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:









  
















Thursday, January 17, 2013

SWEETS FOR MY SWEET...$$ STORE STYLE...










A while back Debbie over at debbiedoos and Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage threw a party about all things Christmas found at the $$ Store.  It was a delightful experience and really amazing as to how many projects could be put together with items from one of the stores.





Now these two energetic ladies are hosting another fabulous party honoring St. Valentine's Day.  You should all take the time to stop by their lovely blogs and see what is possible in celebration of this romantic occasion.





Among many versions of how Valentine's Day came to be, I thought this one quite interesting.  It tells in a poem, "Parliament of Fowls," the story about birds who came to an assemblage, or parliament, to choose their mates.  Most of the birds, who speak as if they were human, find partners, but the leading female bird is desired by three male suitors, and the poem ends with a year's postponement in deciding the outcome of this romantic quadrangle.

The poem mentions Valentine's Day, but with no explanation.  It was written by the 14th century poet, Chaucer, and since he had not included any explanation, he probably was not the first to write about the connection of St. Valentine's Day and romantic love, but no earlier texts have been found.





"The Cupid's dart has reached my heart,
And pierced it through and through;
I did not mend sweet Valentine,
Because it came from you..."

Old Victorian Valentine sentiment



Old framed verse, signed C.J.B.
Copyright, 1913
P. F. Volland & Co,
Chicago







I guess by now, you have figured out that I have been showing you my contribution to this entertaining experience.





Items purchased from the $$ Store:

Eyelash yarn for wreath
Heart wreath form
Tiny glass hearts
Red Charger
White plate
Pink and white dishtowel
White paper doily
Pink heart doily
Cupcake papers with picks
Glass cup

Items from my personal collection:

Vintage postcard
Lace napkin ring
Silver fork - Wm. Rogers, 1904
"My Somebody" picture





Be sure and stop over at the party.  I'm confident you will find something beautiful to add to your romantic celebration...

...Judy



Sweets for my Somebody Sweet



I'm sharing these sweets with:















Tuesday, January 8, 2013

MAY I HAVE THIS DANCE...







But the fire is so delightful...





So goes the popular song by Sammy Cahn and Jule Styne written in 1945.






When January comes around I look forward to the cold days of winter.  During summer the days are so hot and you would give anything for a little cooling down...




...then before you know it, Christmas is upon us and makes it almost impossible to think of anything but the hustle and bustle of the season.





When all the excitement and activities come to an end, then is the time to think of nesting and being warm around the fire.





This is when I start fantasizing about the first snowfall.





I picture how it will look when the soft powder settles on the top of our fence.  It reminds me so much of a beautiful, intricate piece of lace.





I love seeing the trees in the distance, through the sitting room window, with a cap of newly fallen snow.





I especially love to see an old dog who finds it hard to get around sometimes turn into a young pup again when there is a pile of white on the ground.


So, like the Native Americans before us, who have perfected the art of the rain dance, I do a little dance of my own, with the help of a few cold weather friends, in hopes that it will bring the snow of the season.


"January brings the snow,
Makes our feet and fingers glow."

Sara Coleridge





























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As I sit preparing this post it is a very cool 60 degrees outside and the sun is shining in a blue sky with no hint of snow on the horizon...





...a little to the left of the clouds there is just a slight covering of mist in the distance.


As part of my snow dance, I will leave you with a scene from a couple of years ago...





I figure I can use all the help I can get, and until the real thing comes along, our little family will be nestled in the warmth of the  Cottage waiting for the first time, this January, when our world will once again be covered in pristine beauty.





Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow....
Judy





I'm sharing today with: