We have a lot of community parks here in Huntington Beach. Since we are a beach town, there are many species of birds, a lot of them waterfowl, who populate these parks. If the park has a water feature, then the birds establish residence and delight all the park goers.
One of my favorite parks is Chris Carr Park. Chris Carr was a WWII Medal of Honor recipient and lifetime HB resident. The park was dedicated in 1972.
I went there on a sunny day, Monday February 24th. Of course, the first bird that I spied were my favorites, the glossy Ibis. They were mingling and digging into the lawn, scattered among other species, such as seagulls, mudhens, and ducks of all kinds.
I followed the perimeter of the free form lake, looking at all the different birds hanging out together.
There was a lone white heron or stork on the island.
I saw a few kingfishers. I don't see them too often - they look like little old men.
There is a very pretty type of duck there - it looks sort of like a hybrid between the mallards and the wood ducks.
The highlight was the parade of ten pure white pelicans swimming in a row around the island. They were breathtakingly beautiful.
This is the island.
The Canada geese are shameless. They swim right up to you and follow you as they try to get food from you.
There was a different type of Ibis. These were brown with a pattern similar to that of a female mallard.
Another view of the pelican parade.
More ibis. Upon research, these are white ibis.
More kingfishers.
There are many turtles sunning themselves on the island and the log debris.
This friendly Canadian followed me everywhere.
Ibis and Canada geese.
Ibis and mudhens.
More kingfishers hanging in the trees on the island.
I love going to Chris Carr Park, and I'm sure that I will go back soon!
Now for some more excitement! My in-laws had a few gardening items taken from their garage, most likely by the homeless who live in the culvert at the end of their street (see the fire the lit in my January blog). We installed a camera and some lights on the front of their house.
On February 6th, I wore brown corduroy jeans, a polo sweater with a leather collar by Joseph A, and a studded vest by Peck and Peck.
All I did that day was go to CVS to shop.
The next day, February 7th, I wore the brown jeans again. I usually just get dressed for the morning, and then switch to workout clothes in the afternoon, so I can wear my pants a few times before washing. That day, I wore a black turtleneck from Mossimo and a leopard print top from Ann Taylor. I got this necklace in the Philippines in 1985.
I wore a suede shirt jacket from Island on top.
My February Ipsy bag came. From top to bottom:
1) Mischo Beauty Sheer Glow Face Primer
2) Chica Beauty Liquid Highlighter in Rose Glow
3) Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream
4) Generation Skin pore Refining Cleanser
5) On the right side - Pinky Beauty The Perfect Lip Combo in Open Heart
On February 10th, we went over to the in-laws for lunch while the housekeeper was at our house. I wore a long cardigan from MW, a grey crewneck sweater from Philosophy, and grey slacks from Express. My platform sneakers are from Temu and my necklaces are costume, from Cookie Lee.
On February 12th, we took the Cadillac in for an oil change since I got a $50 gift card when I took the Mercedes in. We dropped it off and walked the two miles home. I wore jeans from Levis, a nautical sweater from Apostrophe that I got at the swap meet, and a warmup jacket from Bloomingdales.
On February 13th, it began to pour rain, and it rained for three days. The drain in the deck next to the pool had a tough time keeping up with the downpour. We spent the afternoon in the tax preparer's office. We will be getting back around $14000! I planned too conservatively over my first year of retirement, but it was nice to see that big refund.
I wore vintage grey slacks from Odds and Evens, a dark grey sweater from Joe's, and a brocade coat from Amanda Smith. I also wore silver jewelry, including a Celtic knot pendant done in abalone shell.
On February 14th, Valentine's Day, I went to the dermatologist for a follow up on the moles I had removed in January. They were all fine. I wore burgundy tweed slacks from Mossimo, a satin peasant top from H&M, and a tweed and lace coat from Bisou Bisou. I accessorized with pearls and Swarovski crystals.
I got my huge Q1 2025 OTC order from Medicare. Look at all the goodies!
We had a beautiful sunset on February 17th.
On February 18th, I went over to help my tenants with another piece of paperwork that they needed to file to settle their mother's affairs. I wore my new ivory slacks from Ann Taylor, a black lurex turtleneck, and a poncho from JC Penney. I finished with a smoky topaz and buffalo turquoise statement necklace and my tan Blondo boots.
My February Birchbox came. Inside, from left to right:
1) Grace and Stella No More Bad Hair Days hair mask.
2) Starskin VIP Revitalizing Gold Eye Masks
3) REN Evercalm Gentle Cleansing Milk
4) Oribe Wave and Shine Spray
5) Caviar AntiAging Replenishing Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner
6) Michel Germain Sexual Noir Roll on Perfume
A friend sent this to me. I don't know if it is, but it sure looks like me.
Doc complimented these jeans. They are from Chloe. I found them at a little hole in the wall thrift shop. They retail for $1200 !
I placed a Temu jewelry order to get some pieces for my upcoming trip to Charleston, Savannah, and Atlanta. I never bring anything valuable on a trip. So if it gets lost, I don't care.
I got this gold tone and tiger eye wide band ring.
Then I got a dupe of the Swarovski Nirvana. I have two Nirvanas, and they retail for $190.
The dupe is on the left, and the real Nirvana is on the right.
These two bracelets are David Yurman dupes. They retail for $495 and $1700 each.
This bold link necklace will go with all my outfits.
This twisty necklace is a dupe for the Cartier Just un Clou nail necklace. Retail for that piece is crazy.
Then I got another twisty gold necklace. I wanted silver and gold, but it was sold out, so I accepted this substitute.
I got a set of four bold gold bracelets.
Now I am all set for costume jewelry in both silver and gold for the trip.
On February 21st, the Salvation Army had another $2.99 sale, since they accumulated excess inventory after the holidays and needed to move it. I wore green joggers from Rachel Zoe, a green cardigan from Loft, and a printed top with no label.
Here's what I got - very sweater heavy.
A merino wool half zip from Bloomingdales - retail $240
A two ply cashmere sweater from Club Room - retail $199
A red embellished half-zip pullover from Drapers and Damons - retail $79
A pale blue jewel embellished sweater from Ann Taylor - retail $198
A sheer-sleeve sweater from Donna Karan - retail $89
A teal blue embellished crew neck from Alfani - retail $79
A Calvin Klein Men's Classic Fit Quarter Zip Warm Up jacket - retail $119
Then I found some Gentle Souls sandals, also for my trip - retail $215
I also got these high heel sandals for the trip - I don't know the brand, so I can't do a comparison.
On February 22nd, we went grocery shopping, so I wore the black Adar scrub pants, a tweed knit top and the Draper and Damons half-zip.
On Friday, February 28th, I went to a few stores, including Trader Joes. They have the best prices on eggs. I wore the brown corduroy jeans again, this time with an animal print top from Anne Klein, and a metallic anorak that I got up in the LA Garment District many years ago.
So that's about all for now. I have a couple of theater shows and a visit from Nathan, Kim, and the kids in store for March, so far. So stay tuned for all the fun!
