A birdbath, and Advanced Stealth Technology Toilets

 

While driving through my neighborhood, I found an unfinished spray-painted pot with a $59.99 Hobby Lobby sticker. The man outside said it was free and even offered me the leftover spray paint!

I knew exactly what I would use it for. As a base pedestal to my cement birdbath that was given to me by the wife of a very good friend of mine, Dominic, after he died from an overdose. The pedestal broke off a couple of years ago, during a storm. So it's been sitting on whatever we could find - 

The base has some paint splotches that need to be fixed. I’m not in a rush, but to match the birdbath to the pedestal, I might use textured spray paint or mix watered-down cement with dirt for an aged look. It will need time to achieve the desired appearance. I am one who will have to look at it and ponder...

Got any suggestions???

The moment my husband placed the heavy birdbath on the base I was delighted to see a dove and a few other lovely birds enjoying a bath, splashing around. They don't care what the base pedestal looks like!  I’ll be patient and wait until they’re finished before I clean it out. It’s such a joy to watch nature up close in our own little space!

I tried using the textured gray spray paint on the top thingy of the birdbath, and I have some regrets now about doing that. 

I always get such a thrill from mixing unique finds and second-hand treasures! A quirky home feels so inviting, and my yard tells its own stories. Each corner and flower adds history and character, creating a cozy atmosphere that store-bought decor can't replicate (though I do have a soft spot for Hobby Lobby!)

If the birds like it, then I'm good. 

Earlier in the week, a rather unexpected turn of events, I accidentally broke off the toilet handle mid-flush. That meant an early run to Home Depot. As I wandered through the aisles, I took some time to explore the various toilets on display, just dreaming...Although shopping for a toilet isn't exactly a thrilling shopping event,  I found myself captivated by the features available. Some models boasted being able to flush a basket full of tennis balls in one flush, then there was the "advanced stealth technology"  ensuring a whisper-quiet flush, while others promised to be nearly self-cleaning. We need to upgrade our toilet because we have been having ongoing problems with it. We plan to start this project sometime after the holidays.

August 19 will be the last 8 pm sunset for our area...

So Fall is coming…🍁

 

I'll post tomorrow after our visit with SSA.  

We'll be there as soon as they open.

Debby 💓💓

My Battle with Clutter and Dust

Source: Amazon

Here we are, everyone—it's the final Monday of July 2025. It feels almost surreal to realize that the year is slipping away from us at such a rapid pace. In less than 6 months, we'll be in 2026. I often catch myself mentally stuck in 2024, having to pause and remind myself of the current year. It's funny to think that if I still relied on writing checks, I would likely be making quite a few blunders! 

Time truly has a way of moving faster than we expect.

So what's up with the above photo? 

Source: Amazon

Lately, I’ve been battling relentless allergies that seem to take root deep in my chest. The lingering effects of fire smoke - though thankfully now pretty much gone; coupled with the fine dust that accumulates in my home, often give me the sensation of an elephant pressing down on my chest, making each breath a strenuous effort. Interestingly, when I step outside and immerse myself in nature, I find relief; the fresh air seems to rejuvenate my lungs. Since living outdoors isn't an option, we've decided to tackle the clutter and dust inside my home with determination. 

Source: Amazon

Several years ago, I decided to declutter my bedroom by saying goodbye to my dresser, while my husband still has his chest of drawers. In its place, I installed a charming wooden standing shelf in my closet, where I organized an array of baskets to neatly store all the items that once occupied my dresser. However, this decision led to a new challenge: what to do with my jewelry boxes and delicate trinkets that I loved to showcase. In search of a solution, I repurposed a slender, narrow bookcase, initially planning to upgrade it later. Yet, as time went by, life took over, and that intention lingered in the back of my mind, unfulfilled.

It seems that having a bookcase in my room is not meant to be, for this is the dustiest house I have ever lived in.  I can practically smell the accumulated dust on things. It's not that I avoid dusting - I do dust, but I will admit dusting ranks as my least favorite household chore.  So, my search for a solution began - determined to eliminate the clutter of dust collectors. I will tuck them away neatly in a drawer. 

Source: Amazon

I ordered this piece, and it will fit beautifully in the designated space. Standing at 45 inches tall, its slender drawers are perfectly proportioned, ensuring it won't jut out too far from the wall and accidentally bump me when getting out of bed. The dimensions make it ideal for the room and adding a touch of elegance and charm to our room. The tall floor-standing jewelry boxes I came across were far too pricey for my budget. It's not that I possess a vast collection of jewelry because I really don’t but I do have a few cherished pieces and I love to wear earrings every day. (My jewelry of choice)  This isn't that big so I can fill it up nicely. What doesn't fit snug inside, gets donated. 

