Even though we are in the midst of a drought, the Japanese plums are blossoming. They always do this time of year: It’s Nature’s Valentine to Northern California.
To celebrate Valentine’s Day and my 60th birthday, my friend Mary and I went to Filoli the day before, on Friday the 13th. On the drive down, I passed a movie marquee advertising Fifty Shades of Grey. I listened to NPR, which featured holiday stories about polyamory and how Valentine’s Day is celebrated in Ebola zones. I felt a tad conventional (and very, very lucky) with my box of See’s chocolates for my husband all set for the big day. But soon I arrived in the staid territory of Filoli, a refuge for ladies who lunch. Their Valentine feature was fifty shades of camellias spilling out of teacups:
And, better than an assortment of chocolates, more of nature’s confections:
Happy Valentine’s Day!
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How will you celebrate?
Looks gorgeous. I had no idea, but then I live in SF and do all of my flower gazing in GGP. Right now, we are in the mountains with no snow (except the man-made kind) and ultra warm temps. I took a 4-mile walk today at noon while the boys were skiing. Made the mistake of wearing a jacket. Although I enjoy this weather, it’s a bit unsettling, knowing that these weather changes could be permanent. The band of earth lining the Hetch Hetchy like a bath tub ring shows just how low the water level is. Scary.
Scary is right! Too bad we can’t get some of New England’s snow. And I’m sure they’d be happy to trade for our plum blossoms!
We enjoyed taking our red 72 chevy out for a leisurely drive and enjoyed a quiet dinner & dessert from Rulli together at home.
I would really like to lunch and tour fioli gardens too ; D
Sounds like a lovely way to celebrate, Cynthia!
Lovely photos of a beautiful place!
Thanks, Heidi! Hope you can visit Filoli someday!
I live 25 minutes from there, and love meeting friends to walk the gardens!
I didn’t realize you lived so close–lucky you!