California Dreaming (photo heavy)

Hubby and I took a trip to California for part of last week to see our son and DIL. Hubby was on Spring break from his university position. They picked us up from the San Diego airport when we arrived on Saturday and we drove to La Jolla for some lunch and a little sight-seeing. Lunch was at Catania Coastal Italian restaurant. Hubby and I shared a pasta dish - Aglio e Olio Peperocini - to which we added chicken. Our son and DIL shared the Diavola pizza. I wish I had taken photos, but we were enjoying the company and the food.

Once we were finished with lunch we walked down to the ocean. That I have photos of!

There were several of these squirrels in this plant. I'm not sure what the plant is though.

I believe these are comorants, but I am not sure.

The following day we visited the San Diego Botanical Gardens in Encinitas, CA. There was an orchid show in the Conservatory. The flowers were beautiful. There was quite a variety and so many pretty colors.

I thought this one below might be color inspiration for a quilt.

Of course we also had to explore the rest of the gardens though there weren't many flowers in bloom quite yet. The desert and Australian gardens were the most interesting at this time of year. The bright orange flowers below are California Poppies.

I loved the pattern of the plant below.

Aren't these "leaves" just gorgeous?

These floral figures were in the Mexican garden.

This pretty fountain was in the Walled Garden. 

Hubby and our son played golf on Monday and unfortunately Tuesday was quite rainy all day. We did have a delicious dinner at Bluewater Grill. Scallops for me, Butterfish for my son and DIL and Cioppino for Hubby. It poured rain throughout the meal, but thankfully stopped long enough for us to go back to their apartment for tea and dessert. 

We flew home on Wednesday and spent Thursday getting ready for our daughter, SIL and granddaughter's visit. Oh Ruby was with them also.

Thanks for stopping by!