Citrus Balloon Festival (Santa Paula 7-26-14)

Beautiful setting in the mountains of Santa Paula for the 6:30 am Air Balloons lift-off yesterday. Perfect weather, sunny, mild temps, good wind.

This,  my 1st view walking from the parking lot. A few balloons had already gone up. This one, a lovely yellow orb floating against the  blue sky and clouds was a beautiful morning sight.

Watching them float across the sky gives a peaceful feeling..like what the ballooners must be feeling,
drfting high above.

The low morning light streaming through the colorful balloons remind me of stained glass windows.

 

 

"The Glow" evening light of the balloons:

 

 

Botanic garden June class "Pollinators"

 

 

It's always a different, lovely view in the meadow.

 

 

They set us loose with nets to catch a pollinator (bee) to examine in the magnifying cups.

Some of us would rather take pics.

 

 

 

Our very knowledgeable teacher on the left.

 

Some Bee varieties..we got to look at in high power microscope

 

Santa Barbara Botanic Gardens

Wow, I see it's been since April since I posted new pics.  I've been so busy lately.

I'd like to share these pics of Santa Barbara Botanic Gardens I took the other day while I was there. I'm

 in the process of volunteering to work there.  Such a lovely space! Only minutes from my house but

in a secluded dead end canyon road. Lots of wildlife there on 76 acres.  Here's the "meadow" area:

"Rocky" trail:

 

 

The Tea House, with authentic Tea ceremony going on:

 

 

LOVE this Matilija Poppy:

 

 

Large Redwood tree shaded area:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Buffalo, NY visit 4/14 (grandkids)

Had a wonderful time with family in Bflo the past 3 weeks.
Some pics:

Ryan 1yr. old..has a beautiful smile

Jordan, sweet and shy , will be 3 next month

New precious baby Austin a week old

Mariah 7yrs. old.  so bright and mature for her age. Good big sister to her brothers.

Samantha (Lisa's only child) turned 7 while I was there. Charming, outgoing.

Baby Austin Arrived!

My Daughter Julie's new baby has arrived!  Beautiful baby boy 7# 1oz. Austin. She's been blessed with 4 children: Mariah 7yrs, Jorden almost 3yrs, Ryan1yr and new baby Austin.  glad I'm able to be home in Buffalo awhile to help out.
Recent pics:

 

 Home from the hospital, Ryan excited about baby brother

 

 

Jordan plays with his ride ons

 

 

Mariah plays the Easter Bunny

Austin 3 days later:

and Snowflake looks on with her blues eyes:

 

 

"Whale watching" on the Double Dolphin SB harbor

Scott and I went on "whale watching" catamaran in the Santa Barbara Harbor yesterday evening.

We didn't see any whales but the view was lovely with a sailboat race nearby. We also saw harbor seals lounging on the buoy, pelicans, birds, and a brief glimpse of several porpoises breaking the water. 

On board were 42 members of our SB photo club (see Channel City Camera Club website).  The captain and staff of the Double Dolphin
at the Santa Barbara Sailing center were very gracious to us. I recommend them if you're looking for a fun afternoon for your group in SB.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LuLu

My Girlfriend's seriously cute dog..LuLu

Even her name is cute!