Lagoon view dual master bed condo in the heart of San Diego

Presidio Place is the perfect place to live! This 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo is sunny and bright, and overlooks peaceful the lakes and colorful landscaping. Located within walking/biking/trolley distance of USD, the Y, Fashion Valley, Mission Valley and plenty of fine restaurants and shopping, Presidio Place is a very short drive from the beaches, airport, downtown, and everything else San Diego has to offer. Of course, with multiple swimimng pools, racquetball, tennis courts, spas, exercise and recreation right at your fingertips, you just may want to hang out at home. Clean and fresh, with 2 roomy bedrooms, 2 full baths, stackable washer/dryer inside, plenty of storage, 1120 square feet with appliances included, this choice condo is listed at $259,000. Quit wasting your time on dubious short sales-- this home is privately owned and you can actually get a quick response to your offer. Call for your appointment today

3/4 Acre, Private Newer Executive Home, walk to La Mesa Village!

Homes under 10 years old are very hard to find in La Mesa. Now imagine this: a beautiful, well-appointed executive home, custom built in 2004, situated on a very private 3/4 acre lot, with a sweeping view, on a cul-de-sac, and within walking distance of all the fun happening year 'round in La Mesa Village. Plus-- generous RV parking, a regular 2 car attached garage and a large detached workshop/studio with full bath. You'll love all the fine detailings inside on this 5 bedroom, 4 bath, 3086 square foot home. Listed at $985,000. No sign on property; please call for private showing.

This fine combination of amenities, location and size is rare!

Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful

"Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful."

That certainly says it all, doesn't it? These weren't the thoughts of a wise old cat, but instead a sharp Ohio newspaper columnist, who, to celebrate growing older, wrote a feature about the 45 lessons life had taught her. You'll find many places online that say Regina Brett is 90 + years old, but she's really only 55 now.



Just think of the ways you can apply this quote to your life. Your house. Your possessions. Those cabinets and closets full of stuff!! Your job, friends, clients... the list goes on. It really makes me think of what's truly important in life. Seems like I need constant reminders, whether those come in the form of a sage quote, a near-accident, or some other close call.

"Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful" is life lesson #17. You can read the rest of Ms Brett's life lessons here

A few years back, when the 2nd major fire in 4 years swept through San Diego, we packed up our RV, ready to dash out at the first sign of danger. My two children and I took three brown paper grocery bags, and stuffed each one full of what was important to us, then left them by the back door, ready to grab on a moment's notice. Every time I walked by, I reflected on the special items tucked inside...a treasured book, a few games, lots of pictures and mementos. There was lots of beauty and joy there.

©2011 Barb Fischer San Diego

Wine Tasting in Temecula

What better to do on one's 21st birthday? (Especially with a 17 year old brother as your designated driver?)

Happy Birthday, Smith!







It was 104 degrees outside, and refreshingly cool inside.

We visited Callaway first-- still the only winery with a midweek tour (and it's free before September!) ....then South Coast for a delicious lunch, followed by Wilson Creek for their signature Almond Champagne, and finally Longshadow




We never did catch his name...
Endless grapes, vines, green... so fresh and pastoral!
J had to stay outside during some of the festivities inside. Methinks they don't use misters anymore, because we all cart around so many electronic devices. Someone or something might get fried!

Robert speeds away in the Beemer. We drive slowly back on the rush-houred freeway.

Christian Rods and Customs Annual Classic Car Show

Even 90 + degrees couldn't keep all the savvy members of the Christian Rods and Customs Car Club from bringing out their prized classics to the 12th annual show, held last Saturday at Faith Chapel in Spring Valley. From the 1920s on up, every kind of cool classic you've ever heard of was there, and in beautiful condition.

Imagine hundreds of enthusiasts, all happy to share priceless information with you. If you missed this year's event, please join us next August. Check back on this website or on www.christianrodsandcustoms.org

Local artisan Frank Cota sculpts Grand Piano sculpture on site and it it auctioned for over $1100.

HeART of Mt Helix eating and enjoying

People line up to taste scrumptious samples from San Diego's yummy restaurants... and stop to admire the sweeping views as they wait.