The Iris...

- a bold, elegant orchid like bloom, sword shaped pedals with basal foliage -

Their distinctive 6 petaled flowers have 3 outer hanging pedals and 3 inner upright pedals.

They can be bearded or crested but without a doubt, they are always spectacular,

Each color has its own special meaning.

Purple Iris - Most iconic, often linked to royalty.
Blue Iris - Symbolizes faith and hope.

White Iris - Represents purity and spiritual connection.

Yellow and Orange Iris - Bring cheer and warmth to any setting.

New beginnings are often linked to springtime blooms!

The Jersey Shore

 I think New Jersey gets a bad rap from so many people.

It's such a beautiful state, it's the "Garden State"...we have the ocean and fresh seafood.

You can see a view like this in almost every county you visit.

We have an abundance of birds and waterfowl.

I recently spotted this Greater Yellowlegs wading in shallow water during low tide.

This is a robust, elegant wading bird with extremely long yellow legs, and a long, thick bill.

We have had a couple of special meals at our favorite restaurants.

They boast about the fish and lobster arriving at the restaurant the same day they serve it, 

it is that fresh.

These meals were enjoyed at 

Atlantic Offshore Fishery

The lobster rolls there are out of this world, packed with lobster.

I had the Lobster Francese on our latest visit to

Mr. Shrimp Seafood 

I have been eating a lot of lobster.

The hubs had this Fish and Chips - $ 10.00 on Wednesday nights.

Once the summer arrives, these restaurants by the ocean are packed with tourists.

That is the one drawback to living where others come to vacation.