Unusual Bloom

This year the Joshua Tree’s are blooming, something rarely done in such large numbers. Last week, Jeff and I drove to Joshua Tree National Park to see them in bloom; although the bloom may represent the plants distress at being without rain this year, a sort of last-ditch effort to procreate, it was beautiful, and a reminder of the fragile ecosystem of the desert and this planet.

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Thanks to Jeff for the majority of these beautiful photographs. Happy Earth Day, everyone. (PS – here are some more!)

Escondido Falls, Malibu.

Yesterday to curb our sickness (and because it was pre-planned, who are we kidding?) Jeff and I headed out on a couple hour hike in Malibu with Ellen, Melissa, and Cricket. It was a great hike – challenging, but worth it. I’d like to go back in April when I am sure the waterfall is flowing faster, but August’s falls were great, too. Here are some photos.

 

We walked to the trail from the PCH, which was along a beautiful road through Malibu’s mansions.

About a half mile in, we arrive at the trail head!

Not even a mile into the trail we decide to stop and climb a tree.

On our merry way, finally making some time.

Things starting to get steep…

After two waterfalls and using ropes to climb, we finally get to the third waterfall.

Wading in, but not too far, as there were some snakes in the water…

Extra little hike with Jeff. Climbing down when we realized it didn’t go anywhere but a rock overlooking the ocean.

Please note how dirty I am.

Back to the girls, all rinsed off.

Headed back down.

For more photos, check them out on Jeff’s site. Thanks, Jeff, for documenting!

And make you cry love, cry out loving…

…dance drunken to your hearts beat…

[name that tune]

******Here we go, gliding into another fabulous weekend. Last night, I attempted to communicate with my BFF Lauren, but failed due to forgetfulness and laundry. She is headed to Paul Simon, from what I gather. Who I love more than anything. Luckily, Jeff set our boom box in the bedroom to play music from our iPhones (because he has mad skills like that) so I settled in after folding laundry for an evening of Paul singing to me. Delightful.

Last night Jeff also realized the depth of my Paul love, which apparently had gone silent for the past 4 and a half years. Well, anyways, now he knows, and knows I will love him forever and always, and anyone who disagrees with me on that point can skedaddle out of my purview.

Things are looking up, this weekend, which includes: making red velvet cupcakes tonight with Rebecca, a wine-induced picnic at Malibu’s Saddlerock tomorrow, birthday fun included, a housewarming party that will continue the fun tomorrow night, and a Sunday of relaxing, and maybe a date hike in Malibu. Packed with fun (and sun, finally, finally has returned to LA!) I literally cannot wait for a busy-yet-relaxed weekend in LA.

Here’s a photo from last year’s wine adventure…

 

That's some water...towards the end of our adventure...

Don't get all crazy, there were like 20 of us. Or...14. So, not unreasonable, we swear!

The lady-friends.

Isn't my bf handsome?

Here’s to another year of fun, and an excellent afternoon to celebrate…