Ahhh .. San Diego

[Whateverist]

So I spent Veteran's Day weekend there. Lia was at another convention and I flew down on her frequent flyer miles to help her set up an exhibition. Ahh San Diego, sweet little town.

I spent the bulk of my childhood there. Eternally warm and fair with loads of natural beauty .. as well as loads of exotic plants for those into that. Imagine my surprise when, half way through middle school, we moved to just outside Washington D.C. It really enlarged my vocabulary. I added "humidity" and "lightning bug" in the summer. Discovered the meaning of "cold", "snow" and "heavy jacket" in the winter.

Any who, here are snaps from around the town. I spent Saturday wondering around Balboa park after getting Lia settled.







Sunday I looked up an old flickr buddy and fellow garden extremist. He took me around to some of his favorite garden spots and nurseries after we had coffee in his garden. (Next time we'll definitely stay in his guest room.)









Sunday evening I took Mrs Whateverist to my favorite San Diego restaurant, the Prado in Balboa park. I think she still looks pretty damn good at 70, the yellow lighting makes everyone look jaundiced.





I forget. Does anyone here live in the San Diego area?

[max-greece]

Looks stunning but I don't believe your Mrs. is 70. I'd have guessed mid 50's.

[Whateverist]

Looks stunning but I don't believe your Mrs. is 70. I'd have guessed mid 50's.

She gets that a lot, especially from doctors. I wish she was as healthy as she looks. I'd hate to have to put her in the garden along side Fletcher.

[Rahul]

My mom just turned 70 last Monday.

[rexbeccarox]

Carlsbad here! although I'm in Malibu right now for a few days.

Is that the meditation garden at Swami's? One of my favorite spots. The botanical garden in Encinitas is fabulous, and huge.

[popeyespappy]

I'd hate to have to put her in the garden along side Fletcher.

I'm sure she would be honored.

[The Valkyrie]

I'd really love to visit San Diego.

One day. One day . . .

[Walking Void]

Which flower is that in the sixth and seventh images? It reminds me of the rafflesia.

[Whateverist]

It's called Stapelia gigantea. Its flowers are 16 inches across. And they exude a smell attractive to flies. But aren't they cool? I asked the owner if he had a start of it anywhere but all he had was this one, the mother plant. Then he went back picked up a cutting he had made of it and gave it to me for free. Here is another photo of it showing its hairy fringe, and another showing a fly looking for the dead thing to lay its eggs on. I'm told flies do get fooled regularly into laying their eggs on the flower.

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Carlsbad here! although I'm in Malibu right now for a few days.

Is that the meditation garden at Swami's? One of my favorite spots. The botanical garden in Encinitas is fabulous, and huge.

I wasn't able to get up to Encinitas this time but look forward to another visit, hopefully with my truck so I can do some serious shopping.

[Owlix]

Minimalist, I like the very first picture you posted, and the couple all the way to the right. Something about those two caught my eye before anything else.

Sorry to derail.

As for me, no I'm not in San Diego.