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Friday, December 10, 2010

"Wrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been." Mark Twain

"Wrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been." Mark Twain, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.


If you're from an area where seasons are distinct and easily recognizable, visiting Southern California will make you feel as if you're not having seasonal changes at all.  But if you look closely, you can find it.
Location: Terrenea Resort - L.A.'s Oceanfront Resort
http://www.terranea.com/
Fall in California
If you visit Terrenea Resort, they grant oceanfront access to all California residents, as well as, a professional Falconer who meets up with his magnificient birds of prey daily.  I met this lovely Eurasian Eagle Owl there, on Halloween morning.  This to me was certainly a sign of the season, as well as a fortunate event.  The falconer keeps them there to detract pigeons and rats from moving into the resort.





























My gardening mentor, Florence Sullivan, told me she was convinced that even the plants are slightly confused and bloom when they shouldn't.   In any case, if you're used to extreme weather changes, and predictable patterns in nature, Southern California Fall will certainly make you realize you have to open your mind and awareness, and look for the changes.
"Winter is an etching, spring a watercolor, summer an oil painting  and autumn a mosaic of them all." -   Stanley Horowitz
I suggest you carry your camera, and keep your eyes open.  Opportunities to spot fall in Southern California are everywhere.  One of my favorite places to visit, is Descanso Gardens, in La Canada Flintridge, CA.  

Monday, June 14, 2010

Balboa Island, California (Beach Cottage Gardening)

My sister-in-law came for a visit and I suggested we take a quick day trip to Balboa Island, located in Newport Beach, CA.
Home

This adorable cottage town has fun activities for families and children, including a ferry ride, a carousel, and an arcade.
No hour of life is wasted that is spent in the saddle.  ~Winston Churchill

And the endless rows of cottage houses, with the accompanying cottage gardens are stunning.
White Picket Fence ~ Balboa Island

To add to the charm, the restaurants are casual and inviting.

"When you look at a cupcake, you've got to smile." ~ Anne Byrn

It's the perfect place for a day trip and if you do go, let me know if you enjoyed yourself. We certainly had fun!

LINK
http://www.balboa-island.net/

Friday, May 14, 2010

“A beautiful thing is never perfect.” ~ Proverb

I went to the flower fields in Carlsbad , CA with another photographer.

If you're visiting Southern California in April or May, this is a wonderful place to explore. They plant the fields in rainbow rows of ranunculus.
Flower Fields - Carlsbad, CA

The last section, nearest the entrance blooms last, just in time for Mother's Day.
Happy Mother's Day!

They are located directly behind the Carlsbad Outlet mall, and adds another fun dimension to your trip there if you want to stay more than one day.
The Flower Fields ~ Carlsbad, CA

This is their website for more information including their address and phone number.
http://www.theflowerfields.com/

Monday, February 1, 2010

Signs of Spring in Southern California

A day before the Groundhog tells the world about the coming of Spring, February first in Southern California shows blossoms everywhere.

Happy Girl, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.


It appears that our recent El Nino storms nourished the flowers and helped the insect population.
We hope that, when the insects take over the world, they will remember with gratitude how we took them along on all our picnics.  ~Bill Vaughan

This flowering tree was filled with blooms, and quite a swarm of happy bees, which are not picture here.
Spring Blooms

There will be more Southern California floral photos here. This tree was spectacular, and covered in pink blossoms.
"Oh it's a magical thing, when the sun is shining down on me. And this is such a beautiful place, don't wanna miss a minute of today, it's so magical" ~ Martina McBride

Enjoy an early taste of Spring fever if you live in Southern California. I think were in for a showy floral season with the help of all of this rain.

GARDENING TIP: Now is a good time to use the weed and feed sold at your local nursery. It'll boost your grass and fight back the weeds and crab grass that could take hold if you don't catch it now.