Fashion Island is a up scale shopping center for the rich and famous. It is off of Pacific Coast Highway setting on a hill. The view is spectacular looking at the Pacific Ocean. The restaurant is on the second floor so you can see the ocean from each table.
The bar area of the restaurant - great views
We had a delicious lunch of Lettuce Chicken Wraps, Hot & Sour Soup, Honey Shrimp and PF Chang's Spicy Chicken with Brown Rice. For dessert we had Banana Egg Rolls with Vanilla Ice Cream.
Can you tell that we didn't like the dessert LOL
We were so full that we had decided to go to Rogers Gardens about a mile down the road.
We needed to walk and I was hanging on the cart (more on that later).
Being a gardener I am always interested in seeing what's new in the garden world. I was not disappointed. Here a few of the shots from there. But oh were they expensive. Their living wreaths were so pretty.
This tree is right after you go into the gardens. In the winter they have a little train running around the tree with houses and villages. Very pretty. Now of course it's beautiful flowers.
Here I am hanging on to the cart.
By this time my hip was killing me as I had pulled my muscle by my stomach that runs down your leg. And, I had left my cane in the car and was walking with the garden cart. I was scared to death that I had somehow injured my hip. The Doctor said no, it probably was the pick, that you were using in the garden while planting flowers.
Well, I got scolded by the Doctor and my son. So I am in the dog house LOL. Believe me I will not ever do that again. By the time I got home, plus I was the driver, I was ready for bed.
So I felt so bad this morning that I skipped mass and thought I would take it easy. Well, you know me, I never want to miss anything. My girl friend and I jumped in the car and took off for Anaheim to the Red Robin Restaurant just down the street from Disneyland.
Again, another delicious lunch as it was to darn hot to cook. Do you have a Red Robin Restaurant where you live? They are so much fun and have such great food. Their hamburgers are to die for. So guess what, I am back dieting again as I do not want to put any weight back on and not being able to walk - no exercising.
More of my garden ...
This iris is considered a black one, as it is very dark purple.
My giant sunflower, compliments of the birds.
My butterscotch Iris
Can you see who is waiting for their dinner. They look like they are starved..... LOL
Hope you liked my weekend tours of Orange County and trying to stay cool and not cook.
We hope you will leave your comments, as Waldo, Lili (my garden assistance's) and I loved reading them.
Mary
Mary, I haven't been to P.F. Changs in such a long time. I love that place! It sounds like you had a nice lunch with your friend, and going to the nursery just topped it off. I have to go to the nursery on Monday to get some flowers for the landscaper to plant. I was thinking of daisies, any suggestions? Roger's Gardens is so nice. The statues of Mary are beautiful. I wonder if the girls have been to Fashion Island before, sound ritzy.
ReplyDeleteBe careful not to injure your hip, Mary. I hope you're doing ok. Yes, we have a Red Robin here in northern Cal. Aren't the burgers delicious? I love to hear about all the places you visit. You really get around, and you'll even go to crowded areas around Disneyland, good for you.
About my post today, I know what you mean, and that is why I was cautious when my neighbor approached me for a ride. I didn't even know him, so I didn't want to give him a ride the first time, even if he did live in our neighborhood. I'm pretty slow at getting to know people, takes me awhile. :) I'm always careful, and thanks for caring, Mary.
ps that Purple Iris is soooooo pretty.
DeleteThanks for your great comments Sheri.
DeleteNot knowing where you live in CA it's hard for me to suggest what plants to get.
Need to know if there is shade or full sun. What is the dirt like, etc.
The daisy's would be good and cone flowers, I also love foxgloves, larkspurs. Do you want flowers or shrub's? Are you trying to achieve a cottage garden or more landscaped type?
I would be happy to help you any way I can. Just let me know.
Have a great weekend my friend.
Hugs,
Mary
Your dogs are so cute. I'm so sorry about you being sore. I'm in my 30's and sore as heck and keep thinking how am I going to keep planting and gardening over the next 50 years. I could spend hours at that nursery.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by. I am so grateful that my hip isn't hurting as much as it did. I thought that it would never heal. I can do some walking now without my walker and cane.
DeleteEnjoy your garden and looking forward to seeing some posts.
Mary
Hi Mary - funny and bizarre conincidence: my best friend lives in SoCal and years ago (and only the one time) I went shopping with her at Fashion Island. I bought two things that day - a pretty top and over top matching set kinda gauzy and see-through and some sandals. I was JUST thinking of that trip and that place a few days ago as I donated both those VERY expensive items that I can no longer use - top is way too small and since my broken foot I don't wear the cute shoes anymore.
