Wish List...

So I know Jamie and I have a car list that seems to grow each day but this weekend we definately found one that would near the top of the list. Along with the many classic trucks and muscle cars, we would like to have one of these:

We went to a British Car Show on Sunday at the Olde Ship Pub (one of the many events going on in Southern California, as it is Brit Week). Along with the above, 1954 MG, they had a pretty impressive selection of British cars and as a result we keep adding to our list =>

Amanda's Wedding

Last Saturday, we went to Amanda's wedding in Dana Point. The ceremony took place at the Chart House Restaurant, which is located on a cliff overlooking the harbor. The day started out a bit cloudy but eventually it burned off and turned out to be a nice, sunny day.

Here is the view from the restaurant overlooking the harbor.

Mr. & Mrs. Mark Carter, the happily married couple!

Amanda and me inside the restaurant on the dance floor. It was a very nice ceremony and the restaurant turned out to be the perfect venue. We had a great time and some good food, laughs, and fun.

The day flew by and we were thrilled that Amanda and Mark wanted us to share their day with them, especially since it was mostly family. We wish them all the best and many, many years of happiness.

Big Dogs!

Last week, while we were over at my parents house for Easter and before the crazy earthquake that day, we took some pictures of the "puppies."

They've gotten so big over the last few months and they're not done growing just yet. Although they aren't growing as quickly as they were a few weeks ago.

They're full of energy and made it a bit of a challenge to get a nice picture of them.

Casper Wilderness Park

Saturday we decided to go out for the day and do a hike. With all the rain over the last few months we figured it would be pretty green and many of the wildflowers would be blooming. So we drove down south and went to Casper Wilderness Park which is about 7 miles inland from San Juan Capistrano.

Everything was green and the weather was perfect for a hike. As the day went on it got a little warm but for most of the morning it was really pleasant.

All the trails were sign posted and the majority of the paths were pretty wide. A few of them had some mountain bikers but for the most part we didn't see many people. A lot of the smaller trails we went on were only for hikers which was really nice.

There is nothing like the California landscape. We walked throug Oak groves, green meadows and of course saw lots of Cacti!

As it is wildflower season we saw lots a beautiful flowers!

Not to worry, I took an alergy pill before we left the house =>

As a native Californian, you would think I would be used to native plants but they still do surprise me. As we were hiking we saw this giant asparagus! Now that was a surprise, lol. Ok, so it's not related to the asparagus family, it is actually a flower that hasn't bloomed yet.

You can see the flower blooming in the picture above. It's the one standing straight up on the left with yellow flowers on it.

Another unusual species!

A lovely picture with a beautiful background :)

Some of the meadows we walked through were gorgeous.

The Orange County version of white cliffs.

We did about a 10 mile hike and we finished about 12 o'clock. Just in time to have lunch. We were really impressed with the area and all the trails were great. We would definitely go back and do a different hike again. We did see quite a bit of birds, lizards, butterflies and caterpillars. Not to many large animals which is perfectly fine with me. The weather was perfect but today it is raining again. It's great for the vegetation but I'm ready for sunshine.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANGELA!!!!

A weekend in Hessle

After my week in North Yorkshire, I had a weekend in the East Riding at my parents house. David and I went to see the Hull v Arsenal game and unfortunately Arsenal won 2-1. However, it was the first time I saw Hull City play in the Premiership. We also had a nice sunday roast before I had to fly back on Monday morning. A father & son Momemt: I have never seen Mark and my Dad so close and smiling.........

Everyone but me in this picture!
Me & David
Sunday Lunch with "proper" Yorkshire puddings. Thanks Mum!

A trip to the Shire

Last week I had the pleasure of visiting England for just over a week. It is always nice to visit the homeland even if it is on business rather than pleasure. I was attending several meetings at an R&D centre near Middlesbrough called the Wilton Centre (just north of Yorkshire). The site I was visiting was a large chemical plant (ugly), therefore I decided to tak a few pictures of the village/countryside I was staying in (Great Broughton). This is a picture of a local landmark known as Roseberry Topping. Every year there is a race to the top and down again, usually resulting in numerous ankle injuries.

I have decided that this is going to be our new summer residence.....

Beautiful views

Every village needs a stream running thru it.

An alternative summer residence......

Every village also needs a ford too.....

It was two long flights followed by a two hour drive to get there. However I had the pleasure of the following classic meals: scampi & chips with tartar sauce, fish & chips, steak & ale pie and a rack of lamb. I also had the pleasure of several very good beers: Black sheep, John Smiths, Tetleys and I had my first pint of Freddie Trueman beer. FT beer was named after the famous Yorkshire cricket player (fast bowler). To be honest the beer FT was ok but not great, I would rate it 6/10.

My parents, Grandma and Mark made the long trip up to meet me for Sunday lunch the day I arrived. I was a little tired, so was probably not the best company! It was a nice lunch and great to see everyone.