Wednesday, September 14, 2011

California Trip Part 1

Thought I might share a few photos of our California trip that my husband and I took together last week. We flew into LA, rented a car, and toured all around up the Pacific Coast Hwy 1, and had a fabulous time together!  I know now why people love living in California - it's beautiful, the weather was practically perfect, not too hot, and there's SO much to see and do!

First thing we did was drive down to San Juan Capistrano. I've been wanting to see that mission forever!  I love old Mexican missions and the architecture.  So Tony indulged me and I took so many pictures there I have LOTS of painting material!  Let me show you just a few:








Below is a photo of the new sanctuary that was built a while back.  Part of the old mission was damaged (I believe in an earthquake) and the new building was built later.  It's beautiful inside and out!




The only thing I bought myself (besides food) was a nice coffee table cookbook from Mission San Juan Capistrano that was put together by the local ladies organization there.  I'll have to show you a  picture of it. It's got lots of paintings of Capistrano in it - it's the most painted and photographed mission of all the California missions from what I understand.  I'm anxious to try some of the recipes in it, too!

Our trip was so much fun - it was a great time to get away as the kids (in California) were back in school and there were no crowds anywhere we went.  I'll be back tomorrow and show you some of the La Brea Tar Pits and fossils in LA!  I know you can't wait!

17 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh, Chickie, you'll soon be painting away! I can see the mission already on your canvas in my noggin. Looking forward to see the finished piece! :) I'm trying to catch up, but my eyes are not cooperating. I'll be back later this weekend to do some visiting. Love you!

Eggs In My Pocket said...

Oh, such a wonderful place to visit! Thanks for taking us along! blessings,Kathleen......ps. we're getting rain!! Hope this finds you are as well!

Eggs In My Pocket said...

Oh, such a wonderful place to visit! Thanks for taking us along! blessings,Kathleen......ps. we're getting rain!! Hope this finds you are as well!

Anonymous said...

As a Californian native, I am so glad you enjoyed your trip. You are right, of course, Capistrano is one of the prettiest missions..another is Mission San Luis Rey in Oceanside (where I am from) the old Disney Zorro series was shot there..its the Queen of the Missions...

Debbie said...

Glad you went. Everything looks so pretty.
Deb

Sunny said...

oh, its always so nice to get away, especially after a busy year like you have had! Glad you got lots of painting material too. I am looking forward to seeing some of your work :) BTW, I am planning to come to Dallas the first part of Nov. Do you live far from there? I would love to meet you in person!
Sunny

LindaSue said...

Yes California is a terrific place to visit - I lived there for quite a while and well the truth is - I'm just a Texan and can't be quite at home anyplace else! Beautiful old missions - great sources for your paintings

Ladybug said...

Those old missions are awesome
so glad the trip when well for
you both.. Enjoyed the photos
thanks sharing with us all

Michelle said...

This is a place that I haven't been yet, but would love to go. Gorgeous photos that will make great paintings.

Diana Ferguson said...

Great pics!!

Vee said...

You've been renovating in here again... Looks good!

Oh I hadn't even considered how much painting material you'll have. Enough to last a lifetime probably, but you'll get tired of it long before then I suppose. You are probably one who, though she sees great beauty everywhere, is most intrigued by the beauty in her own backyard.

I love that picture of the two of you...you look like a couple of kids on a holiday. Glad that you're still talking, too. ;>

KathyB. said...

I did not expect so much beauty , the photos should give you a lot to paint. From all I have heard & read about that mission I expected it to be lots smaller. It is beautiful.

It is so nice to get away with just your husband, isn't it?

Paula said...

Such beautiful pictures, Miss Vickie! I'm sure that place has beauty all around that you could never see in just one trip.
I agree with Kathy~ you should have a lot of painting inspirations there! :)

Mrs. JP said...

OH,,,I like the one w/ the lily pond in front and the one w/ the garden in the back. Beautiful.

Auntie sezzzzzz... said...

Hi Vickie... Lovely photos...

Nope, I'm not back to blogging. But I do jip around in "Pretty Blog Land," some. Of course, I am still nosy. :-) And this way, is purrrrrfect for me now.


♥'Aunt Amelia'♥
(Not blogging... But reading some blogs... Commenting, here and there... Now and then...)

Packrat said...

Wow, you got to go inside! Enjoy your trip. Lovely pictures.

Tanna said...

b.e.a.u.t.i.f.u.l!!!!