Tuesday, January 22, 2013

WRONG DECISION???






I've mentioned previously that in past years we have spent the month of January, on vacation, in San Diego.  It's a beautiful city, with spectacular water views, wonderful restaurants and a plethora of places to go and to see.





We would always leave a few days after Christmas and return on the first of February.  This really never gave enough time to enjoy our Christmas at the Cottage and if we did decorate, it wasn't in the usual style we are accustomed to.  So this year we decided not to go.  Even though it gave us the time we needed at home, I don't mind saying that I really miss the wonderful time we spent there.  For that reason, I've decided to take myself on a return "virtual vacation" and am inviting you to come along.





We pack up the motorhome, hitch up the car, load Buddy in, being sure not to forget his favorite toy, and off we go.





We stay at the Chula Vista RV Resort.  It's a beautiful RV park right on San Diego Bay.  At night we can see the lights of Tijuana to our left and the island of Coronado to our right.  It is almost always "shirt sleeve" weather this time of year.







We are able to look out onto the bay and a beautiful park that we have access to for either a picnic, biking, sun bathing or walking the dog.      







As we walk around the park we pass the marina.  It's lined with good restaurants and is a beautiful sight at sundown.






A large sculpture of a egret stands next to the marina.


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We usually hop on the trolley in the mornings and ride to downtown San Diego for a day of sightseeing and shopping.  We buy a ticket for under $20 and we can ride unlimited times during the whole month.





In Balboa Park where the San Diego Zoo is located, the architecture is magnificent.





In Seaport Village the shopping is abundant and there are many colorful art exhibits.



The USS Midway, which is now turned into a museum, is one interesting sight along the downtown waterfront.


Another interesting sight was the art entitled "Unconditional Surrender" by Seward Johnson.  It was modeled after the picture in Life magazine, 1945, but sadly it was taken down in 2012, but will be cast in bronze and painted just like the original and returned to it's rightful spot on the waterfront.

To help you get the perspective of just how large a piece this is:


Oh, Captain, you naughty boy!!


The Spirit of San Diego, a tour boat that will take you out for a lovely excursion on the bay.



The skyline of San Diego looking off of the tour boat.


A stop by a Marine aquarium. Aren't these some endearing creatures?


And a beautiful bird that is spotted quite often around the area.


A ride under the Coronado Bridge on the way to the island.





The elegant and beautiful Hotel Del Coronado on Coronado Island.


The Gas Lamp District. Great restaurants, sidewalk cafes and entertainment.


Little Italy. Every Saturday, the Farmer's Market, fresh vegetables and art and street performers.





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After a full day we return to the park and there are still things to do such as potluck dinners, bingo, karaoke and bonfires.





My kitchen in the RV is tiny but tidy and I love to cook there.  Things seem to taste so much better than they do at home for some reason.

Picture this:  You've just spent a very fulfilling day, shopping and sightseeing and maybe a game of bingo, where you might have won a couple of bucks.  You've fixed a fabulous meal with ingredients you bought fresh from the Farmer's Market, you are sipping pinot noir from a crystal glass, and watching the sun go down over the bay...





Now, whose the idiot that said they wanted to stay home??!!

Judy





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Back to the here and now:

Jake, you have done us proud again.  Keeping up your grades while working. And now you are able to buy yourself another car and what a nice one it is.



A 2008 Mustang


Congratulations! We love you.

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I'm sharing this with:









  
















24 comments:

  1. Judy I wish I knew you 2 years ago when I made my first trip to San Diego in mid January. My friend was attending a conference and she took me along so she wouldn't be alone. We actually walked from the Gaslamp district to the zoo and back. We did the Midway tour and took our morning runs through little Italy. What a surpurb city...can't believe we were there at the same time only didn't know each other back then. I would love to go back just so I could eat my way through more of S.D. fabulous restaurants. Your pictures are just beautiful. Thank you for sharing them and wishing you a wonderful week!

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  2. Wow Judy it looks fab there.My boss at work visited there frequently for her late summer holidays and said it waas wonderful.We have never been but someday we hope to take a tour of that part of the US. The thought of the long flight is a bit off putting but one day, fingers crossed!

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  3. Judy, I've always wanted to visit San Diego, and now I want to even more! Thanks for the photo tour, Jean

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  4. Judy,

    What a beautiful place and thanks so much for the tour!!

    It looks so warm and inviting especially since our temp. here this morning was 3 degrees!!

    I would find it very hard to be away from home at Christmas time though...

