In no particular...

...order. Here are random bits in no particular order that have happened within the last two weeks!

One thing, kind of a big thing, I have noticed about Texas is the weird weather. The morning will start off beautiful with sunny skies, and then by early afternoon the weather takes a turn for the dramatic. The skies darken, it rains hard (somebody call Noah) it starts to thunder and lightning and if you're lucky (!), it starts to hail like in this picture. This is the side yard looking towards the neighbors. All those white things on the ground is hail. Later in the evening the rain came down so hard a little river formed between us. Thank goodness there wasn't a twister. In San Diego they report "micro-climate" weather on the news, here it's called "your severe weather climate." Wow, emphasis on the severe!

OMG - Tim McGraw had given a private concert at The Del Coronado and who was there on the beach but two of my besties, Cheri and Gloria. They ended up with a free concert, on the beach, no one was shooed away. This is SoCal at its best, just a relaxed state of mind!

I decided to do a bit of snooping in my sister's craft room. It is jam packed with all kinds of whatnots and such but I couldn't help but be attracted to these buttons like some clever little bird ready to fly off with something shiny.

 Don't forget Mother's Day is May 10th. I also found this cute plaque while rummaging around. So warm, so bright, so real, so right, so kind, so cool, it's clear mom's rule!

 Japanese yummies in Texas - yay! I was so happy to find these in an Asian market. It would be so much better if it were fresh but these fit the bill ok. I also found some crystallized ginger, sweet and spicy at the same market.

I picked up this teapot for one at the Goodwill in San Diego just before I left. I couldn't resist. It's by Tracy Porter and was only $3.

I only just opened it today and found a lovely surprise. Take a look! A little flower painted at the bottom of the cup to wish me a happy day!

Oh, now here's a little gem of a portrait of me done in 1997. Notice how short my hair is. This caricature of me was part of an Admin Day celebration the hotel (I worked at Hilton Hawaiian Village at the time) put on for us. It was a fun luncheon full of surprises. PS - the dog in the picture is Noelani our family boxer.

The bunnies were purchased at San Diego Goodwill around Easter, the glasses are brand new and shouldn't be left lying around like that! They are a dark brown surrounded by mint green and helped me pass my eye exam at the DMV. The note card to the right of it is one I just fancied. It features birds and bird cages.

In my last post I did mention that I would tell you about a fun shopping experience I had.at The Marketstreet in The Woodlands, TX. The website seems so snooty but I found everyone in the shops to be very friendly.

Here's the Z Gallerie. I haven't been here since I can't remember.This was a cute display with a bed done up in white and chocolate with adorable twin bears.

 I loved the Kate Spade store. It was bright, colorful, friendly and just so darn expensive but there sure were a number of lovely things.

Trina Turk has an equally lovely shop. Too bad I had nothing but moths flying out of my coin purse!

So on a totally different subject, besides being May 4th, did you know today is Star Wars Day? No? I just found out myself! I leave you with this gem from Yoda, the greatest Jedi Knight ever:

 Do or do not. There is no try.

Peace out!

Max, we're not in Kansas...

...I mean, San Diego anymore! I find myself a fish out of water, a liberal now plopped among conservative republicans and tea party people. It must come from all those years of living in California and Hawaii!

I have recently indulged my penchant for seeking out second hand stuff! The first two photos came from a Katy, Texas Goodwill store on the drive to my new home in Magnolia. I have not bought retail for over a year and honestly, I don't miss it. 

I didn't really think much of this light coverup/sweater but when I put it on, it suddenly came to life, I love it! This is from Dressbarn of all places.

 I love the colors on this top from Westbound Petites. The only problem with it, if you can call it a problem, is that it blends in with my skin tone so I might look a little washed up. But I really love a good paisley print and this more than qualifies.

This is a silky pair of relaxed crop pants with a drawstring on the bottom of each leg. It's navy blue with a cool pattern and vaguely reminds me of India. It's from Zenergy by Chico's. Can I tell you how much I LOVE Chico's!

And here is my selfie wearing the sweater (don't you love how I cut my head off and focused too much on the sink?). I love how the front has a soft cascading ruffle. The sleeveless Susan Graver blouse underneath is silvery and matches great with the gray tones of the sweater. The blouse is from a San Diego Goodwill and I think you can tell where I took this picture!

During a recent outing (which I'll post about later) we happened upon young lady on horseback. She is not a police officer rather part of a local security force doing her rounds.

 I can now consider myself a local Texan as I went and got myself a library card! I thought this sign was awfully cute!

 Yes, that's right. Maraschino cherries soaking up some moonshine. It'll set your throat afire! It wasn't bad when I mixed it with a Dr. Pepper Cherry soda. Think I'll take a nap now!

Are you all looking forward to the weekend?

Here's some news...

...actually, I'm not even sure where to start. But here's the BIG news, I have picked up and moved to Texas! I've been in the Lone Star state for two weeks and I'm slowly acclimating. It's nothing like southern California, the vibe is completely different, but the people here are nice.

A beautiful shot of Texas blue bonnets. Thanks Lady Bird!

We traveled from San Diego, California and powered through Arizona

Saw a lot of the Arizona desert

 and overnighted in Las Cruces, New Mexico (yet more desert landscape)

 After a quick breakfast, we left New Mexico for Texas and spent the night in San Antonio.
So close and yet so far from the Riverwalk and the Alamo. No time for sightseeing!

A big Texas welcome, oh, and drive friendly!

Dawn over San Antonio from my hotel window

Finally arriving in my new home Magnolia, Texas

The cat and dog came with me of course. Before we left, Maxwell went for a shave and a haircut at the groomers. Here's a pic of Max before and a cute one that my sister took after.

Give me a head with hair!

Max after

Here's Kitty who turned out to be a great traveling buddy

So this brings you up to date with all the news that's fit to print. I hope you are enjoying your Sunday. 

By the way, what are you doing?