Welcome to my
Perfectly Imperfect Life..........

Friday, January 22, 2010

Bye Dad, Be at Peace....

As my oldest Son posted.....

'The world suffers a great loss today as one of it's most special people
passes on.... Goodbye Papa, I will see you when I get there...'

My Dad passed earlier today.
He's at peace now with God.
I love and miss you,
give Mom a hug and kiss for me...

XOXOXOXOXOXO

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Butterflies are Free......

I'm linking to Tootsie Time for Fertilizer Friday, Thanks Tootsie!




We finally made it to one special spot in Pacific Grove, CA.
Every time my friend visits, we would try to get there
but we would run out of time or something always same up.
Why you say would we want to go to this little town near Monterey?

Well, because it is know as
Butterfly Town USA!
And my friend LOVES Butterflies. Me too!


This seaside community is an overwintering haven
for thousands of Monarch Butterflies.
Each year in November, they return from the north
to the special protective microclimate
of the Eucalyptus Trees and Monterey Pines
at The Monarch Grove Santuary.


The Monarchs hang in large clumps from the branches of the trees.



On mild days when the sun shines through the trees, the Butterflies
warm up enough to flutter and flit about performing entertaining
aerial acrobatics.




They stay until February, the largest clusters are seen mid-December.
We visited at the end of their overwintering season
but were lucky enough to see some.




The Monarchs aren't the only thing that are gorgeous,
the grounds are too.




There are several places to stop and sit.

Benches with remembrances....





sweet and...



funny sayings.


But this one was the best!



We were also lucky enough to see some of the other
residents of the Sanctuary.....



So cute!

I hope you're not getting bored...
we have a couple more stops before we're done! 

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Casa de Fruita ~ inside


Continuing on from yesterday's post...

On to the inside of Casa de Fruta...
now realize this is only the "Fruit Stand" building.

The first thing we see upon entering (this time of year)
is this....


Citrus....every kind of Citrus!
And who would think to use an old truck for a fruit display?


fresh fruit and veggies.....


to dried fruit...


snack mixes....
in bulk,


or ready to go!


How about some for a friend?


I love how they use all the old wagons and trailers, etc. for display.
Don't you?

Dried veggies....
in different flavors!


Ahh Nuts!
In the shell...


and out.


And what can you make with nuts??
Well, Cookies ,

 

and Candies,


and just about any other confection you can dream up!


Then you wonder what can be made with fruit....
hmmmm...

Jams and jellies,


syrups and marinades,


and WINE!


Lots and Lots of Wine!


As you can see by the photos,
a bit of a history lesson comes with the stand.
Some things from the past decorate the walls

 

and ceilings.


You learn about the founders...


and their first Fruit Stand

to the aerial view of the Stand today.


What I have shown is just the produce side of this building.
There's a gift shop around the corner that has
just about anything you can imagine.
Even the pickiest person is sure to find something. LOL


I really need to go back and spend more time there.
We live a reasonable distance from Casa de Fruta, stopped many times
 and yet have I seen the whole place.

Hmmm....maybe it's because I see all those yummies
and forget all about the rest..... 

Monday, January 18, 2010

Casa de Fruta ~ outside

One place we love to visit when our friends are here is Casa de Fruta.



It is a large roadside attraction located in Hollister, Ca.
This place has just about everything a family could want!

Today you're getting a mini tour of the grounds.


It is so much MORE than a fruit stand!
There is Casa de Sweets, Casa de Wine, Casa de Restaurant,
Casa de Choo Choo,



Casa de Carousel,



Fishing hole,


even a huge Water Wheel


where you can pan for gold!


How cool! An Artesian well.


They have several events throughout the year
and accomodations include and RV Park and Motel.
It's an all around fun place to visit.
But bring your walking shoes...it is huge
and there is sooo much to look at!

We always have a fun time.
yep, that's my daughter being She Woman! LOL


Next time the inside of Casa de Fruta!

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