Man, it was hot in Southern California yesterday. Hopefully, it will be cooler this morning, because I am heading out to the Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve to see the hills full of wildflowers.

But in the mean time, I remain enamored with the flowers around my house . . .

I love the vivid colors of the ranunculus . . .

Even the impatiens and petunias are doing fine (though the plant stand needs a coat of paint) . . .

My neighborhood was invaded by thousands of ladybugs yesterday . . .

The birds are out in force . . .

And the heat gives the dogs the "groggies" . . .