Jacaranda | Monica's Tangled Web

When you live in Southern California, blessed with year-round sunshine, blue skies and breezy weather, you don’t have to go far to feel like you’re on vacation. Take last weekend. On Memorial Day, the family and I–with Oliver and Henry in tow–made a day trip to Coronado, an island that’s just minutes away, reachable by crossing the Coronado Bridge or taking a ferry.

It’s a treasure to be certain, home of the beautiful and majestic Hotel del Coronado or, as we locals call it, The Del. It is a hotel rich with history. The Del has served as the backdrop for several movies, including one of my favorites, Some Like it Hot, with Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon.

L. Frank Baum (The Wonderful Wizard of Oz) did much of his writing here, and many a U.S. president has checked in for a stay in one of its many well-appointed rooms.

Coronado is a spectacular place, indeed. Go there and you are immediately overtaken by its pristine and natural beauty, bright colors, and its openness and a grandeur that harken back to days of yore. And, of course, we couldn’t spend the day there without taking a few photographs. A feast for the eyes!

Wish you were here?

The Hotel del Coronado.

Strolling along the walkway by The Del.

The average cost of a home here is out of range for most of us.

Lucky is the person who can afford to live here.

Or here.

I just love Jacaranda trees, particularly when they’re in full bloom! (By the way, see if you can spot Henry!)

Fields of gold

Of course, since it was Memorial Day, we came across a good many flags, including this vintage one.

Even the dogs put on their best patriotic colors!

Sock monkeys, too!

Along the main drag, known as Orange Avenue, there are many boutique shops and restaurants that cater to outdoor dining. Plus, you’ll find an abundance of beautiful flowers pretty much everywhere.

That’s my daughter posing in front of the San Diego skyline, as seen from Coronado.

So, next time you’re visiting San Diego, be sure to add Coronado to your must-see list. But, in the meantime, what’s your favorite vacation spot near your home?

Finally, this is as good a time as any to welcome the more than 300 new followers my blog has gained since I started the Lightning in a Jar series (which, by the way, returns later this week). And, a special thank you to all my followers. You are the best part of blogging!

Bella, of One Sister’s Rant, earlier this month did a photographic post about her neighborhood. Which inspired me, so, on a recent weekend morning, I took my camera out on a walk through my neck of the woods. I figured one of the best places to go would be by the coast, just a couple of miles away.

Of course, June around these parts is known for its “June Gloom,” on account that nearly every morning you awaken to gray skies. Though, by noon, the sun is out in all its glory, and the gloom is never bad enough to keep people indoors. This day was no exception.

Hope you enjoy!

This time of year, the Jacaranda trees are in full bloom. Its purple flowers are breathtaking.

What I love about the trees in this seaside park, is how the unrelenting wind off the ocean, has caused them to bend dramatically toward the east, barely keeping their heads up, yet finding the will to do what it takes to survive.

These gnarly, twisted trees, long ago bowed to the wind, and now make for climbing fun.

The view from the park.

These three seem to be deciding whether or not to hit the surf.

Seems like I’m not the only one seeking a photo opportunity.

A nice spot to enjoy the view and watch the surfers.

This shaggy dog shows no interest in the ocean.

This train, heading south along the California coast, offers great ocean vistas.

Even in the gloomy morning, the view is exceptional. It’s no wonder people want to live here.

I just love how so many bring their dogs to the beach. A couple of miles north of here is Dog Beach, a place where anyone can bring their dog to frolic and splash freely in the water–leash free!