Unavoidable Responsiblities...

Unavoidable responsibilities...now doesn't that sound important! What it means is that I would have avoided them if it had been possible.

In the week that I've been gone, spring has burst into bloom.

First the California Poppies -- looking too yellow here because it was bright midday and in strong golden sunlight. Taken Easter Sunday. We broke all temperature records -- probably about 85 degrees. We sat outside for our Easter Lunch/dinner and everyone was 'fighting' over sun umbrellas.

















This is why if you visit Southern California, you should come down in March. This ice plant is blooming everywhere --an almost dazzling display of color. These two photos were taken at the side of the on-ramp near Legoland, from the car window -- again Easter Sunday.



























Here is a curious cactus/succulent. Someone gave us four of them. Even before they began to bloom, they were quite intriguing because of their symmetrical shape. Then the flowers appeared and they were like small pepper shaped flowers....




















...then they opened into bell shaped flowers. Since we had never seen these plants before, every stage was a surprise.






















Two red-winged blackbirds taken at the harbor a week or two ago. I liked the effect of the railings.




















And finally, my adorable cat, Bailey. I don't know when you will ever see a photo of him not sleeping, because that is about all he does, except keep close watch on the birds just outside the the screened window.