Today was Zoo Day! Got there around 10:30 and stayed for about 5 hours.
First thing we went to see was the Galapagos tortoises. Amazing creatures. Had to see the komodo dragon, too.
After that we headed for the koalas, giraffes and rhinos (which was submerged under water, only showing his ears & horn!). Saw some big cats and gorillas. Finally made it to see the polar bears. Then we hopped on the sky tram to take us back to the zoo exit, becuz we were exhausted (free for me, $4 for Louise). Breezed thru a couple of gift shops on the way out.
Happy to climb in the car and sit down.
By then we were Starvin Marvins, and went to Rubio's for a very late lunch, for the second time in the past week.
Came home to rest our dogs for a while. Then we headed over to Coronado to visit the Del.
Luckily, found parking nearby. Yet AGAIN, a special event was being held on the lawn. We walked down to the sand and Louise took a picture of a sand sculpture. Then we had a glass of Chardonney on the upper deck. About the time we finished our wine and paid the bill (Louise treated), it seemed to be misting. Yes, it was definitely misting, and I had to turn on the wipers on the drive home.
Supped on crackers, pita chips and hummus for dinner. And the chocolate-peanut confection from John Meng. Yum.
A perfectly lovely evening to wrap up the week.
Monday, May 19, 2014
May 18
This morning we skipped our showers and got out to go to breakfast at IKEA (since my cupboard was bare). After we ate, we browsed the store, looking at night stands for Maribeth, and Louise picked up a little stick-on light for a closet. I bought a couple of pillow covers, as well as a cardboard storage box for storing letters (in bright pink).
When we got out of there, I was dying of thirst, so we popped into 7-11 to buy some bottled water. Then we drove east to the Viejas outlet mall on the Viejas Indian reservation. Louise bought some cute pj's for little Jack and a cute, striped blouse for herself at the Gap. I bought 2 t-shirts, a white one and a navy & white striped one, which were actually men's t-shirts but I bought them in Small. Tried on a couple pairs of linen pants, which didn't fit, and a cute skirt that looked all wrong, so I skipped that.
Then we headed back to San Diego, and per Louise's suggestion, we went to In 'n Out Burger, again. From there, we drove straight to 5:00 Mass at St. Martin of Tours in La Mesa. On the way home, we stopped at Walgreen's and Sprouts. Had cheese and crackers, and hummus and pita chips for dinner, AGAIN, along with some Chardonney.
Louise watched a couple episodes of MASH, and a PBS program, Call the Midwife. Just when she was getting ready to go to bed, we heard a loud CHIRP - it was the dang smoke alarm signaling low batteries. Got up on a chair to unscrew the cover, which started to fall loose from the ceiling. Opened the battery compartment and took out the battery, and thank goodness, it quit chirping. Will have to call the apartment management about getting the unit secured to the ceiling again.
I've been tortured by a string of cold sores across my upper lip, so I've been taking Lysine, and extra Vitamin C and Advil. Louise has a little tube of antiviral stuff she got in Ireland, so I've been using that, too.
When we got out of there, I was dying of thirst, so we popped into 7-11 to buy some bottled water. Then we drove east to the Viejas outlet mall on the Viejas Indian reservation. Louise bought some cute pj's for little Jack and a cute, striped blouse for herself at the Gap. I bought 2 t-shirts, a white one and a navy & white striped one, which were actually men's t-shirts but I bought them in Small. Tried on a couple pairs of linen pants, which didn't fit, and a cute skirt that looked all wrong, so I skipped that.
Then we headed back to San Diego, and per Louise's suggestion, we went to In 'n Out Burger, again. From there, we drove straight to 5:00 Mass at St. Martin of Tours in La Mesa. On the way home, we stopped at Walgreen's and Sprouts. Had cheese and crackers, and hummus and pita chips for dinner, AGAIN, along with some Chardonney.
Louise watched a couple episodes of MASH, and a PBS program, Call the Midwife. Just when she was getting ready to go to bed, we heard a loud CHIRP - it was the dang smoke alarm signaling low batteries. Got up on a chair to unscrew the cover, which started to fall loose from the ceiling. Opened the battery compartment and took out the battery, and thank goodness, it quit chirping. Will have to call the apartment management about getting the unit secured to the ceiling again.
I've been tortured by a string of cold sores across my upper lip, so I've been taking Lysine, and extra Vitamin C and Advil. Louise has a little tube of antiviral stuff she got in Ireland, so I've been using that, too.
Sunday, May 18, 2014
May 17
Today was the day designated for a trip up the highway to visit Casa Romantica in San Clemente.
We kind of got a late start, and arrived around 1:30, so only had about 30 minutes to view the place, which turned out okay, as it wasn't really large. But, they were preparing for a private event, so caterers were running around inside setting up, which kind of took away from the ambiance. However, there were spectacular views of the ocean and the pier.