I really like the look of the fabric-covered drawers. The original price was $59.95, but to my surprise, when I was checking out, I discovered I had a $35 credit available that I wasn’t aware of. Ultimately, my total came to just $25.20, making it a good deal for me. 

I placed my order yesterday, and it has finally arrived! I can't wait till my husband gets up from his nap so I can get into the room to begin rearranging and tidying up. I can’t wait to bring a fresh, clean vibe to the space!

He’s finally up now, piecing everything together for me. It's now mid afternoon and it’s clear that this will be a two-day endeavor.

Until next time, 

Debby

 

Update on Home Projects

 

We have completed the painting of the wood trim around the windows at the front of the house. The rocks in the front patio are also finished.

I still need to do some rearranging.

I sewed the split seams on the cushions and sprayed them with outdoor Scotchgard.

I was rearranging the front yard by moving some items from the backyard to the front. After sitting and looking at it for a while, I realized that something needed to return to its original spot. My husband doesn’t understand that; he tends to place things down and leave them where they are.

I found this horseshoe cross that we've had for 17 years, which we bought when we first moved here. Since we live among horse ranches outside our subdivision, and there's a horse veterinarian down the road, it seemed fitting. It was stored in the garage with things piled on top of it. 

So, that's one less thing I had to purchase.

This was in the backyard, above the patio door frame - moved it to go above the front door.

Saved 100%

I had this old postbox for 15 years, so I moved it to a more visible spot in front.   I then bought four sprigs of artificial flowers at Dollar Tree for $1.25 each.

The birdhouse-feeder was given to us by our next-door neighbor, Michael. He didn't want them anymore, so he offered them to us. They were originally made from a fence that separated our yards when the previous neighbor lived there, who built several of these structures. Michael gave us two of them—one for the front yard and one for the back.

The plastic Raven has been with me for decades as well. I love Ravens, and our area is well-known for them; in fact, it’s in the name of our subdivision. I bought this plastic Raven at the 99-cent store. I used Gorilla Wood Glue to secure it on top of the birdhouse.

I love it. 

We encountered a problem when my husband moved the old work table to the side of the house so I could work on it. It had carpenter bees inside the rotting wood, burrowing tunnels into it. These bees are quite large—about the size of an oblong nickel. They are extremely territorial but generally docile unless provoked.

Unfortunately, they continued to return to the front yard, swarming and creating a nuisance.

Carpenter bees are destructive to homes, and we knew we couldn't let them stay. Although we prefer not to kill unless necessary, we decided to buy some foam spray specifically designed for carpenter bees. This foam fills the holes in the table, forcing the bees to leave. 

The next morning, when the group from Teen Challenge arrived, the bees were angry and swarmed around them. It made it difficult for us to enjoy the patio all day yesterday.

I ordered a carpenter bee trap from Amazon. 

From everything I read, the bees will eventually leave if there is no dead or decaying wood present. Today, I noticed no bees around!

Now, there is peace on the patio. 

I decided to cancel the bee trap.

Now this is the next project. When we had the gutters installed, the worker accidentally slopped some glue on the house that I need to scrape off.

The old birdbath was a gift from a good friend of mine, Dominique, who was from Italy and had ordered it directly from there. I had always admired its beauty. Sadly, he passed away from a drug overdose, and his wife gave the birdbath to me. I have carried it with me for 30 years. A few years ago, the pedestal broke, and we kept meaning to find something to prop it up again. We are finally narrowing down our options, so the issue should be resolved soon.

We need to cover the weeds with a weed barrier and then add rocks on top. We'll need to order the rocks, possibly next week; a cubic yard should be sufficient. Then, drip lines and bubblers for potted plants. I repotted the citronella plant, but I'm unsure if it will thrive in its new location.

I secured the birdhouse stake into the roses again. It was blown down in the wind a couple of weeks ago.

It's not yet completely finished, but we're making progress. Knowing me, I'll still be rearranging things until I get it just right. 

I'm happy with it. 

Today, I visited Hobby Lobby and purchased a new rug for the patio and a patriotic wreath for the door, thanks to their 40-50% off sale.  Tomorrow, I plan to hang the flag garland outside in celebration of Flag Day, and it will remain up until the end of July. 

I'm pleased to share that I have a cardiology appointment scheduled for June 25 at 8:45 a.m. This is from the second referral; the first one was with my husband's Cardiologist, but the office never called back.

I'm beat right now. I get up by 5 a.m. so I can get out there, have coffee, and plan the day. About now (4:42 p.m.), I'm running out of gas...

I still have dinner to do: grilled chicken potstickers, Asian-style cabbage slaw, and Chinese garlicky green beans topped with toasted sesame seeds.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend, celebrating the Dad's. 

