Pearson's Gardens in Vista

Time for Spring planting.

First stop is an out-of-the-way nursery in Vista.

Drove to the end of Beverly Drive without spotting it. Pulled up beside a man mowing his grass, "Do you know where Pearson's Gardens is?"

"Never heard of it," he replied.

Turned around. Watched the street numbers closely. Lo and behold, it was tucked right into the neighborhood.

A friend, who is a member of a local garden club, mentioned this place and it is well worth a visit.

Checked out the owner's garden box to get ideas.

Rows of lettuce.

French Beans - très bon!

Tables and tables of tomatoes.

Location:  1150 Beverly Drive, Vista, CA 92084

Pearson's Gardens

Hello Kitty!

Is she cute or what?

The Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles is celebrating the global icon's 40th-anniversary with an exhibit, Hello! Exploring the Supercute World of Hello Kitty, that examines the colorful history of Hello Kitty and her influence on popular culture.

It is delightful.

But if you can't imagine dealing with the horrendous traffic in downtown LA to look at rooms and rooms of Hello Kitty paraphernalia, then just sit back.

And scroll through the pictures, enjoy.

Before heading inside, put on your sticker.

And don your headband….ok, now you are ready!

I did not know that Hello Kitty had grandparents, did you?

Displays included a Hello Kitty Juicer, Hello Kitty Toaster,
Hello Kitty Waffle Iron, Hello Kitty Microwave Oven,
Hello Kitty Sewing Machine and naturally a Hello Kitty Curling Iron.

There she is with her pal Dear Daniel.

Don't get lost, just follow the bows.

In America's Next Top Model Cycle 18,
the contestants modeled couture Hello Kitty creations.

In 2009, Katy Perry wore a custom Hello Kitty bustier.

Hello Kitty always says, "You can never have too many friends!"
And one way to create and build friendships is by reaching out and
touching someone, in other words, through Hello Kitty-enabled
social communication.

Towards the end of the exhibit they even had a very small wall devoted to Anti-Hello Kitty sentiment…..which basically begged the question, is she just too cute?

A Morbid Rhyme, Now I Know My ABC's

Take that Dick and Jane, childhood is not always sunny and filled with frolic and a dog named Spot.

At least in the hands of author and illustrator, Edward Gorey, in this ABC rhyming book that shows 26 children as they meet an untimely death.

I heard about this amazing children's book from a friend --- with whom I have shared giggles, chuckles and many a belly laugh.

Hard to find in a bookstore (I searched everywhere during the holidays), it can be ordered online.

It is a tiny book.

Less than half the size of an Anthropologie catalog.

But it packs a punch.

Oh my!

So warped. So twisted. So hilarious. 

And the illustrations are amazing.

A Little Fog

March morning in San Diego.

There is dew on all surfaces -- patio furniture, garbage can lids, the hood of our cars.

And since we might not see rain again for months and months and months, we are just going to have to celebrate every little bit of moisture that comes our way.

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss

"You're never too old, too wacky, too wild, 

to pick up a book and read with a child."

So said Dr. Seuss.

It is his birthday today.

He would have been 111.

Some memorable Seuss quotes:

"A person's a person, no matter how small."

"Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You."

"You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose."

"If things start happening, don't worry, don't stew, just go right along and you'll start happening too."