Friday, March 31, 2023

the famous CA snow of 2023


The snow everyone was talking about, especially the media, the way it looked from Ventura.

river reconnaissance, part 3


This time at Ojai's Ventura River Preserve. The river was flowing, but the storm had decimated the surrounding vegetation - leaving behind a field of rocks.


Arroyo Verde 2023, part 2


Mostly verde. Not a lot of flowers yet... Just a light sprinkling.


Arroyo Verde 2023


Under the sun and between rains. Verde forward.



Thursday, March 30, 2023

Valentine's tulips revisited


We had never seen a tulip so open and alive as this one...

Huell Howser revival


Always interesting to watch the late, great Huell Howser explore California.

Dean: a coffee shop, revisited again

Roof Top Bistro


Sometimes you stay at the Hilton Garden Inn in Goleta and prior to a performance of Step Afrika! at UCSB you are pleasantly surprised by the hotel's Roof Top Bistro with its memorable food and views.

Wednesday, March 29, 2023

milk revolution, part 2


The milk revolution that started with Califia "Better Half" (below) took a few twists and turns and ended up awarding the contract to Nut Pods hazelnut creamer (above). Although similar, the latter just slightly edged out the former in the flavor department.



 

Asiatique


Had we not gone to Immigrant Son for Valentine's Day, we probably wouldn't have taken note of Asiatique Eatery across the street, and officially added it to our repertoire of local eateries. (We had seen it previously but this encounter inspired us to finally take the plunge).

Valentine's brunch


The way she saw it (above) and the way I saw it (below).

Valentine's Day '23

Tuesday, March 28, 2023

more river reconnaissance, part 2

 

Approaching the same damaged area from the north - from Ojai - this was as far as the bike path went. Also seen here are a couple river views.



National Pizza Day


N.P.D. at C.P.K. 2-9-23

more river reconnaissance

 

There was the day I rode the bike path north - toward Ojai - so as to investigate the storm damage. Beyond this point the path had more or less collapsed. It will take a while to fix. 




the arugula that resembled a gecko

Monday, March 27, 2023

where the river meets the sea


Nice to see a branch of the river streaming toward the sea. While it's difficult to picture fish maneuvering in such a shallow stream, I'm glad that their habitat is protected by the full force of the law, per sign below. 

Foster Park flood damage


Mud and debris in Foster Park, one of the areas worst hit by the storms. 




botanical vista


Anacapa Island as seen from the Ventura Botanical Gardens.

cobra lily

 

Seen in the African section of the Ventura Botanical Gardens.