Debby

Spring is Definitely Here

On Saturday morning, I captured the beauty of the Irises in these photos, reminding me of nature's grace.

Adorned in their finest for a radiant Sunday that is coming...

I was amazed to see them all bloom in vibrant Easter colors on the same day.

All of creation lifts its voice in praise to the Lord.

So, how's everyone doing? Loving the Spring vibes? Hope you’re all good!

Currently, there is a cold circulating in the area that has been particularly severe for some individuals. My husband contracted this cold, and it has persisted for about a week; however, I have managed to avoid it. 

Oh my goodness, it has been a whirlwind of events and activity lately! Too much for a blog post. So instead, I will embrace today as the fresh start of a new week, filled with new opportunities and the promise of new adventures.

Spring has officially arrived, signaling the time for essential maintenance tasks. As we prepare for the onset of scorching temperatures that can often reach 105+ degrees, it’s crucial to tackle outdoor chores before the heat makes heavy labor challenging. Spring is the best time for that! Unlike many other states that report a feels-like-temperature, here they report just one.  Last July, for instance, we reached a staggering 119 degrees, (real temperature)  which illustrates the intensity of our summer climate here in Redding.  Prioritizing maintenance now will help ensure a more comfortable and manageable summer season. You know, sitting under the water misters, sipping an icy cold drink. 

Last year, we encountered issues with procrastination, which ultimately delayed several projects that we have to get done this year! Once the heat set in, we found ourselves unable to tackle significant tasks such as painting the exterior or hauling in rocks. Learning from this experience, we are committed to being proactive this year to ensure we do not repeat the same mistakes. We are already taking steps to stay on track with our plans. We are hoping all the heavy-duty outside maintenance will be completed by the end of June; earlier would be preferable. 

This isn’t my photo, and I’m not planning to climb up a ladder to take a photo. 

Last week, we undertook an installation project for new gutters and downspouts in specific areas of our house. We also added leaf filters to prevent debris buildup AND eliminating the need for my husband to climb a ladder for maintenance, which always made me nervous. 

Our patio roof and gutter system.

After three years of abundant blessings from God (rain), we knew we had to fix those gutters. Also, dry rot was beginning. 

So we went from that 👆

To this!  👆

What an improvement! 

Maintaining a home can be fulfilling, and recent updates like a new gutter can excite you. Okay, I'm weird. Good property stewardship is essential, and I learned this value from my father, who was always meticulous about maintaining our home to prevent wear and tear and rot.

In addition, we plan to paint the exterior, specifically the trim. The main body of the house is in excellent condition and will require its annual power washing to keep it looking its best.

So yeah, I'm excited. 

This morning, I dashed out to get my hair trimmed. I came home to start the laundry, and I swept the hardwood floors and shook out the hall runners and rugs. I don't usually use these rugs in the hot months, but with Laydee and her arthritis disability, The Vet recommended they would help her not slip, give her a better footing, and prevent a broken hip, and at her age, it would be the end. 

So I had to dig out all the rugs - I want to get some new ones...

Laydee's condition shows variability; at times, she moves around well, while at other times, she struggles and drags herself using her two front legs. She's a real trooper though and is in good spirits. The injection is effective for about three weeks, relieving her. The main thing is she remains happy and does not experience the pain she once did, which significantly enhances her quality of life as she ages. However, it's uncertain how much longer she will be with us—perhaps a year or two at most, after all, she is twelve years old. 

I’m doing my best to be there for her, cherishing every single moment we have together and showering her with love, bear hugs, and lots of kisses. 

I owe it to her because she has thoroughly blessed my life. 

I am not a fair-weather pet owner!

Meanwhile, the flowers continue to bloom...

Springing into the Hodgepodge

 

1. Spring has officially sprung (in the northern hemisphere anyway)...did she roll in more like a lion or more like a lamb in your neck of the woods? 

I'm writing this on Monday afternoon -  the temperature is 82 degrees, with similar highs expected for Tuesday. However, the forecast for Wednesday indicates a significant drop in temperatures, potentially reaching the 50s and 60s, along with expected rain. This trend suggests that while March started off mild, it appears to be ending with more tempestuous weather conditions, meaning we're going out like a lion. 

What needs more of your attention in terms of a good spring clean this year- your house or your  garden/yard? 

Both. We're waiting for the shipment of our new garage door to the contractor. In the meantime, we should order paint and start on the garage door trim, as repainting the house trim is a goal this year after procrastinating last year. The yard and gardening also need attention, and with summer approaching, I'll finally have some free time for home projects, including some interior painting I've needed to do.

2. What's put a spring in your step lately? 

I've got a spring in my step all year, but it really amps up as summer gets closer! It just puts me in a great mood!

