Santa Barbara Mission

Day 130

I am thankful for a great day.  I accompanied our two fourth grade classes to the Santa Barbara Mission today.  The kids mostly behaved, no one was injured, parent chaperons were great, we had a fine docent and the Mission was as beautiful and charming as ever. 

Spring Continues

Day 129

I am thankful that tomorrow I get to go on a field trip with the two fourth grade classes at my school!  We're off to see the Santa Barbara Mission, the Queen of the Missions.  I think it's funny that we're going there since that's where I was recently visiting.

My garden flowers are starting to bloom.  In addition to the lilacs I have roses appearing and amaryllis nearly open.   Here are today's photos, some from the morning and some from the afternoon:

God's Creation

Day 128

I am thankful for safe travels, a wonderful time with family, and even a return to routine.

These are some of the beautiful orchids my brother-in-law grows:

These wildflowers are off I5 at Gorman Post Road:

 Just across the freeway was this view:

 Further north I exited at Grapevine and took the Edmunston Pump Plant Rd.  I finally found the place to take photos of the fields of purple!

Lupine:

Owls clover:

Easter!

Easter!

Day 127

I am thankful to celebrate the Resurrection of the Christ with my family and their church family.  These are from my brother and sister-in-laws front garden:  

A Birthday Celebration

Day 126

I am thankful for celebrations.  We celebrated my sister's 50th birthday today with a Hawaii 5-0 party.   Many family and friends came to celebrate, a lovely day.

The view from Sis and Husband's front yard:

Good Friday

Day 125  Good Friday

I am thankful for time with family, for the journey of Holy Week, for the sacrifice Jesus made on my behalf.

At the botanical gardens:

Art from ashes.  Last season's wildfire burned much of the Botanical Gardens in Santa Barbara.  Firefighters were able to protect the meadow (above).    The sculptures below are from garden trees burned in the fire.

These palms were blackened in the fire.   It's difficult to see that it's not shadow but burnt wood.  The fronds at the top are new growth.

A quiet moment on the pond:

Pollinator!

Day 124

I am thankful for safe travel, for Maunday Thursday services, and for how green the world is this week.  

This is one of the pollinators that has kept me inside this week.   Too bad that spring break coincided with bloom this year.   I have no idea what it is and have had no success identifying it online.

The Apricots are looking good: