FLOWER FARM

I AM ALWAYS LOOKING FOR FUN PLACES TO TAKE MY GRAND KIDS ON A LITTLE OUTING.

Ideally, I would like a place close to home, outdoors where they can't break anything and where I don't have to say "no". And an added benefit would be somewhere that has some great photo opportunities for the whole family -- after all, I do love to take picture.

Maybe even too much :) .

Sounds like a dream -- nope, it is a direction I am seeing business go, where they provide more than the sale of goods, but a true experience.

I have found that outdoor nurseries are popping up all over California. A place where you can do everything -- purchase plants, look at arrangements, shop, pick fresh produce, enjoy a cup of coffee, eat at the deli, and more. One place close to my home is the Flower Farm. I love their hand painted large wooden cow, and can't wait to get my grandsons and granddaughter there to snap a quick photo. I love the thought of having tea with my daughters on the patio while the kids run around nearby.

Whenever possible I do like to mix work and fun with an experience like this. Here you see a photo of a meeting I had with my friend Debbie Sipe who is the executive director of the California RV and Camping Association. We did get a lot of business done there, and a beautiful morning meeting outdoors.

Isn't California a beautiful place to work?