Tuesday, August 18, 2009

California Dreaming

Green Gables Inn in Pacific Grove, California









I've been daydreaming again and getting excited about our family vacation in a couple weeks. One of our favorite places to visit is Pacific Grove, California. This quaint coastal town is nestled between Monterey and Pebble Beach and is rich in beauty, wildlife, flowers and magnificent views of the mountains and Pacific Ocean. In the past we have stayed at Green Gables Inn and had a wonderful visit. It has beautiful bay and ocean views from almost every room! If you haven't visited this area consider putting on your places to visit. This inn isn't far from the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Lover's Point or the Seventeen Mile Scenic drive to Pebble Beach. Carmel by the Sea is only a few miles away and is a great place to shop and have a great meal.




We stayed in one of the upstairs "green gable" rooms with a huge window seat and private bath. We opened the windows and we could hear the ocean and feel the breeze. There are no televisions so you have constant background noise of the waves!




The view from our window looked across the bay on to the Pacific Ocean....





The Victorian Parlour






The living room /parlour had the most incredible stained glass windows that flanked the fireplace. Even in July the nights were chilly and the fireplace warmed the room.




I loved this little bay window and ate my breakfast there each morning.



This is the kitchen herb garden outside the side entry between the original house and the carriage house.





The view from the front entrance of the inn looking out over Monterey Bay and Pacific Ocean.
The water is the deepest blue and turquoise I've ever seen!



The Monterey Aquarium is just down the street on Cannery Row and is a must see!







I especially love the jellyfish exhibit. These are amazing and beautiful creatures!






Monterey is full of rich ocean life and the tide pools are amazing.





Early in the morning at low tide we went exploring the tide pools. My husband remembers doing this as a child and it is great fun, a little slippery though, so wear good shoes!





I loved finding starfish and there were a variety of colors from a blue -purple...to the standout of the orange and reds. I think I found four or five live starfish on our exploration that morning.





Finally, my husband on the golf course at Pebble Beach...the next best thing to heaven for him..









Are we there yet?


Happy Outdoor Wednesday! Make sure you visit Susan at A Southern Daydreamer for all the other wonderful outdoor posts.



Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Feathered Friends Party

Thanks to our hostess Gina at Shabby Chic Cottage for having a Feathered Friends Party! What a cute and fun idea to share our birdy accessories. I love birdhouses and birdcages and have collected them for many years. This birdcage is my favorite....


I bought it in Mexico in the late 1970's and have enjoyed using it over the years in many different rooms of my home. I added some silk morning glories to the top just to give it more color. I don't leave it outside because it is wood and metal and I want to keep it out of the weather, but occassionally I'll take it outside just for special tablesettings, etc. I just love it and someday when I have a sunroom it will have it's own special place, but for now it gets displayed periodically.

Hope every has a great day visiting our fine feathered friends!