Got Art?

Finding ourselves in LA with several hours to kill between a wedding and the reception, we headed off the J. Paul Getty Museum (or the Getty as it is usually known).

Located at the top of a hill (reached via tram), it affords stunning views of LA and the nearby Pacific Ocean.

Although most visitors come to see the art housed by the Museum, the buildings and grounds are artfully done.

After seeing an exhibition of paintings, furniture and other decorative arts from 18th Century Paris, we headed to the west building and the collection of European paintings.

Two by James Tissot.

The fabulous Vincent Van Gogh.

Another favourite Albert Moore.

A rare treat. One of Lawrence Alma-Tadema's gorgeously rich classical-themed paintings. There's so much going on it's hard to know where to look.

Happy Easter

Every year I try to make a Simnel cake for Easter.

Simnels were popular in England through the Middle Ages. The name referred to the fine flour or 'simnel' used in special cakes. By the 17th century the recipe had died out but the name was preserved and was attached to a fruit cake baked for Mid Lent Day. This celebration became Mothering Sunday.

Finally the cake moved to Easter. It is decorated with 11 marzipan balls representing Christ's apostles (excluding Judas). There is also a layer of marzipan inside the cake.

Wishing everyone a very Happy Easter.

Wooden It Be Nice

Last weekend Hubby and I went to the Woodie Show at the beach. As you might guess (if you didn't know), a Woodie is a car (usually a station wagon) with wood paneling along the side.

 Woodies were first produced in the mid-1930's and continued until the late 1960's. It is the Woodies of the 1950's and 1960's that are associated with southern California's surf culture. 

Many of the Woodies from this period reflect this with details such as this surfboard-shaped rearview mirror.

Some of the cars feature beautiful wood inside as well as outside.

Their owners have lovingly restored these vehicles inside and out and under the bonnet.

This is what an unrestored Woodie looks like next to a restored model.

A close-up of another Woodie needing some care and attention (and a fair amount of money).

Woodies are often given bright, rich colours. These look like a row of ice lollies (popsicles).

This is a really early Woodie. Check out the straight up steering wheel.

Hubby in his Woodie shirt.

Some owners collect period/surf related items.

And have a sense of humour.

Woodies were also manufactured in England. A Morris Minor from the year I was born. How comes it looks better than I do!

One from 1967.

A mini Woodie brought by it's owner all the way from Canada.

Flower Fest

I LOVE Flowers. So I was in heaven earlier this week when we drove down to Carlsbad for my first visit to the Flower Fields.

Although there are several small garden areas, a sweet pea maze, and several large sheds showing a variety of plants, the star of the show are these fields of ranunculuses.

Ramunculuses are described as a brilliantly coloured flower that looks like it's made of crepe paper. A perfect description.

Digging In

At last it's time to plant. Every plant has been chosen and placed where it should thrive in the amount of light and shade it will get.
Along the back row from left to right we have some Bromeliads, a silver lady fern, a Kentia Palm, Kahili Ginger, an ornamental Banana, a Philodendron (hiding behind the post in the corner), a Pygmy Date Palm, and a Bird of Paradise.

On the front row is our nice bird bath, a coleus, a Ti, Black Taro (barely visible here), a Bizzie Lizzie, Jasmine vine (up the post), Flax, Gardenia, Clivia, and a Yellow Plumeria.
It looks very spaced out at the moment but hopefully it will grow in in a couple of years.

This is the area we see best from the dining room table. You can also check out the fearsome Tiki, meant to keep weeds and insects away!

This view lets you see the pink hibiscus and the Calla Lily on the back row. Check out the tiki torches.

Not much to see here yet as we planted seeds (just two tomato plants at the back). If the flower bed doesn't take off, maybe we'll use it to cook the pig for the luau!

After all this work, we are ready for a sit down.

The finishing touches are two pots with Periwinkle plants and a coconut mat so the outside doesn't literally come inside.

Lovely foliage with a soft blue flower.

This is one of my favourite plants so far. The flowers stay for a long time and just keep getting redder.

Love the delicate tones on this flower. It has taken to its spot well and is producing a wealth of buds.