ReplyDeleteAND - yet another coincidence - we ate at PF Changs. Back then I had never heard of it, and she just raved and raved - since then I have frequented now that we have them near me here at the closest mall to me.....and you guessed it - we had lettuce wraps.
Now I actually feel as though I went along with you this time.
I am so sorry you are hurting. Getting older sucks. I am grimacing typing this as my arthrtis has been super bad for a few days now. It's raining today, must be what's doing it. And maybe too much coffee and tea - that always makes me too acidic and hurts. Can't win can we? Dang. Big hugs. ♥
I know how you feel with the arthritis, I can always tell when the humidity is to high as I ache.
ReplyDeleteWe had a great day even thought the weather inland was very hot, but at the beach nice cool breezes. I love that restaurant and the chicken lettuce wraps are great when dieting.
Yes, I have to agree with you getting older does suck but, my brain doesn't seem to get it.
Thanks for stopping by and I am so glad that I brought back some great memories for you. If you are ever in So CA again I would love to meet you.
My hip is starting to feel much better and I can walk so much better. Now, if I can just stay out of the garden. LOL
Thanks so much for stopping by.
Hope that your weather is wonderful this weekend.
Hugs,
Mary
Mary your little garden helpers are adorable. Hugs to Lily and Waldo. Hope they stay cool on those hot days.
ReplyDeleteI love PF Changs lettuce wraps my favorite when we go there for dinner. So good. Glad you had a great day with your friend.
Hugs,
Kris
Thanks so much for stopping by Kris. Guess you are getting excited about moving into your cottage. How's Cooper doing? Hope that he is doing well. I say prayers for him each night.
ReplyDeleteHe is so adorable.
A group of us ladies are off to a Garden Tour in Fullerton this Sunday. Should be lots of fun.
Have a great weekend.
Hugs,
Mary
I think you and your friend found the perfect way to spend a hot and windy day. Yummy food and a trip to the garden center would be my idea of a perfect day. So sorry to hear that your hip was acting up. I hope you will soon be feeling better.
ReplyDeleteWe do have a Red Robin close by. I just learned that if you are signed up for their rewards program you receive a free burger in your birthday month. I'm planning on cashing in on that deal any day now :).
Your irises are so gorgeous. I have one in bloom and it's white. Funny thing is I didn't plant any white ones. Oh well, it's still pretty.
Hi Mary! I've missed you! It's so good to catch up. I am so sorry to hear that your hip hurts. I hope it's better soon. My mom has some hip exercises that helped. YouTube it, maybe.
ReplyDeleteI have been to that very Red Robin! YUM!
I must put your blog back on my blog roll so I don't miss posts. I took them all off and when I put that feature back. I missed some of my favorites. I'll do it in the morning.
Your dogs look VERY LOVED!
Any time I get to tour my old stomping grounds, I'm happy! Newport Beach was my home away from home all spring and summer while growing up! I hope you are feeling better. Love your beautiful gardens! Blessings, Cindy xo
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by to see my escapades. It was a fun weekend.
DeleteFeeling much better, thanks so much. Now, if I can just stay out of the garden and doing hard work I'll be okay.
Have a terrific weekend.
Mary
Sounds like a fun couple of days! Your flowers are gorgeous - especially love that butterscotch iris. Beautiful1 Bella does not wait that patiently for food!
ReplyDeleteJudy
Thanks so much for stopping by Judy. So glad that you like my pretty iris.
DeleteMy dogs know when it's time for dinner and wait at the dog till I get it fixed. Waldo has liver problems so I cook special for him and give some to Lili also. They love the brown rice, fresh veggies and bakes chicken. I think they think they are human.
You and Bella have a great weekend.
Mary
Oh Mary, I love Rogers Garden's. My daughter Maryalice lives just a few blocks up from that very sign. We went there one afternoon and I spent almost $100 on a planted basket of flowering plants..it was gorgeous but certainly a lot of money. Eventually the basket came unraveled but it looked lovely on my front porch for a couple of years. As a matter of fact, I do believe it was still on the porch when you and your friend came to visit me a couple of years ago. Or was it three years ago in a couple of months? Time has flown by..and by the way...you look wonderful! You have lost so much weight! Not to worry, I found it!!! LOL
ReplyDeleteBig hugs..and love to both of you gals!
