If this were our home, well it is in a sense and then again, it’s not.  We’re renters.  But if it were, this is the place I would love to make our major outdoor living area.  In the back and up a few stairs is an underground (covered up with plants) hot tub.  It doesn’t work, but I can already see myself asking hubby if we could replace the old covered up one with a new one.  The possibilities out here seem endless and it’s fun to just dream.

But for now, we enjoy it as is.  Sometimes I bring a little chair out here and just chill out with a book or something.  I perched out here with my camera for an hour or so today and it was just a feel good place to be.

I did revisit this old lantern.  For whatever reason, I like this very old rusted out subject.  It makes me wonder how long ago it was last used.  And for what occasion.  The spiders appear to be making good use of it just the way it is.

I noticed this magnolia cone of seeds from inside the pergola.  I’ll say that’s a solid bunch.

The bees work so hard.  And I worked so hard to get a shot of this busy little creature.

In the dead of winter, I’m surprised of all the seasonal growth.  Since we’re fairly new to southern California, I’m still getting familiar with what things bloom during each season.

Looks like he’s about ready to pop.

Just a simple splash of red…

And last, we have a very close-up picture of a cactus thorn and ant.  I thought it looked like the ant was running away from the thorn.  Smart move.