It’s been almost 2 years since my dear friend Pauline has come out from Illinois to California, and a year to the month since Valerie was out here with her father. Both times were related to Valerie and boyfriend Roni’s desire to move to this area, and after a long year full of anticipation Valerie and Roni dreams have come true. Roni is transfering out with his job from Bloomington, IL to Irvine, CA. Valerie will probably transfer within her job as well. So, once again, Pauline and Valerie drove across the states in 2 days and arrived ready to accomplish their goal, to find an apartment for Val and Roni. It was also a great excuse for Pauline and Patty to see each other once again.

As always, Pauline and Valerie looked so pretty, and I was so excited to see each of them. So to honor the time we were going to spend with each other I had my awesome hubby, Jerry, take photos of us. We started out wanting to critique each photo after Jerry took them.

As time went by we got a bit goofy, lightened up a little, and having some usual fun times together. Most of it was caught on Jerry’s camera.

And as usual Pauline and I were giggling and having a bit of fun. Doesn’t Pauline look cute when she thinks she’s gotten away with a little something?

We went a bit further and clowned around, being our usual silly selves. Only with a such a wonderful friend can you truly not care (well, mostly not care) how silly you look.

Pauline ended up bringing her laptop which resulted in us having a lot of fun sitting side by side sharing photos, playing FarmVille, and delighting in the fact that we were indeed right next to each other and not chatting on line long distance.

In between Valerie and Pauline’s search for an apartment we enjoyed eating out at Souplantation as well as feasting on Valeries’ home cooked meals. Can that girl cook! umm, umm, umm!

Catching Pauline in a quiet contemplative mood was a treat for me. I’m not sure why you don’t like this photo Pauline, I sure do. So pretty!

Taking a day off from their tasks, Pauline and Valerie enjoyed a long wonderful day at Disneyland. The weather cooperated and they came home with stories and photos. Ahhhhh!

Pauline and Val took me out to lunch at Oami’s, a favorite Sushi place near by. What a treat, such yummy food and a lot of it too. Thank you girls!

Another fun get together and one that could become a tradition, was inviting one of Pauline’s neighbors from way back when she lived here in Mission Viejo, Jill, on the far right, as well as a friend of mine, Karen on the far left, and now friend of Pauline’s. 3 bottles of wine later and we can all say that we had a great time visiting. Ready to do this again whenever you’re back out here Pauline!

Anxious to spend some time with friends she’s made out here in CA, Valerie left our little wine gab fest early. I had to snap a few photos of mom and daughter.

Isn’t she just adorable? Valerie always knows how to put an outfit together, and always looks so stylish!

The 9 days went by too fast, both Pauline and I agreed on that. Knowing it would not be the last time we saw each other again, and anxious to head home to her sweetheart, Pauline and I were able to keep our goodbyes dry eyed. Valerie will be back in about 3 weeks time, bringing with her her boyfriend Roni and a truck load of furniture. If I know her well enough I’m sure she’ll have a big smile on her face too. Love you girls!

Before you dive into this blog you might wonder if these topiaries at Disney World and Disneyland Resort are real. I am not sure if the Peter Pan and Snow White topiaries shown here at Disney World in Florida are real, but I do know the others are as I’ve seen them up close. The only part that is not real on the topiaries in Disneyland Resort is the yellow main on the lion. That is made out of some synthetic fiber. I hope this bit of information is helpful.

My girlfriend Pauline took these topiary photos while on a trip to Disney World in Florida with her 2 children, David and Valerie, a place I someday hope to enjoy to the fullest. I am a huge fan of Tinkerbell, for those of you who don’t know me well. I love the fact that Peter Pan is getting some recognition in these topiaires, he’s really how Tinkerbell came to be know now isn’t it?

This topiary of Snow White and a few of her adorable dwarfs is just remarkable. I wonder why they can’t do this in Disneyland or California Adventure. Maybe because of Florida’s climate, where it is more humid. The California sun can sure beat down on our horticulture.

I’m not saying Disneyland doesn’t have some amazing topiaries, as shown here with their lion ornamental tree. I’ve looked at this lion up close and the mane is made out of some kind of synthetic fibers. This particular topiary is over by It’s A Small World, where they have the largest variety of topiaries in all of Disneyland and California Adventure displayed.

I love their swan featured also by It’s A Small World. The pink flowers are geraniums and are remind me of a peacocks feathers.