I've visited aquariums in Boston, Baltimore, and Monterey, but have never in my 20 years of living in California been to the Stephen Birch Aquarium. Okay, I learned today that that is a crime!
The Birch is not the biggest. There are no penguins greeting you as you walk in the front door like in Boston. And there's no seal show like in Baltimore or tuna like in Monterey. The Birch is more of an up close and personal place focusing on smaller, exotic creatures, like seahorses. The seahorse in the left photo is only about 3" tall.
The photo above right shows a Purple Lime Puff and really, the colors in that photo are accurate. This is not photo shopped! (If anyone knows the real name of this entity, please let me know!)
While I could not capture the colors in the reef below, check out the textural diversity. I'm wondering if I can create knit stitches based on these formations. And I know, I can use these color combinations in my knitting!
If you need any inspiration...if you are feeling like you are living in a colorless world (because you're a lawyer, for example!), do visit the Birch to inhale the colors and textures there and you will be satiated!
And then afterwards, drive down to Brockton Villa and relax on the deck overlooking the Cove where you can hear the controversial seals bellow while eating Coast French Toast.
And on that note, I leave you with the Pink Bathrobe Anemone (okay, if anyone knows the name of this, please let me know!).
Oh, man. I am a Namaste junkie from the word "go". Now, you'd think that because I own a yarn shop and can have anything I like that I'd have just about everything at home that's in the shop. Not true. I'm very selective about the things I keep. Except when it comes to Namaste. I have bought every bag they've made in the past 4 years. Their latest bag, the Monroe, is the best so far...it has three sections, it stands up, it has plenty of pockets, and their signature strong magnetic clasp. And the colors...awesome. Judi patuti brought me back an eggplant set of the Monroe bag and matching wallet from the TNNA and I am loving using both. 
Oh hell, how cute are these?!! I am all over knitting these right away and I think I will use Punta Yarns' Merisoft which is, well, soft! And it comes in some yummy colors. If appropriate, I may just have this as a class in February. As usual, I'll forge the path and if it leads to a good place, we'll do it!
When David arrived home from Portland last night, he opened his suitcase to give me handmade presents from our grandbabies. When we next turned around, this is what we saw - Scout saying ... if you go anywhere again, you will take me with you! The not so funny part, is she is lying on top of David's Rowan hand-knit sweater! She's got good taste.
I've visited aquariums in Boston, Baltimore, and Monterey, but have never in my 20 years of living in California been to the Stephen Birch Aquarium. Okay, I learned today that that is a crime!
