Time Away in California

Thanks to my mom who came out from Chicago, I flew to California last Thursday. My husband had business to conduct that day, but had most of Friday and the entire weekend free, resulting in our first time away without our children in sixteen years.  It was wonderful.  Here are a few of my favorite pictures from our three days.  I'm sure more photos will be appearing over the coming weeks.

An obliging butterfly who looked grand in the yellow flowers

Here's one of the beautiful views in Garrapata State Park

One of the beaches filled with all the wonderful things that eventually become sand.  There wasn't a smooth surface to walk on and I was glad I had on shoes.

Who'd have thought there would be cacti by the ocean?

This was prime harbor seal pup time and I thrilled seeing them lounging about with their mothers and nursing.

The wild poppies were blooming, too.  How could I end my post with anything but this?