Yes, my darlings, spring has sprung

March 22, 2014

Spring. It’s sprung, at least this week and at least in the San Francisco Bay area and on the Monterey peninsula. And in Sonoma.

Here’s what I found on my street:

A carpet of ice plant signifying the start of spring

A carpet of ice plant signifying the start of spring

Down in Big Sur, the succulents are plump and green:

They grow like crazy in Big Sur

They grow like crazy in Big Sur

Some are even flowering:

So pretty!

So pretty!

Flowers in the wooden box at the Big Sur River Inn were so bright in the sunshine they almost hurt my eyes. My closeups were overexposed.

Flower BoxSomething about the juxtaposition of flowers and rocks always gets my attention, especially with a succulent peeking out in the corner.

flowrs and rockYes, spring is singing its lungs out all over the Central Coast and especially at Point Lobos, where the super-blue sky is reflected in the Pacific, waves crash against rock and the beauty of nature is an aria that I never tire of hearing.

Pt lobos w zoom

Point Lobos

And neither does this seagull. I caught him riding the air currents above our ferry back to San Francisco from Alcatraz earlier in the week:

CLICK HERE FOR SEAGULL ENJOYING SPRING ABOVE THE BAY NEAR ALCATRAZ

Up north in Sonoma, the vines were lovin’ the weather.

Vine buds GB

Budding grapes at Gundlach Bundschu

pansies brightThe pansies were happy, too.

Bird parad Nichols

Nicholson Ranch.

I love birds of paradise.

Flower basket GB2

At Gundlach Bundschu

The stone basket is a nice counterpoint to the blooms.

Sunflower Caffe, Sonoma

Sunflower Caffe, Sonoma

Mine are also blooming in our yard at home.

at Gundlach Bundschu in Sonoma

at Gundlach Bundschu in Sonoma

Hardy souls peeking out.

at Sunflower Caffe, Sonoma

at Sunflower Caffe, Sonoma

Full, happy pots. We left the cafe full and happy, too.

Nicholson Ranch, Sonoma

Nicholson Ranch, Sonoma

The background. It’s all the background.

But step back a bit and it's a different still life.

But step back a bit and it’s a different still life.

A beautiful tasting venue.

Loving the tulip action.

Loving the tulip action.

I’ve always loved fall, but the fresh, reborn beauty of spring has its appeal, too.

Spring is here. Summer is around the corner. That’s as far as I’m thinking right now.

14 comments on “Yes, my darlings, spring has sprung
  1. Doreen McGettigan says:

    We may have to get past one more nor’easter next week, here in Philadelphia but your photos remind me of what is just a few weeks away, hopefully:)

  2. Karen @BakingInATornado says:

    Beautiful, Carol. Nothing says “spring” like some color amidst all this drab. I’m afraid we’re a ways off here so I’ll live vicariously through your pictures for now.

  3. Thanks for sharing all the beautiful photos! Things are still pretty dull here in the mountains of New Mexico. I need to make my way to California again soon!!

  4. Kathy says:

    Thank you for sharing these beautiful pictures. Here in Pittsburgh it is going to get colder again and snow a little bit more. The pictures remind me of what awaits us.

  5. Puneet Kumar says:

    Here it is Sunday morning. I open my eyes and I have no idea what next I may like to do. I find my laptop on my bed. I open to cheek my mails. I find yours. I am here on this page. I feel great to see these lovely flowers. Thanks for being so sweet.

  6. Lisa Froman says:

    You are so lucky to live in the San Fran area. I’ve always wanted to visit; it looks so beautiful.

    • admin says:

      I just showed two 20-something nephews all around and every time I do that I see it with new eyes. Again and again. It IS beautiful!

  7. Diane says:

    Oh, I am so envious! But we’ll get there. Eventually, we’ll get there! 🙂

  8. Kimba says:

    So beautiful! We are about 4 to 6 weeks behind you on the east coast; but you give me hope!

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