Since school is over and having promised our Son that we would do something fun last weekend, we took a drive to Downtown Pomona. My kids were all smiles when I told them that we were going Vintage and Antique shopping. They love Downtown Pomona and they enjoy visiting the little shops.
We started by visiting one of our favorite shops, the Pomona Antique Mart. With it’s three levels, we always make sure to spend at least an hour to an hour and a half there. Yesterday, while at the basement level, I found a gorgeous Vintage Crystal 3 Tiered Server. I have been wanting to buy one, and this find is better than any I have seen so far. The crystal plates have Fleur de Lis, stars, and an unknown symbol as its pattern.
Vintage Crystal 3 Tiered Server.
It is a beautiful piece, which will make a lovely centerpiece for serving an assortment of delicacies such as cupcakes, fruits, cookies, caviar appetizers, cheese, chocolates, candies, Devils on Horseback and so much more. The Vintage Crystal 3 Tiered Server could also be used to display my precious little collectibles.
Two weeks ago, we inherited this gorgeous pair of Southwestern Lamps from our neighbor across the street (the same individuals who gave us the Vintage Sea Shell Hanging Planter and the Vintage Wood Folding TV Tray). The lamps have cutouts in the center, showing a depiction of a beautiful Southwestern sunrise/sunset. The shades have a cactus, skull and cowboy hat for its pattern (cactus, skull, cactus, cowboy hat all the way around).
Usually they would ask if we are interested in anything before offering. This time they didn’t ask, they said they are passing it along to us because they know we will love and cherish the set. Those words were enough to make a grown woman cry. The neighbor told us that the set was a project by him and his wife, handmade, back when they both were into Pottery. The shades on the other hand, were purchased. What makes it even special for us, is that both lamps have been signed by the couple.
Southwestern Lamps and Lamp Shades.
I really love the lamp shades, but their large size hide the top part of the lamp and it’s a little too big. I am planning on getting either Square, Barrel or drum shaped shades that will allow for the design to show thru.
The Lamps have two light bulbs on it, one on the top of the lamp and one that is on the bottom of the fixture which lights up the lamp cutout on the inside of it. This is a wonderful piece, which we will definitely cherish and which we are truly grateful to have received.
“No one has ever become poor by giving.”― Anne Frank
It’s a gorgeous day here today and the weather is bearable than the previous days. There will be no gardening for me today. Instead, I am making myself comfortable on one of my outdoors swings and sharing a few photos of fascinating creatures I spotted and photographed the last couple of days.
Yesterday on my way to check the mail, I spotted a Seaside Grasshopper next to the entry door. It stood still as I walked my way to the mail box. On my way back, the little creature was still there. I quickly grabbed my camera and took a photo. Usually they hop away when someone gets close, but this one didn’t move an inch (it probably didn’t feel threaten). As soon as I was done taking the photographs, it hoped away. As much as I enjoy looking at this picture, I am not fond of grasshopper as they often damage my beautiful plants.
Seaside Grasshopper.
Last Friday, after watering a few plants in the backyard and proceeding to move the trash cans out of the way and rake some dead leaves which has piled behind them, I saw a weird looking creature coming underneath one of the trash cans and moving really fast. Just by taking a quick look of it, I guessed it could be a spider perhaps? However, after seeing its large mouth and mouthparts, I had to research it.
It turns out that it is a Camel Spider also known as wind scorpions, sun spiders or solifuges. These little creatures have eight legs, move really fast and are carnivorous, eating insects and bugs such as: grasshoppers, spiders, crickets, lizards, small rodents and reptiles. Click here, here and here for more information.
A couple of days later, I spotted a Megachile, Brown Bee, twitching and spinning in circles on the ground. According to the website PesticideResearch.com, this is one of the symptoms of acute pesticide poisoning in bees. After a while of twitching and spinning around, it flew off.
I found a Soil Centipede hiding underneath a Garden Statue while hand weeding around my Daffodils. I found out that it can move both backwards and forwards and they will feed on pretty much anything that is soft-bodied and smaller than themselves such as larvae and worms.
According to WikiPedia, the centipede’s venom causes pain and swelling in the area of the bite, and may cause other reactions throughout the body. The majority of bites are not life-threatening to humans and present the greatest risk to children and those who develop allergic reactions.
Soil Centipede.
Now back inside for some sweet tea and a quiet moment watching Les Misérables. I could watch it all day, every day without ever getting bored. It is beautiful, moving and features some of my favorite actors.
Wishing you all a lovely weekend and enjoy the rest of your day.
Today was the last day of school at Cottonwood Elementary.
It’s been a bittersweet day for some of us parents.
We listened to a heartfelt speech by one of the Kindergarten teachers and watched a beautiful slideshow presentation of all the children activities during the school year.
I, for one, am happy that School is over because my Son can now enjoy the holidays and work on some of his projects. At the same time, I know that he is constantly looking forward to go to school and learn new things.
It’s been a great school year for my little boy. He exceeded everyone’s expectations. I am grateful that he was assigned an awesome teacher at the start of his school year. A woman so loving, helpful, encouraging and who shows patience to all. A woman who has given him the tools to advance in life, to reach out for his goals and nurtured self-confidence in him. These are all priceless and I am thankful.
Mrs. Wismer has been teaching for 35 years and this was her first and last year at Cottonwood Elementary as she is now retiring.
It’s a gorgeous day here today. I had a good night rest and I feel rejuvenated. The weather is awesome. Sitting next to my window sill, I am watching the leaves dance in the air. The sound of the light wind is music to my ear and I am enjoying the gently breeze of comfort. It’s the last week of school at my Son’s school and he is too excited. He received an award for Perfect Attendance this morning as well as a few gifts for being smart. Tomorrow is Field Day and he is looking forward to watch the 6th Grade vs the Staff play Softball game (if the weather permits). Thursday will be the last day of school.
On Saturday I got to talk to a very dear friend, whom I hadn’t spoken to in a while. It felt really good. I gardened a little and bought a set of inspirational Gnome Statues for my kids raised garden beds.
On Sunday morning, we surprised our kids by taking them to the movies to watch Epic, which they have been looking forward to seeing ever since they saw the movie trailer. The look on their faces was priceless as they realized we were ditching the park for the movie Theater. We had an awesome time together.
Cinema West, Civic Plaza 12.
Our Memorial Day weekend was great and as I wish for a steady weather, I am looking forward to spending some time outdoors gardening and planning our next backyard project.
By JM Perez
