We are on vacation in southern California till next week, and no one loves a vacation more than I do. While we have the perfect room in our favorite hotel, I do miss my husband. He had other plans and didn’t come with us. And I miss coffee in bed; my husband brings me coffee in bed every morning…the perfect, non-grouchy start to the day.

Since he isn’t here, I order coffee from room service every morning. We’ve been here for two nights, and both mornings, I have enjoyed my coffee on our balcony, overlooking a bubbling fountain, palm trees, giant Bird of Paradise plants, and lush gardens. With all the beautiful vegetation, hummingbirds are plentiful…and very entertaining.

Years ago, I learned about different plants and their names, but at 52, I don’t remember them. I wish I did, so I would know what to call the ones the hummingbirds keep visiting. Maybe I will take pictures of the plants and send them to my friend, Michelle, who owns Corner Copia Gardens in Fairhope, Alabama. She will know them all.

My parents used to love coffee on their back porch every morning. And they loved watching birds while they were out there. There’s just something peaceful about it. And today, the weather is great…not too hot, not too cold. In fact, if my parents were here, they would likely sit out here watching the birds all day.

My daughter and her friend have walked down to one of the hotel restaurants for some avocado toast, their favorite. They both love it, and they swear one of the ladies in the restaurant makes it better than anyone else in the world. She gave me her recipe when we were here in January, and while my daughter likes the way I make it, she says it doesn’t measure up. (See recipe below) I don’t eat it; I’m not big on breakfast…just coffee, thanks. And I’m glad, because with the girls in the restaurant, this is the perfect opportunity for me to just enjoy my coffee in the peace and quiet.

We will be here for another week or so, and I will have the same routine every morning. No rush to start the day, as this, for me, is just going to be a relaxing vacation. I rarely just relax on vacation, but that is my goal.

Ahhh…there’s another hummingbird! I’m trying to get a picture, but he’s just too fast for me. I think I will pour another cup…

Avocado Toast

Ingredients: sliced sourdough bread, avocado, lemon juice, olive oil, red pepper flakes, sea salt.

Directions: toast two slices of sourdough bread. Slice open avocado and spread the avocado on the toast. Drizzle with olive oil. (I usually drizzle it and spread it.) Drizzle with lemon juice. Sprinkle a few red pepper flakes on each slice and sprinkle with sea salt to taste.

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