Coffee in My Cup

There's nothing better than coffee with a big bold taste, warming the body as you slowly drink in the rich dark liquid.

So I might be exaggerating a little. If the morning also includes a fresh cinnamon bun or something else equally as decadent, its one of the best ways to start one's morning.

And if you can get a decent shot of the mug glistening in the morning light...all that much better!

A Great Way to Start the Day

It was a lovely way to start the day...a freshly brewed cup of hot Joe.

It's been all upward ever since.

Worth Every Lukewarm Drop

The first cup of coffee was deliciously steaming hot. I was looking forward to a second cup. Alas! The second cup was lukewarm, leaving much to be desired. At least the Men's choir, compliments of Azusa Pacific University, and the guest speaker's, Angie Smith, message were inspiring and worth every lukewarm drop.

I'm so thankful we were able to attended despite it all.

Dripp Dripp Dropp

Finally made it to Dripp, my favorite little coffee shop east of Los Angeles. After having imbibed on a Mayan Mocha at the Gypsy Den, the mocha's at Dripp no longer do the trick, but the pastries and ambiance, oh my! The ambiance at the Gypsy Den could be described as Bohemian while Dripp would best be called as Hipster. I love them both for different reasons.

2013/8 From Start to Finish

I made good time getting ready for work this morning, all things considered. Still it was 6:02am as I pulled out of the driveway. After a few weeks off of work, I expected the sky to be light already, but it was dark and still as I made my way to the freeway. Traffic was light, which was all I really cared about.

As I merged onto the 57 South, I turned my eyes to the East and gasped at the moon. Against the black horizon, the rim lighting from the sun, yet to be seen, the moon came to life. It was almost as if I could reach out and grab it from the sky. I would have taken a picture, but I knew my little cellphone could never do it justice so my memory of the moment will have to suffice.

The walk from the car to the office was easier than it had been at the end of 2012. At some point in the morning, I realized that I was getting things done, not just counting the seconds until I could leave and get back to my recliner. I felt happy.

From start to finish, it has been a very good day.

Beginning and end

Beginning of the day...

And the end...

Another Ordinary Day

My mugshot of the day...

It was supposed to rain today, but there wasn't any indication of it. That was there were not signs of rain until 5pm, as I was walking out the door. But it was just a sprinkle really so I don't think that should count.

Stopped by the post office to mail a letter. Now I can officially say, the check is in the mail.

Cloudy skies close to sunset make me happy.

So does this little dog.

Best Shot Monday

On Shutter Sisters, Monday is usually reserved for Best Shot Monday. Today Tracey Clark shared a passion she has for a Shot@Life and asked that we join in a Shot4Shot in support this cause.

My mug shot...not my best and I had to crop it down significantly to make it worth saving.

Our little lovey dovey....

The evening sky...not much sun today...

A Typical Day To, From and In the Office

The day started early, woke up at 4:42, happy that I had 18 more minutes to sleep or lay in bed...whichever! Still the alarm startled me and I jumped out of bed so I could leave the house in time. I'm not the kind who wants to do a lot before I leave for the day so I have just 45 short minutes to get ready to go.

I was greeted with the promise of a beautiful sunrise and, oh my goodness, I still need to get my windshield cleaned.

The moon was still out and about. I was hoping to get some of the hills in the shot, but I just put my phone up to the window and hoped for the best...had to keep my eyes on the road.

It was smooth sailing the whole drive in. It's the one reason I get up and out so early.

The day was uneventful. I got a lot done and happily all but one of my meetings were cancelled. Sometime during the day, renderings of our new office were put up in the hallway. We're moving in May 2012. I would have taken more pictures, but each time I would walk by someone would come up and I didn't want to feel like a weirdo. I don't mind taking picture of oddball stuff when no one I know is around because I'll never see them again so who really cares.

Seems like this whole year the sky has been filled with big puffy clouds. Today was no exception. As I came back from lunch I ended up parking in a completely different area so I could get this picture. Who wants to go back to work when it looks like this outside? Luckily I like my job, so back inside I went.

When I left for the day, I found a benefit of the back of the building, airplanes coming in for their landing! Since we are right next to the airport, we're within the flight path of airplanes coming in for landings. How could I not have seen this before. I was one minute too late to take the photo of the day as a s twin engine plane soared in. I waited for what seemed like 5 minutes for another plane to come down, but nothing. Mindful that every minute that passed just meant a longer commute home, I finally left with nothing to show for my trouble.

The traffic stunk on the way home. There were three accidents so it was pretty slow the whole trip. I was able to get some more pictures in. I started with some more planes coming in. With the clouds in the sky, you would see the planes coming from miles away, their silver bodies glistening in the white masses.

Made a note to self that next time I'm in the office, I am going to get pictures of the planes coming in.

Just for something to do as we crawled along.

Not the best shot, but not bad considering traffic started flowing as I put the camera up and quickly snapped.

Me talking to Matthew.

I thought it was a good hair day.

It was unseasonably cool. Was thinking this might be my last cup of hot cocoa of the season.

Just in case I added a little whip and chocolate jimmies.

Knowing that next week I'm only working on Monday made Saturday morning coffee even more relaxing.

Earlier this week I planned to go out specifically to take some pictures. Even though the weather wasn't cooperating, I wasn't going to let that stop me. After I cleaned up my room, I packed up my camera, iPad and iPod and headed for Ventura.

I ended up in an area of Ventura I hadn't been before. It was drizzling on my way up the 101, but the clouds had cleared by the time I arrived at the beach. There were others out and about enjoying themselves too. Enough to give me a sense of security, but not so many that I felt impeded.

After walking around and taking pictures for a better part of an hour, I drove to Main Street with the intention of hanging out there until the golden hour.

I took this picture by mistake. For some reason I like it.

After lunch and coffee, I went back to the beach. It wasn't quite the golden hour and the clouds were starting to thicken up. After sitting in my car for about 15 minutes, I decided that the conditions weren't going to be worth the wait so I headed back home. I noticed this neon sign on the way to Ventura and made a note to myself to stop on the back back and take some pictures of it. I missed the exit and almost kept going, but told myself it was now or never so I pulled off on the next exit and back tracked. So glad I did!

But hands down, the best part of the day was hanging out with my baby girl. She spent the day at home watching tv and texting friends so she was ready for some company by the time I got home. Mom and I went to dinner while Brie stayed at home baking brownies. We were watching a movie when she got a text from a friend telling her to come over as some of their mutual friends were at her house. Even though we were having a good time, I encouraged her to go.

This one was in a playful mood so I took over for Brie as she got ready to go to Sierra's.