We are very grateful to the Lord for this year’s healthy winter and spring rains which have been so beneficial to our drought-stricken state of California.  Predictably, they have resulted in lots of grasses and flowers for our enjoyment – and we have been enjoying them very much!  Dave has been taking advantage of his full retirement to get in some very nice bike rides to some of the many area parks and open spaces – like nearby Chino Hills State Park (a four-mile ride which still puts him in Brea).

Lots of colorful mustard blossoms decorate the hills at Chino State Park.

And occasional patches of California Poppies add their gold to green hills.

Dave couldn’t get “Bob” to pose nicely, but he did get his first look at a Chino Hills Bobcat (though he has seen them in nearby Powder Canyon before).

Weir Canyon Regional Park is located in the Anaheim Hills southeast of Brea.

The ride from Weir Canyon to Irvine & Santiago Oaks Regional Park was a challenge!

The Orange County Nature Conservancy stretches for miles south of Weir Canyon.

Dave and Jan enjoyed a Monday afternoon hike at Black Star Canyon further south.

It was refreshing to hike to the sound of running water – a little unusual for the area.

And there were tree blossoms to enjoy along the Edwards Ranch road which passes through Black Star Canyon.

But we didn’t even need to leave Brea to enjoy some amazing blossoming trees!

We are enjoying Southern California’s pleasant early spring weather.  But there are always things to enjoy for those who see the Lord’s creative genius in the created order which surrounds us – wherever and whenever we happen to be!