The summer is HOT and my hibiscus is blooming. It’s a treat every morning to look out and see how many new blooms I have. If we close our eyes for just a moment we can pretend we are somewhere more tropical with a Mai Tai in hand! Cheers.
Its been hot in the Valley so a visit to the lovely rose garden at McKinley Park in Sacramento was in order early in the morning. It was also best considering social distancing guidelines and not particularly wanting to be close to people at this time. Well, the kiddo and I enjoyed our visit. He smelled every rose declaring which ones smelled good and which ones were inferior. He also spent the better part of two hours picking up wayward petals throwing them in the garbage can which is his favorite pastime. We have a budding Gardener on our hands friends. Stay cool and Stop and Smell those roses.
This lovely and large flower farm is nestled in the Plymouth Gold Country area and is the perfect place to either shop for plants or have a family friendly picnic surrounded by a botanical garden. It is also a great break for those who grow weary of too much wine tasting in one day.
May my flower photos bring you a tiny respite from the strange world we are in these days.
Cheers.
The Plymouth area, in Amador County, is another Gold Country gem located in the Northern California Gold Country area. Albeit this particular area has changed a lot over the years. This once cattle and agriculture area is now primarily vineyards and businesses which support the those vineyards. It is a much shorter drive from the Sacramento area than to our precious Napa and is less frequented which = less traffic!
Stay tuned for an accidental visit to the Amador Flower Farm which is like Christmas Day for these two day tripping photographers.
Cheers!
Enjoy friends. More flowers and wineries to follow from this day of fresh air and space. Happy Thursday Doors.
Be well everyone.
But, the beautiful Lupines bring some peace and it is easy to realize how important nature and the arts can be.
I hope this post finds all of you healthy and happy and safe. Peace.
In honor of Mother Nature’s Birthday here are a few “nature” photos from the past when we were free. I hope you enjoy them and they bring you some virtual fresh air during our worldwide break. Happy Earth Day!
It’s hard not to live in Northern California and not pay attention to the water levels/snow pack. It seems to me we still don’t have enough water yet this winter. As seen here at Beal’s Point in Folsom Lake the levels are still very low. Let’s hope I’m wrong and they are just leaving room for snow runoff. 
The beautiful state of California is dotted with Missions harkening back to a profoundly different time in our history. Some have been restored and some show their age. I would love to see them all and had the opportunity to check one more off the complete list near the Monterey area. Mission San Juan Bautista is a fine example of a restored mission turned state park adjacent to a lovely little historic town. I’m not exactly sure why I’ve never been hear considering its close proximity to Monterey and Carmel. Perhaps I’ve always been in a hurry to hit the beach? Regardless, this gem was a great place to take a break and stretch our legs on the way to the beach. The church is magnificent and the grounds are pleasing and peaceful. The nearby structures show period houses, hotels, a jail, blacksmith, stables, etc. School kids were running around soaking it all in as little kids should be.
Have you ever visited any of the California Missions? I’ll try my best to stop by and visit some more in coming days and years, they are a treat.
*In other news, I have also been looking for the opportunity to take a photo and mention the mission bells one can see whiling driving on historic California roads. The mission bells indicate El Camino Real and there are many of them connecting Mission country up and down California. I am usually whizzing by them on the highway without the ability to stop and wanted to capture this one for you since it was right outside the church.
Bulldog Travels / Photos By Jenny 