Oh, What A Beautiful Morning...I Can Even See Catalina Island!

We have been having lots of rain in Southern California this past week but today was
beautiful.  In an effort to ease my eager spring fever I decided I would take a few
pictures while on my walk this morning. 
Our beautiful white flowering pear trees lost all their blossoms in the heavy wind and
rain of the last few days but the flowering plum trees are still quite lovely.

The Magnolia trees are beginning to bloom...

Some of the spring flowers are also beginning to blossoms too. Like this Calla Lily and
Bird of Paradise.  You can still see the raindrops...

After the walk I met a friend for breakfast. He is leaving to go to France for a few
weeks so we decided to meet in Santa Monica because it was a glorious crystal clear
morning.  I looked toward the mountains and was surprised how snow covered they are.
They are about 2 hours away. That’s one of the wonderful things about California, you
have the Pacific Ocean on one side of you and the snow covered peaks on the other.

Here are some of the snow covered peaks...remember they are about 2 hours away...

Look, you can even see the famous Hollywood Sign below the mountains...

But I was headed to a restaurant near the Pacific Ocean. The sky and water was so
blue today...

Even though it was very early (he had to catch an early flight) people were already at
play and enjoying this beautiful clear crisp weather...

And sailing...

It was so clear you could see Catalina Island which is 26 miles across the sea! There’s
a bit of morning haze but the island can still be seen...

Those of you who used to watch the show Baywatch will recognize this beach.
This is where they filmed that show...

Looking toward Malibu...

Well, getting back to my spring fever...I have put some flowering branches in a vase and
I was hoping they would be flowering by now. But they are just beginning to bud.
Oh well, I love the branches and once the flowers bloom they will look extra beautiful...

Kathysue of Good Life of Design recently wrote a wonderful post about decorating with
branches. Her post also included some beautiful images you can view here.

Also helping with my spring fever is this lovely orchid that friends gave me when my kitty
died. It is a soft yellow that definitely speaks spring...

I also added a couple of vases of roses because they were on sale at Trader Joe’s for
only $3.99 a dozen. Who could resist!

And yes, my dried hydrangeas also remind me spring will bring fresh flowers...

What are you doing to help with your spring fever?  Do you ever decorate with flowering
branches?   I would love to hear your spring fever tips!

My Spring Fever Continues!

Well, the weather has certainly cooperated with my Spring Fever!  We have had
beautiful sunny warm days in Southern California with temperatures around 80!
Believe me, this is not the normal weather for this time of year, we are usually in the
50's and 60’s.  However, I have been totally enjoying this burst of early spring to
feed my spring fever.

Recently I visited a wonderful antique store named A Beautiful Mess and had a lovely
conversation with the owner, Kymberely Fraser of 3 Fine Grains.  If you are in
the Southern California area I know you will enjoy a visit to A Beautiful Mess in Agoura. 
I only wish I had had my camera with me. Next time, for sure!  It is a very lovely store.

Because it was such gorgeous weather I also spent some time outdoors in Malibu. I
guess everyone else decided to do the exact same thing.  It was so nice to see so many
people out playing in the sand and surf.

The famous Malibu Pier...

Even though the surf was mellow the surfers lined up waiting for the next wave...

The Lifeguard patroled the beach...

The red sand of the Malibu cliffs was showing a little green...

Children were frolicking in the sand and sea...

Bright colorful umbrellas were making an appearance...

But just turn your head in the other direction and you are reminded that it is still January
and this spring fever will soon disappear for another few weeks...

Later, I went to visit a friend and passed by a park where many people were also

enjoying the beautiful weather...

Playing soccer...

A baseball game...

Yes, all signs of spring!

I also saw four Monarch butterflies but didn’t have my camera ready...definitely a sign of
spring!  And,  I think the birds are beginning to get their summer cottages ready...

Yes, I definitely have spring fever.  However, I know this will be short-lived because
temperatures will fall back to normal in a few days.  They say that next month is going to
be very rainy for us.  Oh well, spring will follow and we will all be enjoying the gorgeous
weather again.

I hope you have a wonderful week.

PS... Please know that even if you haven't heard from me I am reading your blogs. 
I have been working long hours on a project and also, my kitty (who is 27 years
old!) has been very ill for the last week so I have not had the time to leave comments.
But please know that I have been reading and enjoying your blogs.  You will start
hearing from me again soon.  Thanks so much for understanding.