Our Anniversary Get-a-Way

Last Friday night, we packed up and headed to the airport.  It was a complete surprise to my darling because it was my gift to him to whisk him away during our anniversary week.  Saturday was the 'official day,' so rather than spending it traveling, we were able to sleep in and leisurely enjoy our day.  I packed the suitcases so he truly had no idea where he was going.  He later told me he thought we were going to Seattle.  Of course, he found out at the ticket agent when they took our bags and said, 'Two to Santa Ana?" 

a bit of antique research....better to call it that when shopping with a guy

We did so many things in those 4 days!! Of course, the weather is always a big 'if,' and it was 10 degrees cooler than normal in Southern CA, but lovely just the same!  This antique shop is one of my absolute favorites in Old Town Orange.  My daughters and I went there a couple of times and now it's on the list of 'must do' every time we go!

caught him when he wasn't looking!

As you can see, things are GREEN in CA!

A part of my research always includes bakeries.....and there were several new ones to visit.  We went inside A perfect Circle Cupcakery, featured on the Cupcake Wars and a brand new one to the mix:  Casey's Cupcakery in Laguna Beach, which is also featured on the cupcake wars.  I'm telling you though, I'm not up for spending 3-4 dollars on a cupcake.

Birds of Paradise were everywhere....almost like Hawaii!

We were on the 10th floor and this was our view from the room.  Not too many people, however, took advantage of the pool.  Highs hovered around 60 degrees F.

A morning sunrise

 On Sunday, I had planned a train ride to Santa Barbara.  I had never been on an Amtrak train before.  Susan Branch should get 'free bonus miles' for all of her talk about trains!  It definitely added to my desire to give it a try!  It was so much fun!!  The Santa Ana station is gorgeous!!  It has a mission styling would beautiful pavers and gorgeous flowers!!

All aboard!!  Here I am....the plane departed Santa Ana @ 7:57 AM....I'm ready to go!

So many flowers are in full bloom!! Their deep rich colors are intoxicating

And, at Roger's Gardens, vegetables were ready for the planting!

Here's the train track @ the Santa Ana station....gorgeous snow-capped mountains that morning!

Inside the train

Passing OXNARD...I got a kick out of the elevation, living in CO, that's a speed bump!

This is how close the train was to the ocean at some points!  Maybe that's why they call it....The Surfliner!

A cupcake store in Santa Barbara....a bit on the gawdy side

One of my favorites: ranunculus

Pacific Coast Highway on the way to Laguna Beach....
Yes Sherry....so close!!

Casey's Cupcakes in Laguna Beach

going across the ferry in Newport Beach

We ate at a fabulous Indian restaurant in Santa Barabara; however, the place must have had new ownership....it was not as good as I had remembered.  We also ate at True Food Kitchen, Cafe' R&D, and brought home smoked fish from The Crab Cooker.
Today......there are no birds of paradise anywhere.....

But there's a GREAT BIG 'ol Woodpecker on my feeding dish and it's snowing like crazy!


It's good to be home!!