Ventura Ranch, Santa Paula CA

We went camping near Santa Paula to celebrate Jules' birthday.

No polar vortex in these parts.  Here was our view to the north.

And to the west.

My little girl.

Our campsite had a huge California Sycamore tree, its trunk riddled with acorns.

Which was odd, because sycamores have seeds that look like that shown above.  Acorns come from oak trees, which look like this:

I assumed squirrels were storing the acorns in the sycamore.  I pictured the squirrels on the trunks, their fluffy tails functioning as an anchor against the tree, as their industrious little paws twisted in the acorns.  But, a quick trip to the U.S Forest Service website proved me wrong.  It turns out acorn woodpeckers were storing the acorns, first drilling a hole and then depositing the acorns.

The girls loved the tent.

The girls were busy running around the entire time, collecting acorns and pine cones, helping with the campfire, running randomly down the road…

I made Smores cupcakes for Jules, just in case the campfire smores didn't work out.  They were delicious!

Pirate ship!

We went on a nature walk by the Santa Paula River.  I love these delicate little flowers.

Anyone gone camping lately?  It was our first camping trip with the girls.

Happy Birthday Jules!

My little girl is two today.  Isn't she cute?  We love her so much!  Happy Birthday Jules!

 

Monrovia, CA

Monrovia…home of Trader Joe's!  And more importantly, Monique and John!  It's just a little east of Pasadena and just as cute as can be.  Look, here's the happy couple now:

They are getting married this summer.  I'm so excited!

We hung out in the Library Park.

I quietly admired a tree, whilst silently cursing the free flow of wine at my Uncle Tim's house the night before.  It's a blessing and a curse to have a fun family.

Jules served a little lunch.

They have rocks and plaques everywhere!

And bears, too.

According to John, bears are the official mascot of Monrovia.   And apparently it's completely appropriate.  One morning, Monique woke up, looked out the window and saw a bear in the back yard, just hanging out.  Did I mention this is in the Los Angeles metropolitan area?  Not Yosemite?  You might not associate LA with such wildlife, but Monrovia backs into the San Gabriel mountains.

The town was very cute, with a nice downtown, lots of restaurants, and shops.  We had lunch at T. Phillips Ale House.  It was good times in Monrovia!  Thanks Monique and John.  :)

The Adamson House, Malibu

Another weekend, another chance to cross a destination off my list.  

So, once again, we piled in the car, and drove down Highway 1 towards Malibu.

Of course, I only travel in the very best company.

Canadians, Alaskans, Northeasterners, I apologize for these photos.  It's cruel to rub it in.  The day was beautiful.  The sky was blue.  The flowers were in bloom.  It's California.

We went to the Adamson House to marvel at local history, Malibu tile, ocean views, and all that 1930s wealth can buy.

This was a summer home for the owners of the Malibu Potteries company and the Adhor Dairy.  They built the Malibu Pier, which you can see in the photo below.

That is the backyard, facing south.  Brandon is loosely holding Jules by the hair, lest she attempt a swim.  It looks cruel, but believe me, an appropriate pre-caution.  She is a daredevil.

I'm a little lazy right now, so read the tile below and learn some history.

 The picture below is the view to the west.  Yes, this house is on a small peninsula, and the views of the water are nearly 270 degrees.

 The Malibu Lagoon and additional ocean views are to the north.



Here's some nice detail of some of the tile from one of the patios.  Nearly every room in the house has its own patio or balcony.

This is a very large pot made with the Malibu technique on one of the courtyard walls.

Of course, one needs a pool to recreate in.

Here's some information to read about the pool:

You can't take pictures inside the house.  Just believe me, the house was amazing.  Here are some great photos of the interior from Martha Stewart Living, if you are curious.  But I suggest visiting in person.  Even if it means leaving Canada, Alaska or the Northeast.  Just saying.

A Graduation Party and a Morning Walk in Nob Hill

Last month, my mom and I flew to San Francisco to attend my cousin's graduation party.  We stayed at the Marine Memorial Club, which was also the location for the party.   But first, lunch.

We met my Aunt Carol at the Zuni Cafe.  We ordered Lillet and salads to pass the time until our chicken emerged from the oven.



And then, we ordered a bottle of wine to go with that chicken.



The chicken and the bread salad underneath it was delicious.  It was so nice to have a nice lunch with my aunt and my mom.  Afterwards, my mom and I headed back towards Union Square and did a little shopping to walk off our big lunch.  And then back to the hotel for the party.



Our lovely hosts, Frank and Mary Ann.



Aunt Michelle and Uncle Tim.  And here is the lovely graduate, my cousin Chelsea.  Isn't she beautiful?  My mom, who just retired from her nursing career, is especially proud of Chelsea because she is graduating from the University of San Francisco with a degree in nursing.  The torch is passed.

We had so much fun at the party!  Afterwords, we went to an Irish bar to celebrate further.

Good times!  But the next morning, I woke up with a few cobwebs in my brain.  So I decided to put on my running shoes and go for a long walk to clear my head.   I had forgotten to bring a warm sweatshirt, so I popped into Walgreens to buy one.  It was cold and windy out!  The cashier told me my choice was "very subtle, not too touristy" and rang me up. Off I went, out the door and up the hill through Chinatown.

I love all the stoops and doors on Nob Hill.

I would love for this to be my neighborhood library.

The views and the color of the sky were amazing.

A white camellia in bloom.

The Broadway Garden for Children and Seniors.

The sidewalks around the gardens had sprigs of rosemary imprinted in the concrete.

Look at the sky!  This photo is from my iPhone and is unedited.  It was such a beautiful morning.  And a beautiful weekend.  Congratulations Chelsea!  I am so proud of you!