A WALK AT THE BEACH IN THE FOG

Yesterday I started my new life style for 2009. I ate healthy, wrote everything down and then I decided to go for a walk for exercise.

But, I didn't want to walk around the neighborhood. So I picked up my camera, got in my car and drove about 20 minutes to Newport Beach.


I absolutely love going to the beach in the winter. Even more so then in the summer. To some of you that may sound strange.

In the winter the beach has an err of mystery, romance and is even a bit eerie when the fog rolls in.


There were very few people there but there were lots and lots of Sandpipers. They are so fun to watch. They chase the water as it rolls back to the sea. Then they peck down to get dinner.

Once a wave comes towards them they turn and run into shore. They run so fast! They almost look like a cartoon when they run. I had to laugh at them.

The lifeguard stations are all closed up now. The sign reminds you that you are alone out there as it says NO LIFEGUARD ON DUTY.

The fog was coming in pretty fast and it was getting colder and colder as the minutes ticked by.

However, the Sea Gulls were still hanging around looking for food.

In the summer time the Sea Gulls fly around searching for left over food that humans may leave behind as they go into the water or have packed up and gone home. In the winter they know they have to hunt for their food as the people are gone.

So out with the Sandpipers they stand waiting for something to grab hold of to munch on.

There were a few brave surfers out there. The waves are always better for them in the winter since there are storms that bring with them dream waves.

There were several fishermen trying to catch a fish or two off the pier. I don't know how they did because I didn't walk on the pier today.

Most were packing up though, as the fog was becoming so thick you could hardly see the end of the end of the pier.

My walk did take me under the pier. I have always thought it looks so much better under the pier then on top.

The Barnacles that attach themselves to the pier were pretty shades of white and greens today.

I managed to get a small collection of shells. Now this may not seem like a big deal, but, most of our beaches here in So. California don't have many shells. We have mostly sand.

In the summer shells are almost impossible to find unless you get there early. Then most of what you do find are broken ones.

Up towards the parking area there is a great place to purchase fresh fish.

Early in the morning the fishermen pull up here and you can purchase whatever the catch of the day may be.

This is the area the fish is sold. I'm not sure if they fill the boats with the fish or what. Since I don't eat fish I've never gotten there early enough to see what goes on.

When I looked up and saw these Pelicans I thought they were fake. It's hard to tell but they were very very BIG! Then I saw them move and I knew they were real.

I thought this little lighthouse was cute. I wonder if it lights up at night.

It finally got to cold and to foggy to stay any longer so I went back to my car. Once inside, I just sat there for awhile. It's so peaceful there. I hated to leave. But, I knew it was just the first of many visits to the beach I will have this year.

I'm already longing to go back.

COME WITH ME TO BUY FLOWERS!

It was such a pretty day today. The heat is gone and we are now having beautiful weather. Not hot but, not cold either. Just a perfect nice sunny day.

My sister, Maureen, came over and we decided to go to Roger's Gardens in Newport Beach.

I thought it would be fun if you came along with us. If you have never been to Roger's Gardens you are in for a nice surprise. It has to be one of prettiest gardens.

The best thing is it's not just a garden you walk through. You can buy everything you see. So come on, let's take a look around.

The place is full of color! The flowers are all top quality.

The way things are set up is so pretty. Sometimes they put the same colors together. Other times they will go with a theme. Here they have all white flowers. So pretty. I hear white flowers are a great way to enjoy your garden at night because the white shows up nicely under the moon shine.

Roger's Garden also has a lot of outdoor furniture. I love this cute table setting. It looks so inviting to me.

I love the way they did this bird bath up with purple flowers. I think this would be a wonderful way to use those birdbaths or fountains that are old and can no longer hold water.

When you walk through this beautiful arch that is covered with climbing roses the first thing you notice is the smell. It's the entrance to the rose garden.

We spent about 1/2 hour in this area. I was looking for pretty pink roses to buy. I wanted the climbing roses but there was so many to choose from I had no idea which one to go with.

Don't you just adore this wreath! I would love to have this but the price was way out of my budget. Maybe I can make something close to it. I would like to hang it on our gate.

Look at this pop of yellow! I was thrilled with out pretty this photo came out. I think these flowers look fake. They are just so perfect looking. But trust me, they are real.

The gazebo is a favorite spot of mine. It's always done up with decorations of the next holiday coming up. At Christmas Santa is here and is always happy to listen to the children's wishes. He will even take photos with them. When I say children I mean children of all ages from 1-100. Santa doesn't care how old you are. He will let you sit on his lap and whisper your Christmas wishes in his ear.

This rose bush is called 4th of July Roses. They almost look like a firework bursting open in the night sky.

They have the best hanging baskets of any place I've seen before.

This urn is just breath taking. It's so big and full of color.

I just had to take this photo. I'm taking classes on how to make different flowers out of sugar paste and this is one of the flowers I'm going to learn. I love the bright purple color.

There is even a waterfall at Roger's Gardens. Look at the turtles on the rocks. They are saying hi to everyone that walks by. OK, so they aren't real turtles and they don't really say hi, but in my mind they do.

Here is an easy way to decorate your outside for the up coming 4th of July. Just tie a big bow out of flag ribbon and have a pot of flags sitting near the pot.

They really do sell just about everything at Roger's Garden. They not only have the best plants and flowers, but, they sell table clothes, napkins, dishes and just about anything you would need for your outdoor entertaining.

These are the roses I ended up getting. The pink is so pretty.

I think the roses are going to be perfect for my back yard. Don't you?

Here are all the plants I ended up getting. Now I need to get them planted.

Well, I hope you enjoyed coming along with us to Roger's Gardens. If you are ever in the area please be sure to make time to stop there. Even if you don't buy a thing you will love walking around and seeing all the beautiful things.

I thought I would leave you with a photo I took last night of the sun setting. The sun was a beautiful reddish color.

Don't forget, I'm having a Giveaway. If you have not signed up scroll down or click on the link on the right of my blog and put your name down. Never know if it's going to be your lucky day.

Hugs,

Joanne