San Diego Safari

My sister, nieces and I spent the late afternoon at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. 

What a gorgeous day!

There are many signs posted in front of the gorilla exhibit warning to not make eye contact with these huge animals (which I wasn't!) but I think this gorilla wanted a piece of me anyway...

It is difficult to tell how massive these gorillas are but at 450 pounds and with 10 inch hands, I think not making eye contact is a safe bet...

It is nice to have a pass to the Safari Park because there are always organisms waiting to be oohed and awed over. (And it is even nicer when your sister has a pass and takes you for free! Thanks, Mar!)

I have never been to the bat exhibit before. It is fun to observe them up close, and behind a protective barrier. The biodiversity on our planet is incredible. There are so many wondrous adaptations to be seen!

Bats are FRIGHTENING! 

The real reason for our afternoon San Diego Safari was to witness the butterflies. The exhibit showcases fourteen different species of butterflies, for the brief period of three weeks once a year. After seeing my sisters pictures I practically begged her to take me. It was even more amazing than I imagined. 

After going on a butterfly trip with Ecolife Foundation I thought I had seen a life time's worth of monarchs, but they are so pretty you really can't see too many. 

The last trip to the butterflies was a big disappointment for Ruby... not one landed on her!  She was ecstatic to have a second chance, and her little dreams came true. A paper kite chose her to momentarily rest its wings.

Pink is the orange julia's color of choice. She must realize how nice the contrast is...

Elle has seemingly (and delightedly) tamed this giant owl butterfly. 

We spent an hour in the Butterfly Jungle. It was difficult at times to overcome the humidity, but it was difficult to tear ourselves away. 

I know we missed about half of them, but the ones we did see were spectacular. 

After all the walking around we deserved an automated foot massage. (Unfortunately, my sister is too old for me to trick her into rubbing my feet!)  

"The butterfly counts not months but moments, and has time enough." ~Rabindranath Tagore

Invasive Kimonos

 

For the past 5 years my friend, Megumu, has been a diligent student at the National Institute of Polar Research studying invasive, non-indigenous species introduced into Antarctica.

 She graduated this week and so wore a traditional furisode for the ceremony, a kimono with long flowing sleeves.

The extravagant kimono looks so elegant.  I wish it was a part of our culture to wear such beautiful graduation attire!

I hope in the future someone studies the introduction of non-indigenous kimonos into the United States.

'Yay, Mu!!!'... is what these men are thinking. 

Megumu holding her well deserved degree. 

Congratulations!

Smokey and the Bandit Wedding

Our friends, Walter and Malia, were married yesterday at Pioneer Ocean View Church in San Diego. The theme was Smokey and the Bandit, and western wear was encouraged. Malia designed the 'top secret wedding' herself; Walter had no idea until his wedding day (although he did get suspicious when he was allowed to keep his 'stache). 

The pastor incorporated just the right amount of humor into the ceremony for the couple who met in improv class. 

 

Yippee ki-yay!  The elated couple is looking good!  

 Their ride and driver awaits- the Bandit Trans Am. (Kidding about the driver.)

Giddy up! Fred and I embraced the western theme with pleasure. 

We went to Target in our getup and you wouldn't believe the stares we got. I didn't know peoples necks could twist like that! I guess people aren't used to this look in San Diego. 

You just have to love all the cowboy hats.

On the label of this Jones soda bottle is their engagement picture, and the candy attached is a chocolate mustache.  

Malia did such a great job!

They rented a photo booth for attendees to create guest book pages.

But these guys totally out did us!

Walter and Malia cutting into their wedding cake. 

We were betting on if they would smash cake into each others faces; I am so glad they didn't. 

Grrrr!

Walter and his sister, Theresa. 

Malia absolutely shined in her wedding dress. 

Coors six packs were on every table as wedding favors.  

Props are fun for everyone. See the enjoyment Micheal can't help but exude?

Phil's Event Center (adjacent to Phil's BBQ) were very professional at catering the event.  The whole thing went off without a hitch (besides the getting hitched, of course). 

Happy wedding, Partner!

Huntington Library for Tea

My fabulous friend, Denise, is turning fabulous fifty next month!  She is going to be celebrating 50 days of being 50, and I got to celebrate DAY ONE with her. You now the old saying- save the best for first...

Since she will be moving to Tahoe soon I decided to take her to tea at the Huntington Library in Pasadena, instead of buying her something to lug up north. 

The pictures and memories are her present. 

Henry Huntington's third home (Paris and New York is where he spent the rest of his time) is extraordinary. 

There are works of art scattered throughout the 207-acre property. 

Huntington had a vision; he amassed his collection of art and gardens throughout his life.  Now, about 500,000 people a year come to enjoy it. Well, 500,002 is more accurate.

500,003.

It is impossible not to be in complete awe of these immaculate, exotic gardens... 

unless you are blindfolded, or course.

What a gorgeous day!

I don't think this insect is going to make it. His legs are being slowly digested by enzymes. 

The rain forest looks good on me.

The Rose Garden Tea Room was a highlight of the day. Clotted cream on fresh scones are incredible. 

Lunch and dessert is buffet style, but everything is fresh and gorgeously presented. 

Huntington's home is behind us. Completed in 1911, he designed it to display his art collection. I think 55,000 square feet is a modest way to show his appreciation for the arts. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DENISE!!