When we left, we drove down to the pier area, with the idea that we might park and get out and stroll around and catch some lunch down there. But, parking was scarce, and we didn't want to park in a pay lot, so we drove up to the main, downtown street, where we found free parking. Walked up and down the street, and finally decided to have lunch at a walk-in deli. Got some sandwiches and sat outside on the patio - after I chased away a couple of pigeons that were freaking Louise out!
From there, we drove up the highway about 15 minutes to San Juan Capistrano Mission. I've been there before a couple of times, but it had been a while. Again, we got there a little late, and they were closing early due to private events. The interior courtyard was all set up for the event, caterers running around everywhere, and we couldn't even go into the chapel becuz of a private event. Which we thought was a raw deal - we paid our money and got short-changed. Why don't they hold off on the private events till after hours? Should've asked for a discount. We could've spent a lot more time exploring the place, and maybe I'll post a complaint on their Facebook page.
Drove back to San Diego, and stopped at Whole Foods to pick up some dinner from their deli bar.
We kind of got a late start, and arrived around 1:30, so only had about 30 minutes to view the place, which turned out okay, as it wasn't really large. But, they were preparing for a private event, so caterers were running around inside setting up, which kind of took away from the ambiance. However, there were spectacular views of the ocean and the pier.
When we left, we drove down to the pier area, with the idea that we might park and get out and stroll around and catch some lunch down there. But, parking was scarce, and we didn't want to park in a pay lot, so we drove up to the main, downtown street, where we found free parking. Walked up and down the street, and finally decided to have lunch at a walk-in deli. Got some sandwiches and sat outside on the patio - after I chased away a couple of pigeons that were freaking Louise out!
From there, we drove up the highway about 15 minutes to San Juan Capistrano Mission. I've been there before a couple of times, but it had been a while. Again, we got there a little late, and they were closing early due to private events. The interior courtyard was all set up for the event, caterers running around everywhere, and we couldn't even go into the chapel becuz of a private event. Which we thought was a raw deal - we paid our money and got short-changed. Why don't they hold off on the private events till after hours? Should've asked for a discount. We could've spent a lot more time exploring the place, and maybe I'll post a complaint on their Facebook page.
Drove back to San Diego, and stopped at Whole Foods to pick up some dinner from their deli bar.
May 16
Today was museum day. We went down to Balboa Park. Still beastly hot. Went to the Photographic Arts Museum. It was free today for San Diego residents and only $4 for others. The exhibit was so-so. Got yelled at by a museum guard for leaning on the wall with my hand. Capital offense, you know.
Then we went to the Timken, which is always free. Viewed a one-room exhibit by a Russian artist, then into the room with old, beautiful religious art. Got yelled at AGAIN by a museum guide because my foot was over the line, leaning too close to one piece. God forbid somebody breathes on a painting.
After that we perused the gift shop in the Mingei. Interesting stuff, but PRICEY.
After leaving Balboa Park, we went to In n' Out Burger in Mission Valley. Always crowded. But yum, yum.
Then we went to the Japanese dollar store on Balboa Avenue. Had to rush out of there to make it to the Reading Cinema to see Heaven Is for Real. Really enjoyed it. Good acting, beautiful scenery, intriguing story.
Since we didn't have enuff time at the Japanese dollar store, we went back there after the movie. Louise bought a bunch of goodies. I bought a couple of "gifties" for Elena.
Then we went for a pizza at a place called Social Life Pizza on El Cajon Blvd., which I'd never been to before. (It used to be a Verizon store.) You can either order a standard pizza from the menu, or you can customize your pizza for $7.50. We ordered a margherita, with garlic on half (for me). The crust was very thin, which I love.
But the wait was very long. It's like when you go to a sit-down restaurant and wait for the waitress to come and then wait for your order to arrive, except in this case, you do all the waiting while standing in line. And the place was lit up like a ballpark. They could improve the ambiance and save on electricity by lowering the lights. When we finished eating, we sat outside on their patio in back while I had a smoke and finished my wine. We were the only ones out there. There were little lights around the railing - but they weren't turned on. Too bad, cuz it would've made for a nicer atmosphere.
I may post something on their Facebook page and/or Yelp about that place...
Then we went to the Timken, which is always free. Viewed a one-room exhibit by a Russian artist, then into the room with old, beautiful religious art. Got yelled at AGAIN by a museum guide because my foot was over the line, leaning too close to one piece. God forbid somebody breathes on a painting.
After that we perused the gift shop in the Mingei. Interesting stuff, but PRICEY.
After leaving Balboa Park, we went to In n' Out Burger in Mission Valley. Always crowded. But yum, yum.
