last I see you tomorrow.

missing you - day 2

I miss the tiny treasures Mr. C and I have collected, especially all the photos. They decorate the nooks and crannies of our little bungalow.

Out to Breakfast

I do so love going out to breakfast when Mr. C and I can find the time. We have a favorite spot, Cafe Nouveau. It's just down the street from our lil' Ventura bungalow and we can sit on the patio and eat waffles and mimosas.

Do you have a favorite breakfast spot? Is it near to your home or far and what do you always eat when you go?

His & Hers

I came home today to a handmade Valentine from my sweetheart...

... and he came home to one from me.

Mr. C and I have been dreadfully ill for these days leading up to the St. Valentine Holiday. We really we're too bad off to plan anything super special. But I love that rather than running out to buy each other last minute gifts, we both took time out of our days to hand craft true-love Valentines. I sure love that man.

Happy Valentine's Day everyone. And happy birthday Mom.

in the mood

Mr. C is in the mood. That's what we used to say when some one sported new shoes. And those red bad boys are definitely new. They went for their maiden ride yesterday morn.

while it's still your birthday month

Here are some photos from Mr. C's birthday celebrations earlier this month.



We've been sort of keeping the party going for most of October. In fact, he just received another present yesterday. Lucky duck.

Elsie's & Ian

Ahhhhh. That's a sigh of contentment as I sip a Boddingtons with my honey. We're spending this Sunday late afternon moment at Elsie's--one of Santa Barbara's downtown gems.

I'm so excited to tell you about all that's going on and why I've been M.I.A. from 'The Board' for so long. Stay tuned.

Vintage Mr. C

Just came across this photo of Ian from a few years back. We were sitting in our favorite coffee shop and I was playing with my brand new camera.