Mona
So glad to hear from you Mona and thanks for the compliments. Yes, Rogers Garden are stunning, but way to expensive. Love their gift shop also.
DeleteI think it has been two years since we met. I want to go to Mission inn this Christmas again. Will let you know and you can come and have a late lunch with us.
Want to see the lights or maybe a early dinner.
Hope you and Howard are doing well. Give him my regards. You sure got a keeper when you found him. Have a terrific weekend and so glad to hear from you.
Hugs,
Mary
It looks like a wonderful time till your hip kicked in. The gardens you showed were beautiful, as are your own wonderful flowers. I hope by now everything has started to heal a bit and you're not in pain. Happy weekend!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by Jeanie. So glad you like the post. It was a fun weekend even if my hip hurt. IT is feeling better this week and hope that it stays that way.
DeleteGlad you like my flowers also. Have a terrific weekend.
Mary
How fun Mary to go out to eat with your friend and to the garden center! :) It sounds like a fun time was had. Your garden looks like it's doing well too. Give Waldo and Lily a hug from me and Bosco.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the weekend. P.S. Take it easy in that garden of yours!
Julie xo
Thanks so much for stopping by Julie. Yes, it was a fun weekend. P F Changs was so good, wish I had some right now. LOL
DeleteWe are all doing fine, have a great weekend Julie.
Hugs,
Mary
I am so glad you did not damage your hip!
ReplyDeleteI have heard of PF Chang..we have one in Montreal now and I think I want to go one day because of what I have heard..it's not next door..
I am a country bumpkin..but one day!
And the gardens..I have heard of those too..now that is way more than a day trip for me.
I want to be like you when I grow up.
Full of vim and vigor.
:)
Thanks for your sweet comments. Apparently I pulled muscles by my hip and could hardly straighten up and walk. Feel a lot better now. Now, I just have to not get crazy in the garden. LOL
DeleteIf you get the chance do try PF Changs, you will not be disappointed.
Tomorrow I'm off with girl friends to a Garden Tour of the city where I live. Just be a fun day. Will do a post if they are worth it.
Enjoy your weekend.
Mary
Oh Mary, I really enjoyed your fun outings, you know how to tell a good story!
ReplyDeleteThe gardens looked lovely - our chain garden centres here have got more and more expensive.
You take care - I've just had part of the day in my garden trimming my hedge and being in my seventies I'm done in!!
It's so annoying I've got the will to do it but my strength isn't as good as it used to be!
Good exercise I say.
Enjoy your weekend.
Shane
I know exactly what you mean about strength. i will be 81 in July and I cannot do everything that I used to do. My mind says yes, but the body doesn't. If I don't get my chores and gardening done by 1:00 p.m. - that's it. I work a while and then sit for a bit.
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by I enjoyed your comments so much.
This weekend I am off to the Fullerton Beautiful Garden Tour. They pick 8 homes and showcase them. The map is $15.00 and you can go at your own leisure. There will be 4 of us going. They only have them where the homes are $1,000,000 or more, never in my little neighborhood where we have cottages. Oh well, that's life.
Have a terrific weekend and don't over do in the garden.
Mary
A post by you is a breath of fresh, sweet-smelling air. Your love of life is evident is every photo and word. You are my inspiration. xxoo
ReplyDeleteI take that as a wonderful complement from you. I do love dogs, animal and flowers so much.
ReplyDeleteThere is so much beauty to see I hate to miss anything.
Have a wonderful Spring weekend. Off to another garden tour tomorrow and hope to get some terrific pictures.
MARY!!! You do bring a huge smile to my face every time I visit!! I loved all your pictures and I so appreciate that you took us along on your adventure!! Great photos!! But do PLEASE take care of yourself!! I do love your vest for life and not wanting to miss anything!! You go girl but do take care, my sweet friend!!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for visiting!!
Hugs,
Deb
So glad that you liked my little trip. You know the saying if don't move you lose it, so I am not going to lose it. LOL
DeleteLoved the food and the nursery was breathtaking.
Have a great week and thanks so much for stopping by.
Hugs,
Mary
Oh, my...what a fun post.
ReplyDeleteGetting away for lunch and a bit of shopping with a friend is always so much fun. I love Lettuce Wraps...and I love seeing all your beautiful flowers...
xoxo
Thanks so much for stopping by BJ. It was a fun fun day.
DeleteHope you and your honey are doing great.