Then we went to the Japanese dollar store on Balboa Avenue. Had to rush out of there to make it to the Reading Cinema to see Heaven Is for Real. Really enjoyed it. Good acting, beautiful scenery, intriguing story.
Since we didn't have enuff time at the Japanese dollar store, we went back there after the movie. Louise bought a bunch of goodies. I bought a couple of "gifties" for Elena.
Then we went for a pizza at a place called Social Life Pizza on El Cajon Blvd., which I'd never been to before. (It used to be a Verizon store.) You can either order a standard pizza from the menu, or you can customize your pizza for $7.50. We ordered a margherita, with garlic on half (for me). The crust was very thin, which I love.
But the wait was very long. It's like when you go to a sit-down restaurant and wait for the waitress to come and then wait for your order to arrive, except in this case, you do all the waiting while standing in line. And the place was lit up like a ballpark. They could improve the ambiance and save on electricity by lowering the lights. When we finished eating, we sat outside on their patio in back while I had a smoke and finished my wine. We were the only ones out there. There were little lights around the railing - but they weren't turned on. Too bad, cuz it would've made for a nicer atmosphere.
I may post something on their Facebook page and/or Yelp about that place...
Saturday, May 17, 2014
May 15
Happy Birthday to me!
Molly Meng called to say Happy Birthday early this morning, and she also asked if we are near the wildfires that are burning all over the County. Told her no, that's all way north of us.
Dad called while I was on the line with her, but I couldn't catch his call. Called him back later, and he was out, so I left a message.
When Louise got up, we had our coffee & juice, and muffin and fruit salad of banana & mango.
The plan for the day was to go down to Balboa Park to visit a couple of museums. After we finally got ourselves pulled together, it was nearly 12:30 and I told Louise, okay, let me use the bathroom and we'll go. While in the bathroom, she hollered that someone was knocking at the door and I hollered back, "well, ask who it is." From inside the bathroom, I heard voices singing Happy Birthday. Came out of the bathroom only to find the whole Meng crew (minus Lisa) serenading me with Happy Birthday! And Mike was video taping it all. Louise was in on this plot, and I was TOTALLY surprised! They came bearing gifts, and we all sat around while I opened said gifts. I felt bad that they had to endure my inferno of an apartment. Then we all headed out to lunch at the Blue Wave Bar & Grill on Shelter Island, which was inside the Island Palms Hotel down there. Food was good, view was excellent, and the company - unparalleled! I wanted them to swing by St. Columba so I could show them where I worked, but they had to hit the road. Kaari had big plans with Sofia the next to help her get ready for her prom. Anyway, "a good time was had by all."
After that, Louise & I swung by St. Columba to retrieve the gift Brenda told us she'd sent to me.
Then we went to Fashion Valley Mall. Went to the Container Store and the Hermes store. Didn't buy anything. Also went to visit a little 0l' watch repairman at Neiman Marcus and got a new battery put in the little round clock Louise had given me.
This evening, we went to a little cafe/bar nearby called Romeo & Julieta's. Unfortunately, the place was packed with a gay party, and the noise level was intolerable. Louise ordered some hummus, and I pigged out on their crusty bread and zingy garlic butter. Zoila & Mike were supposed to join us, but they didn't show up till about an hour later, when we were just thinking about leaving. When they got there, we moved to an outdoor table - much quieter.
Hung out with them chatting and yakking, till about 9:30 or so.
A fantastic birthday!
Molly Meng called to say Happy Birthday early this morning, and she also asked if we are near the wildfires that are burning all over the County. Told her no, that's all way north of us.
Dad called while I was on the line with her, but I couldn't catch his call. Called him back later, and he was out, so I left a message.
When Louise got up, we had our coffee & juice, and muffin and fruit salad of banana & mango.
The plan for the day was to go down to Balboa Park to visit a couple of museums. After we finally got ourselves pulled together, it was nearly 12:30 and I told Louise, okay, let me use the bathroom and we'll go. While in the bathroom, she hollered that someone was knocking at the door and I hollered back, "well, ask who it is." From inside the bathroom, I heard voices singing Happy Birthday. Came out of the bathroom only to find the whole Meng crew (minus Lisa) serenading me with Happy Birthday! And Mike was video taping it all. Louise was in on this plot, and I was TOTALLY surprised! They came bearing gifts, and we all sat around while I opened said gifts. I felt bad that they had to endure my inferno of an apartment. Then we all headed out to lunch at the Blue Wave Bar & Grill on Shelter Island, which was inside the Island Palms Hotel down there. Food was good, view was excellent, and the company - unparalleled! I wanted them to swing by St. Columba so I could show them where I worked, but they had to hit the road. Kaari had big plans with Sofia the next to help her get ready for her prom. Anyway, "a good time was had by all."