3. When you were a kid, what was the best snack to find in your lunchbox? 

Getting a Hostess chocolate cupcake in my lunchbox was a rare treat but was my favorite.  

They don't taste like they used to. 

Mom would always cut up a pomegranate, a tasty snack I shared with my friends. 

4. In what area of your life are you planting seeds? 

"We are, therefore, Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God."

2 Corinthians 5:20

5. Why do you live where you do? 

California is my home, where my heart truly resides. It is a place of connection, filled with everything I need to thrive. Its familiar landscapes inspire me daily, rich with the memories of my upbringing and the love of my family. 

Would you consider living somewhere else? 

No, but since we're playing a game, Oregon, Nevada, and Arizona stand out as favorable choices. These states offer a compatibility that I'm used to, making the transition easier. I'd be closer to my sons by vehicle. 

Why or why not? 

As I’ve expressed California is home, and I have no desire to call anywhere else home. 

At 71 years of age, moving is no longer appealing to my husband or me. Reflecting on my parents' experience, they were once active in buying and selling homes and moving to different parts of the country.  However, after one challenging cross-country move that involved professional movers, they decided against it in the future. Instead, they opted to sell most of their belongings, keeping only their prized possessions and purchased all new furniture and appliances for their new home. That is the only way I'd move. Have one big moving sale. 

But it won't happen. We're just dreaming here...

6.  Insert your own random thought here. 

Whenever my dog, Laydee, brings me the same toy, I can’t help but wonder if it’s her favorite or if she thinks it’s my favorite. 

I’m happy, happy happy, to share some good news about Laydee's health! 

The injection she received a couple of weeks ago has proven to be incredibly effective - Hallelujah! Laydee is undergoing treatment with Librela, a cutting-edge solution specifically designed to alleviate pain caused by osteoarthritis in dogs. This powerful monoclonal antibody (mAb) works by blocking nerve growth factors, effectively interrupting the pain signals.

Laydee is scheduled to receive a monthly injection as a key component of her treatment plan, and we are optimistic about her ongoing improvement. Typically, it requires two doses to attain the maximum therapeutic benefits. The significant progress observed after her first injection is encouraging. With each additional dose, we anticipate a further enhancement in her overall quality of life during her later years. She exhibits youthful energy similar to that of a puppy. Additionally, with the arrival of summer, she will have the opportunity to return to swimming, which is beneficial for her joint health.

That's it for this week's Hodgepodge. 

I hope you'll join in. The more the merrier...

Debby

‭‭

Tuesday 4 ~ Home Sweet Home

 Home Sweet Home

Welcome back to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4 where each week we ask you to consider 4 questions on various subjects. The goal is to get you thinking, considering, talking and getting to know yourself and other bloggers. 

Be it ever so humble there is no place like home . 

Let's talk about homes okay? 

I thought I would join in for the first time because I love the theme of Home Sweet Home. 

1. In some places people name their homes or properties. What would you name your home and why? If you would not name it, why wouldn't you? 

We refer to our home as Twin Cedars. A beautiful reminder of resilience and growth. This Incense Cedar, lovingly planted by my dad when they were just little twigs, grew into two majestic trunks - thus a twin cedar. 

Here are some photos from the last couple of years...

 Throughout the years...

(Turkeys on the other side of the fence) 

The Twin Cedars are clearly the centerpiece of our yard. It has transformed into a vibrant habitat, attracting the lively chatter of woodpeckers and other birds as well and more recently the loud majestic presence of ravens.

 2. Are you more of a romantic or a pragmatist when it comes to your home or apartment's decor and color? 

I'm a pragmatist - I have a practical approach to things. I prefer a simple style and try to remove unnecessary items to avoid clutter. I enjoy a clean and organized appearance.

3. Do you have enough room in your home? Storage space, kitchen cabinets? What would you add or subtract from your home? 

I'd be concerned that if I had more storage space, I might start keeping things again that I worked hard to throw away! I could really use some better ways to keep my things organized. Other than that, I'm happy with my home.

4. Is your place really home sweet home ? Would it be hard to leave it ? Are you firmly rooted in your abode or would you move if a better opportunity came your way? 

This place is truly special to me, and leaving would be really tough because of all the memories here. Although I didn’t grow up in this house, my parents chose it as their final retirement home, and they both passed away here. My dad planted trees that still give us cool shade in the summer and beautiful colors in the fall. My mom's roses bloom every year, and we love spending time on the covered patio just outside our back door - where there's also a lovely waterfall and pond that my dad created. For the past 17 years, this has been my home. About two years after moving here,  both of my sons followed from our hometown in the Bay Area. One lives just a couple of miles away, and the other is about six miles from me. 

I'm as deeply rooted as God will allow!