First Thursday

In my innocence (or is it ignorance?) of the Ways of the Huntington I did not realize that First Thursdays are a Big Freakin' Deal there.

And me a member, too!

First Thursdays are free admission. All you have to do is call for a ticket, or request one online. This means that there are a whole lot more people there than you would normally find on a Thursday. Not that it felt crowded, you understand, once we found a place to park and got through the entrance.

It's a big place.

This shot will give you some idea of the vistas.

This little grovelet is right across the path from the waterfall.

Lots and lots of things in bloom, even in February. I'm not sure what this tree is called, but it's sure spectacular.


As are the epiphylums attached to the trunk of a palm tree.


Here's Nate, sleeping his way through the Japanese Garden.

Cousin Audrey wasn't a whole lot more interested.

In fact, she found her toy lion much more fascinating-- it jingles every time you hit a bump with the stroller, and when the path is paved with squares set off with 6 inches of grass between them, there are lots of bumps.

The magnolias are in bloom all over the place.

These pictures are dedicated to the people all over the east and midwest (you know who you are!) who are selfishly hogging all the snow and forcing us to take long walks in the sunshine and balmy temperatures.

Would I rather be snowed in and able to sit and knit on my sofa with a fire in the fireplace and a nice hot toddy, and a clear conscience?

Yeah, I would.

But would I want to have to dig my vehicle out of the snowbanks? Or listen to the thundersnow?
Well, maybe not so much.

I guess I'm going to work on a new theme for me this year:

Bloom where you're planted.
And if that means get out there and enjoy the blooms, well, dammit, I'll get out there and enjoy the blooms!

Happy Thursday!