After that, Louise & I swung by St. Columba to retrieve the gift Brenda told us she'd sent to me.
Then we went to Fashion Valley Mall. Went to the Container Store and the Hermes store. Didn't buy anything. Also went to visit a little 0l' watch repairman at Neiman Marcus and got a new battery put in the little round clock Louise had given me.
This evening, we went to a little cafe/bar nearby called Romeo & Julieta's. Unfortunately, the place was packed with a gay party, and the noise level was intolerable. Louise ordered some hummus, and I pigged out on their crusty bread and zingy garlic butter. Zoila & Mike were supposed to join us, but they didn't show up till about an hour later, when we were just thinking about leaving. When they got there, we moved to an outdoor table - much quieter.
Hung out with them chatting and yakking, till about 9:30 or so.
A fantastic birthday!
Thursday, May 15, 2014
May 14
Lolled around having a leisurely breakfast - cranberry muffins, hard-boiled egg, coffee & juice.
Drove up to the La Jolla area and went to one of my favorite stores: Paper Source. Had lunch at Rubio's. Louise's first time trying a fish taco. She loved it and liked the restaurant. Wants to go back again!
While there, we saw a rather disturbing incident. A guy was sitting outside with a big black dog. An old guy, kind of shabby, probably homeless, came up and was leaning over petting the dog. The dog suddenly jumped up and nipped the guy in the face. The guy jumped back and started swiping at his face. He wandered off, dripping blood on the sidewalk. A minute later, the dog owner got up and made a swift exit into the parking lot. Why didn't he try to help the old guy? What a jerk.
After we ate, we sat outside on a bench while I had a smoke. This area was outside a theater, and an older lady sat on the bench beside us. I complimented her on her tote bag. She asked us what movie we were going to see. Actually, we were going to see God is Not Dead at a theater across the street. She said she was going to see The German Doctor.
Then we drove across the street and went to the movie, which was good, but some parts dragged. Afterwards, we went into the World Market store and picked up a few goodies - like I got some mini-sausages and Sonoma Jack cheese wedges.
Stopped at the Serra Mesa Library and picked up a DVD I'd reserved, called The Spectacular Now. When we got home, we had wine & cheese & crackers for dinner. As we had finished the Chenin Blanc and decided the Reisling was too sweet, we WALKED down to 7-11 for a bottle of Chardonney, which we didn't even open cuz we'd both had enough vino. Then we watched the DVD, which was so-so. Good movie for teeny boppers.
It was a hot and sweaty evening.
Drove up to the La Jolla area and went to one of my favorite stores: Paper Source. Had lunch at Rubio's. Louise's first time trying a fish taco. She loved it and liked the restaurant. Wants to go back again!
While there, we saw a rather disturbing incident. A guy was sitting outside with a big black dog. An old guy, kind of shabby, probably homeless, came up and was leaning over petting the dog. The dog suddenly jumped up and nipped the guy in the face. The guy jumped back and started swiping at his face. He wandered off, dripping blood on the sidewalk. A minute later, the dog owner got up and made a swift exit into the parking lot. Why didn't he try to help the old guy? What a jerk.
After we ate, we sat outside on a bench while I had a smoke. This area was outside a theater, and an older lady sat on the bench beside us. I complimented her on her tote bag. She asked us what movie we were going to see. Actually, we were going to see God is Not Dead at a theater across the street. She said she was going to see The German Doctor.
Then we drove across the street and went to the movie, which was good, but some parts dragged. Afterwards, we went into the World Market store and picked up a few goodies - like I got some mini-sausages and Sonoma Jack cheese wedges.
Stopped at the Serra Mesa Library and picked up a DVD I'd reserved, called The Spectacular Now. When we got home, we had wine & cheese & crackers for dinner. As we had finished the Chenin Blanc and decided the Reisling was too sweet, we WALKED down to 7-11 for a bottle of Chardonney, which we didn't even open cuz we'd both had enough vino. Then we watched the DVD, which was so-so. Good movie for teeny boppers.
It was a hot and sweaty evening.
May 13
Last minute cleaning, a grocery store run, and a trip to the car wash.
Down to the airport to pick up Louise. Waited in the cell phone lot about 20 minutes.
Her flight was late leaving Milwaukee, and she literally had to run to catch her connecting flight in Phoenix.
Had some wine and cheese & crackers when we got home, and yakked till midnight.
Down to the airport to pick up Louise. Waited in the cell phone lot about 20 minutes.
Her flight was late leaving Milwaukee, and she literally had to run to catch her connecting flight in Phoenix.
Had some wine and cheese & crackers when we got home, and yakked till midnight.
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