Bon Weekend!

Happy long and safe Memorial Day weekend to all! I usually plan something productive at Marie's Maison when it's a three day weekend, but maybe I'll skip that thought of working on a project and enjoy a nice R&R instead.








I'll definitely be going to the beach...



And maybe do a little bit of fishing as well



Whatever plans you may have, enjoy and be safe!

The Gardens of Monterey Peninsula and Carmel-by-the-Sea

These lovely and quaint gardens were taken during my visit at Monterey and Carmel-by-the- Sea last month with Mon Cheri.


This charming cottage is available for rent. It's located across the street from the harbor.



As I was strolling the neighborhood, I noticed this blue bird hopping along the sidewalk...



and luckily caught a shot of him taking off











Luv this herb garden!



California's very first theater is now a museum.



The plaque with a witty saying on the front door



This linen shop is in Carmel






These flower pots is in a tiny patio of a cafe in Carmel.



An adorable garden shop in Carmel












Linking to Outdoor Wednesday post. Thanks Susan and all the participants for viewing!

Monterey Bay

Here are some watery images taken when Mon Cheri and I visited Monterey Peninsula last month.


Monterey Bay is so calm in comparison to the beaches here where I live.



Their boardwalk from a distance






This otter was so playful and loved getting his photos taken from every angle.










The scuba divers getting ready for their early morning dive.






Linking to Watery Wednesday, this is my very first time participating. Thanks all for viewing!

Townhouse by the Sea

Here's an affordable townhouse for sale in my neighborhood...I say affordable because the asking price is below $700K, and for a property this size and this close to the beach (3 blocks away), it's a great price!


The townhouse is 2400 sq ft...much bigger than mon petite cottage.




Luv that the space has a very open floorplan




Luv the flooring material





Luv the open kitchen


the granite countertop


And the huge kitchen island is beautiful!


Luv the balcony in the master bedroom


and a fireplace too!






The only thing with townhomes, there's no room to garden coz there's no yard. This is the small patio space on the first floor


But then again, the patio space on the top floor has an awesome ocean view



Hmmm, very tempting...a bigger, newer house, and three blocks from the beach (my cottage is six blocks away), and especially since it's been almost two years since we last moved. OMG...I really have HADD (house attention deficit disorder)...yikes!

Fresh Public Farmers Market

When I was in Barcelona, the best food I've ever tasted is from their public market called Mercat de la Boqueria. It's also the cleanest, freshest and most efficient market I have ever experienced. The market is sectioned systematically according to what each vendor sells.




Fresh veggies



Vivid colorful fruits




and their fresh fruit juices (the best I've ever tasted)



Candies















Chocolates


Ooops...



Olive oils



Mushrooms



Cheeses



Ham (these type of shops are all over Spain by the way)



Fresh meat



Foie gras






Offal (eeewww!)



And my favorite...seafood
















That squid is a monster!!! I'll be daydreaming about this market when I go shopping for food in our boring neighborhood grocery store this weekend.