California Bound!

I've been missing from my blog since April 8th because my hubby and I took a 10-day trip to Southern California. I debated whether I should continue the Questers Tablescape Luncheon pictures, or begin blogging about the trip, and opted for the trip.  I may share the remaining tablescape photos when the trip posts are finished.

This was my first trip to California, and it didn't disappoint.  As a matter of fact, we're already talking about a return visit.   There was too much to see and do in the area for one trip.  I planned most of the trip before we ever left home, and everyday was filled with wonderful activities.

The California weather was beautiful everyday except the last day, which was partly cloudy, but it never rained so none of our sightseeing was cancelled.  We're told we missed some cold, nasty weather here in Michigan while we were away - no regrets! ;-)

We departed Detroit Metro Airport at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, April 8th and arrived in Los Angeles around 1:30 p.m. [the flight was almost 5 hours].  Our departure gate was A64.

[Jerry/Hubby]

After landing at LAX we got our rental car, and headed for South Pasadena.  Every time I looked at the rental license plate my eyes saw my name - not quite Phyllis, but close enough for it to register in my brain and eyes.  ;-)

My hubby was lamenting the California freeway traffic before we ever left home, but the only time we experienced bumper-to-bumper traffic was in the Los Angeles area.  I took the photo below from the car window after we left the L.A. airport headed for Pasadena, but before we got on the freeway. I was fascinated by the beautiful palm trees that are everywhere.

I booked our first two nights in South Pasadena at the Bissell House Bed & Breakfast.  It was a lovely three-story Victorian [with Craftsman style influence] house built in 1887 - seven years before the Whitney mansion [where I work] was built.  If you're ever in the South Pasadena area I highly recommend Bissell House.

[Bissell House website photo]

[Bissell House website photo]

The only moan our entire stay came from Jerry when he had to carry our two large suitcases up three flights of stairs to our bedroom! ;-)  The State of California won't allow guests to use the elevator.

Our room was named 'Morning Glory' and was decorated in light blue and white, so I felt right at home.  They had no idea that's my favorite color, and if you follow my blog you know a lot of my house is decorated in light blue. 

Bathroom fixtures [including a clawfoot tub] are original to the house.

Beautiful leaded glass windows as seen from our open bedroom door above the staircase.

Julie and Jim are the innkeepers, and a delightful couple.  Julie made our delicious breakfasts each morning [tomorrow's post].  They came to Pasadena 14 years ago to help Julie's mom with the B & B, but will soon be returning to Vermont where it's less crowded and a lot more quiet.

They don't serve a formal Afternoon Tea at the B & B, but they do offer a self-serve Dessert Tea every afternoon.  When I took the first photo [below] the blueberry dessert hadn't come out of the oven yet.

~ Gourmet tea bar ~

I loved everything in bloom on their property - geraniums, calla lilies, and lemon trees to name a few.  The fragrance in their yard was heavenly!

Upon Julie's recommendation we drove a short distance to Old Town Pasadena for our dinner at Aro Latin restaurant on Mission Street - a very quaint area.

[Internet Photo]

Our seats were where the arrow is pointing, and we ordered Corn Chips with Guacamole and Salsa, and Seafood Tacos.  Yum!

While walking to the restaurant from where our car was parked, I couldn't resist stopping to take a picture of the geraniums that were actually big bushes!

Afterwards we returned to the B & B to relax for the evening.  Please come back for day #2 post tomorrow.