Hugs,
Mary
The garden nursery looks amazing. I hope your hip isn't hurting anymore.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by Magali. Hip feels better , off to some more garden tours this weekend.
DeleteHave a wonderful week.
Mary
Hi Mary! Oh, it sounds like you had a marvelous day except the fact you hurt your hip. I'm so glad you really didn't do hard damage to it! Your lunch looks so nice and I enjoying eating at P J Chang's! The garden looks gorgeous. Even hurting, you look as cute as a button hanging on to that cart! Your flowers are truly beautiful! Just continue to take care of your self and don't be so fiesty! :)
ReplyDeleteBe a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
Thanks for stopping by Shelia. I am so glad that you are doing better with your knee and the darling little Carter is back to feel terrific.
DeleteHip felt better until yesterday, I was climbing up a little hill and it is hurting just a little today. Off to another garden tour on Saturday.
Have a wonderful week.
Hugs,
Mary
Mary, you just have way too much fun on your outings! I am sorry your hip was bothering you, I hope you feel much better now. I've never been to PF Changs before, it looks delish. We do have Red Robin here, I just love their teriyaki chicken burgers! Looks like Lily and Waldo were hoping you brought them back a doggy bag:) Oh, the garden center looks amazing! I love succulents.
ReplyDeleteYes, I do have fun on my outings. You know the old saying Use it or lose it. So I am using all the time I can get into doing fun things.
DeleteIf you get the chance try PF Chang's - wonderful food. I could eat it every day.
How's Molly doing? Know she is bringing lots of love to you and your hubby. Hugs to her and puppy kisses.
Hugs dear friend.
Mary
Mary,
ReplyDeleteI love your feisty nature and positive outlook! One of my favorite quotes is by Katherine Hepburn "If you obey all the rules you miss all the fun." On a serious note, though I am sorry that you are hurting. I hope that you have rested up and are pain free today.
Your jaunts out and about sound fun:) Take care and those Iris are beauties!
Jemma
My hip is feeling better - have to watch what I do - no dancing on tables LOL.
DeleteThanks so much for stopping by and leaving the great comments. I have a black iris in bloom right now.
Have a terrific week.
Mary
Could it be Mary, Mary quite contrary this week? I love it! Love your energy and spunk for life. Sorry you got scolded, but you must be careful! I so enjoyed your post, it was fun filled, except the ouchies. Your flowers are just gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteHope you are better now!
Nancy
Could it be Mary, Mary quite contrary this week? I love it! Love your energy and spunk for life. Sorry you got scolded, but you must be careful! I so enjoyed your post, it was fun filled, except the ouchies. Your flowers are just gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteHope you are better now!
Nancy
I just wish I had more energy as there is so many things I want to do. Went on a garden tour yesterday and wanted to kick my garden to the curb. I got so many ideas, so I had my helper over for a couple of hours doing all the heavy stuff. Still have more to do,but was please that I got more bark down on the flower beds to keep the soil wet.
DeleteSo glad to hear from you. Have a terrific week.
Hugs,
Mary
This was a fun post and I sure liked it! wow, what pretty flowers! I love irises. Oh my goodness, that lunch looks amazing!! makes me hungry....... Is your leg/hip feeling better now I hope?
ReplyDeleteThank you, my hip is better. So glad that you stopped by. it was a fun day and of course Newport Beach is always such a fun place.
DeleteHave a great weekend.
Mary
Mary, you are such a sweetie. I love that you get up and go! But you will be more careful in the future and not take to swinging that ax any more!..Your dinners look so good, but that dessert!!! We don't have a Red Robin close by but I see some on our travels but have never stopped. Will do next time. My back has been giving me fits again, it does every so often. I don't think I will be joining my daughter in the breast cancer walk in July this year. I hate to be a quitter, but working on the crew is very physical and if I can't pull my own weight, I shouldn't be there. We need to take care of ourselves in our golden years! haha.. Not so funny, but true!..Happy Week to you my friend..xxo Judy
ReplyDeleteMy daughter and I went to St Louis last weekend and ate at PF Chang's across from the Galleria, it is so good.
ReplyDeleteI love going to the garden centers also they also have such gorgeous flowers out
I'm sure Waldo and Lili was happy to see Moma
I have a black iris also and the butterscotch, however my prettiest this spring which I didn't know I even had a white with yellow edges
Hope your hip is getting better, Mary. Sounds like you had a fun weekend with your friend.
ReplyDeleteThe iris are beautiful, especially the butterscotch one.
Enjoy the rest of the week...