    Hugs,
    Deb

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  5. Beautiful photos Judy!And you did not go there this year bad decision LOL! Congratulations to Jake!!!What a sweet ride!He deserves it for working hard!
    xx
    Anne

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  6. Hello Judy,
    I went to make myself a nice cup of tea , after my love trip around San Diego. What a delightful time I had
    How I would like to visit such a vibrant city.
    The Marina of course, would be my first stop. Check out those lovely yachts.
    Thank you for taking me along this lovely trip..
    most enjoyable.
    Maybe you can visit soon.
    happy days
    xxx val

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  7. Dear Judy..
    I forgot to mention how pleased you must be with your grandson Jake.. wow, what a great car he was given..
    Wishing him congratulations. You must be proud grandparents.. xxxxx

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  8. Wow Judy,

    What a great time!! Maybe you can go back next year. It sounds so fun and like you really regret your decision...."but tomorrow is another day." As Scarlet O'Hara once said.

    Blessings,
    Amy Jo

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  9. What fun you had last year! Hopefully next year? I was in San Diego a few years ago and loved it, so much to see! We've been leaving for Florida right after the New Year and I always regret leaving so soon after Christmas. I too, love the Christmas season and want to linger with all the beauty. I'm happy now that we are here and don't have to face the freezing weather anymore. Enjoy your lovely, comfy home and hopefully you will get warm weather soon!
    Nancy

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  10. San Diego is such a beautiful city, I can see how you'd be torn. But change is good, right?
    Well, next year you can make the decision all over again. Either way, you'll have a great time!
    Thanks for taking us along, loved the pic, especially the sailor.
    Hugs,
    Patti

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  11. Ciao Judy,grazie di questo viaggio virtuale!Bellissimo tramonto.Mi piace la cucina del tuo camper!E mi piace come racconti!Grazie della tua visita al mio blog,mi fa piacere!Baci dall'Italia!Rosetta

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  12. How beautiful..thanks for the trip. I soooo want to go to San Diego now. So much to d0 and see. Maybe deciding to stay home will help you to really look forward to next year. Meanwhile enjoy the beautiful pics and memories. Blessings!

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  13. Some absolutely fabulous images there, what a lovely looking place. Thank you for the virtual tour! Suzy x

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  14. I really enjoyed reading about your vacation from last year. I've never even been on the west coast before so I found it all so interesting! Your camper looks like it's very nice! That certainly makes a difference in enjoying such a long stay in one. We just have a small pop-up camper. I bet you won't be staying home next year!!!

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  15. What a lovely trip you invited us on. Beautiful pictures of beautiful places. It sure would be a nice thing to do - visiting San Diegeo! Couldn't you go some days later so that you don't miss Christmas???
    Hope you are enjoying your weekend. Here we are enjoying the fact that it isn't that cold anymore!
    Love Elzie

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  16. Thanks Judy,
    Sitting here looking out at fridged temps feeling house bound this was just the thing I needed..I feel like I was there along with you..what beautiful pictures..Thanks for taking me along! LOL!
    ~Shirley

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  17. Wow, this looks like a fantastic place to visit, Judy!! No wonder you really missed going this year. I guess you'll have to make an executive decision never to skip that trip again. :)

    Believe it or not, I've never been to California. My husband has been several times -- on business, and once with his family when he was a teenager. The closest I've been is Las Vegas when I accompanied my husband to a business conference. I enjoyed seeing your pictures of this beautiful city; I've always heard that San Diego is nice.

    Thanks for stopping by my blog and have a wonderful weekend!

    Denise

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  18. Hi Judy! Great times in beautiful San Diego! I'd love to spend January there myself! Fun photos!

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  19. Looks like a fantastic place to spend a month or forever!

    Judy

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  20. Oh my Judy, what a great vacation. Thanks for sharing all the beautiful pictures. We lived in El Centro for ten years and enjoyed San Diego many times ... but never seeing all the fun places.
    Blessings,
    Audrey Z.
    Timeless Treasures

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  21. We just got back from 3 weeks in Southern California. We take our trailer and really enjoy being by the ocean and out of the cold and dreary winter of northern Utah. This was our second year and we hope to make it an annual event. Does the place in Chula Vista have a monthly rate? I couldn't find it on their website. Mimi

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  22. As a child? I still lay in the grass and watch the clouds--but in warmer weather! lol Gorgeous photos! Makes me want summer!
    Thanks so much for the Shout Out! I enjoy the Country Whites Weekend so much--meeting new people and seeing other's inspiring posts. Glad to hear others do, too. Remember you were hesitant to link up? And, look what happened! Couldn't have happened to a nicer lady!
    Blessings from the Farmhouse,
    Dru

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  23. San Diego is bery nice place, We live in California back in 2010 we always go on sundays it was 1hr drive from Mission Viejo to San Diego beautiful place and driving on the 5 to San Diego freeway, were missing California a lot.
    Thank so much for your lovely photos!
    makes me Happy
    Blessing
    Isora
    XO

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  24. Judy, I am intrigued by your description of the "RV Life" as this is my husband's latest dream. He is even researching different vehicles. Of course he is not even retired yet, but I think he is looking forward to getting away from it all! I'm thinking it is a lot of work! Cooking and cleaning still, but on the road. Although you make it sound wonderful. We shall see!! Linda

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Your comments are so special to me...Judy