Holidays, 2015

Holidays, 2015
A Winter Scene - red door, a dusting of snow, and a vintage bicycle

Friday, February 25, 2011

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!!
                                                                                                                                              

6 comments:

  1. Beautiful pictures and you look gorgeous next to the birds of paradise. Thanks for the peak of your get-a-way. Glad you had a good time. xoxo

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  2. You look so darling, Joann! And so blissfully happy!! Ahh, more things in my own backyard to go visit!!! I have never been on a train either. On the must-do list!! But I have to tell you, I always hit Country Roads when in Orange... especially near the end of the month when the dealers need to make rent! It looks like you two had a fabulous time celebrating!!! Love and hugs, Sherry xx

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  3. hello...so happy to visit here today...yep ....looks like home...i LOVE rodgers gardens and the crab cooker is one of our favorites....

    looks like a FUN trip...i see the SURFLINER go by every afternoon...i live in the historic railroad district in San Luis Obispo...about an hour and 15 minutes north of S.B. ( i used to live in S.B.)if i am upstairs in my bedroom around 3 in the afternoon...there it goes by...i LOVE the train too...

    it MIGHT snow here tonight..we will see
    :-)
    glad your home safe, my friend
    kary
    xxx

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  4. Darling Joann, loved coming along on your romantic getaway trip, THANK YOU!! & congratulations. I've never seen a train that close to the shore before, looks like the Jaws ride at Universal!! And you look beautiful, really. So good to see you! Happy that you had a great time and are home safe & snowy! Love to you xoxo

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  5. Joann,
    Thank you for sharing your adventure and pictures with us. Looks like you had a wonderful, romantic time! Loved seeing picture of you! You look beautiful and so happy! Congratulations sweetie! xxoo

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