After years of drought in Southern California it has been a very pleasant experience to receive frequent rains throughout the current winter season.  As a result we have lots of green hills to enjoy and in a few places even some golden poppies to re-energize the thought of keeping California “green and golden.” Here are a few pictures to document the blessing of recent rains – beginning with a bike ride Dave enjoyed mid-February to Stephen and Meagan’s condo-apartment in Foothills Ranch.  A stop at Irvine Park, along the way, always brings back memories of a college group outing Dave and Jan enjoyed with others many years back – in the early days of their acquaintance.

Just south of Irvine Park the road down Santiago Canyon is a popular ride for cyclists.

Irvine Lake, which has been low on water in recent years, is looking much better this season.

It is a pleasant change to see normally dry stream beds flowing with water.

Closer to home, Carbon Canyon Regional Park is a favorite destination which Dave often enjoys on bike rides – and especially when the hills are green.

And speaking of green hills, the Church at Green Hills will apparently be Dave and Jan’s new church home after changes with the arrival of new leadership at Temple Baptist have made Green Hills church (Southern Baptist), where Dave and Jan have attended evening services for several years, a more comfortable fit.

Jan is still teaching the Ladies’ Bible Study (Women of the Word) for a few more months at the former Temple Baptist (now Branches Fullerton), but Dave is enjoying the freedom of full retirement as the Balsleys find their place in a new and refreshing church family.