California dreamin'

There are so many song titles that have California in them, and I can see why! There's so much to celebrate about this state - and we've only seen a tiny bit of it so far.
The people are so friendly! When we go for our walk in the park in the mornings everyone, absolutely everyone salutes us. So different from the Lee Fields!!
After that walk today we went over to the local high school pool (yes, school pool!!) The life guard is half Irish - that was established in the first 2 minutes. She introduced me to a guy whose mother is from Kilkenny, and who's there right now. She and the other lifeguard went out of their way to tell me the best times to visit the pool, find out about aqua aerobics etc. And of course, they go out of their way to find you the best deal as well. So we've got a 30 swim card for $20 - and we can share it. Leisureworld take note!
As for the high school pool - it's a 25m outdoor one with lane swimming most of the day. 8 lanes available. In the afternoons for an hour or two they have recreational swimming, for people who don't want to swim lanes, and then  they reduce the  number of lanes. There's also a shallow section for kids and a few picnic tables for families who want to stay the whole day.
Across the street is the high school. Closed now but, interesting to even see the sections: Maths & Sciences, Theatre, Classrooms and Administration (I love the size of Admin, can only imagine the number of people working there!)
Next bit is about our local park....

Goats' cheese anyone??

Looking down on Laguna

Reminds me of the scene as I imagined it in the Tortilla Curtain.

Where we live is above Summit Drive - so we're almost at the top of Laguna Beach. The top is the park, two blocks up. The walking trail there goes out along a ridge between the valley and the coast. Great views. This morning we watched a couple of hawks hovering and swooping. I swear we saw road-runners too!! Must research birds of California to see if I imagined it!! I read that there are coyotes in the vicinity too - so that would tally with the cartoon!!
Yesterday we were looking down from the balcony to the garden when Aidan noticed something flying in the flowery bush below. We thought it might be a hornet , but realised the shape was wrong. Then it dawned on me - it was a hummingbird!! Wow! In our garden!!

We went for lunch today with Amy & Steve from next door. They took us to a Mexican place where there's outdoor seating - El Ranchito. We had a lovely meal in good company. Then I realised it was right across the street from Casa del Camino that Mary H had recommended to me! I could see the balcony she described where you can have cocktails watching the sunset. We have our own balcony for watching the sunset - cocktails optional!

After lunch Steve drove us around Laguna Beach, into the centre and out to a park by the sea for walking. It'll be nice for a change from the ridge. Then we drove out to the spot where they were married - a beautiful little park on a promontory overlooking one of Laguna's many fine beaches.

 Must go now - to get ready for the Pageant of the Masters. Verdict to follow...