Dahlias and a Dive

Rob just returned home from Chicago! We decided a short trip was on the agenda. We hopped in the car and were on our way to visit the wonderful people responsible for growing these.

My bridal bouquet

Centerpieces

Boutonnières

Love House Dahlias is a Dahlia grower located in Ventura. I contacted Ann Dunstan, one of the owners, about this time last year about purchasing cut flowers from them. She was very helpful and made arrangements to drop off bucket and buckets of cut flowers the day before our wedding.

We drove up not just for a visit, but to return her buckets and flower tubes. We had made several attempts to return them, but for one reason or another didn't make it. Today, we finally made it out there. The farm is nestled in the hills outside of the city. The farm had a serenity and quiet beauty about it. Ann was as warm and friendly as she was when I met her nearly a year ago. We took a short tour of the place. The Dahlias were not in full bloom yet, but there were still several varieties to enjoy. We were invited to their annual Dahlia open house in August, which coincides with our anniversary.






Here are some of the snapshots I took. It's times like these that I really wish I still had an SLR.
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After our brief tour, we decide to grab some lunch. Initially, Rob suggested going to Jalama Beach. I vetoed that because it was another hour North of where we were. Then, we both remembered Neptune's Net. We headed south on PCH towards Santa Monica. I enjoyed the view and the fresh air on the drive down.

Neptune's Net isn't anything fancy, but the location and view is phenomenal. I really like it because it reminded me of some of my favorite seafood joints back in VA. I was incredibly stuffed when we left. I can't wait to go back. I don't think I can get enough steamed shrimp... ever.

Rob with his Dos Equis

The chowder in a bread bowl is superb.

Triple Platter - Shrimp, Fish & Crab Cake

Chowder in a bread bowl

My fave! Steamed Shrimp.