Spouting Water

This unique faucet is just one of the many surprises to be found at Lotusland in Montecito, California.  Just south of the city of Santa Barbara, this unusual property was once a private residence and is now open to the public on a limited basis.  You need a reservation to tour the property and believe me, it's a real treasure worth the time. 

"Spouting Water"    © Kathy Dunham 2010

Just Sprinkled

It was the middle of the day but the roses had just received a sprinkling to cool them off in the warm Santa Barbara afternoon.  Each water drop looks like a sparkling diamond waiting to be admired. 

"Just Sprinkled"    © Kathy Dunham 2010

Yellow Lotus

There are many beautiful gardens in Santa Barbara and Montecito.  I was lucky enough to visit one today and doulbe lucky to see the lotus flowers in bloom.  They just started opening last week and the sun was out today.  My lucky day!!

"Yellow Lotus"   © Kathy Dunham 2010

Happy B-Day Don & Hunter

If you're ever inSanta Barbara and want a great "Cajun" dinner, you're got to !eat at The Palace Grill" on Cota St. Right out of New Orleans, this restaurant offers great Louisiana specialties. And if you're there for a special occasion, call in advance for the houe specialty "Bread Pudding Souffle". I love bread pudding and this one is really decadent! And they'll spruce it up with your greeting of choice. So Happy Birthday Don and Hunter. And a special thanks to Hunter for selecting the reataurant. It's a winner.

"Happy B-Day Don & Hunter" © Kathy Dunham 2010

Red Ruffles

There aren't many flowers in the desert this time of year but we do have our share of hibiscus. However, most of them have a single row of petals and aren't too exciting. I found this ruffled number in downtown Santa Barbara while having lunch last year. It pays to carry your camera.

"Red Ruffles" © Kathy Dunham 2009

The Blue Gate

Taking the road less traveled often provides big rewards. The last time I was in Santa Barbara my friend Joanne and I decided to take a back road on the outskirts of the city to see where it would take us. Making decisions at forks in the road is fun and surprises can pop up around the next bend. I stopped to take pictures of Our Lady of Mount Carmel church on the outskirts of Montecito and when I walked into the courtyard found this beautiful gate with hibiscus growing around it.

"The Blue Gate" © Kathy Dunham 2008

French Onion Soup

I came to Santa Barbara this weekend to check out an art festival. I always like to do that before signing on to be a participant. Luckily, a very dear friend has a place near Lake Cachuma and we have fun enjoying the coastal weather and checking out the sights. Last night we attended an opening reception for the festival at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History. They are the benefactors of the show and definitely a worthy cause. Afterwards, we had dinner in an historic house turned restaurant next to the bird sanctuary. I had eaten too many appetizers at the reception that I only had room for the "French Onion Soup". It reminded of the wonderful soup I had when I was in Paris. This wasn't as good but delightful none-the-less. This picture is the "real" French Onion Soup.

"French Onion Soup" © Kathy Dunham 2008