Flowers, Pelicans, a Bee and Enrique!

Sometimes I think we have to make big old plans 

for a day to be special.

That said, in my heart,
I know that's not the case.

Today was a perfect example.

Our big plans were to go to the Post Office, 

then to Costco for a few essentials.

Our local Post Office does a lovely job on their flowers.

Poppies always make me smile.

Disneyland used to plant yellow and purple flowers

 at the entrance to Tomorrowland.  

It was a color scheme that I always loved 

and whenever I see it, 

it strikes a chord.

Wow, I FINALLY got a half way decent picture of a bee!

(Click to Enlarge).

 

On the way to Costco, 

I asked Terry if we could swing by West Cliff Drive, 

since there seemed to be flowers 

blooming everywhere.

He thought that was a great idea.

Once out by the ocean, 

we decided to stop by the gardens 

at the Shrine of Saint Joseph

We love these gardens, 

they're right on the ocean, 

and the array of flowers is just amazing.

We wandered around, 

smelling the sweet air and snapping pictures.

Terry took this with his phone.

Pansies make me happy,

I love their happy little faces.

Is this beautiful or what?

Another shot from Terry's phone.

Look at these colors!

More pansies, 

my colors again.

As we wandered, a gentleman came up 

and asked if we were enjoying the gardens.  

We told him we always do!  

He seemed quite pleased
and told us they were his work.

We were blown away!  

He started this endeavor only eight years ago 

and the whole thing has been done with cuttings.

As we chatted, 

our appreciation of the gardens 

grew by leaps and bounds.  

He asked if we'd like to see something special 

and of course, we said yes.  

He took us around to the front of one of the residences, 

made us climb some steps 

and not turn around till he told us to.

When we turned around, 

this was what we saw. 

(Click to Enlarge).

Can you imagine being here 

every single day?

Terry went across the street and took this shot

from the front of the residence 

(using his iPhone and AutoStitch).

And I took this picture of Enrique 

in front of some of his most beautiful flowers.

What a delight he was, 

we will certainly visit him again.

Being right on the ocean, 

I had to try for a few pelican shots.

These aren't pelicans, 

but I liked the silhouette,

Then I tried to shoot both flowers 

and the ocean behind them.

The ocean kind of got lost.

If I could live right here,

I might stay in California forever.

More not pelicans

Not a great shot, 

but he seemed to love 

soaring close to the waves.

I believe this is a baby brown.

Coming in for a landing.

And finally, a shot I'm happy with.

So this little sojourn turned into a wonderful day.  

We had glorious weather, 

saw beautiful flowers, 

made a new friend 

and got to photograph some of my favorite bird.

Like I say