Got off early from work in anticipation of the holiday weekend (including Friday and Monday off!). Went to the library to renew some things and relax... found a kid's book that was fun. Part of a series called Animal Ark Books... called Duckling Diary. Soon it got to be time to get the hotdogs at the grocery across the street. (Felt like deja vu! just the day before I had volunteered, got some groceries for myself and tried a new Mexican cafe ...before coming back to base and watching Dial M for Murder... but I'm just catching up.)
From there I got the hotdogs and buns and kept going on Nimitz to Witte's house. She was having a get-together for fun. We watched Iron Man 2 as we ate, then went swimming in the apartment complex's pool. After some splashing, racing and goofing around, we had enough and returned to the apartment for som'ores and a bunch of youtube videos. It was a very nice evening with my friends.
Jp
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Sunday, June 26, 2011
More Fun With Family
Mom and Dad pulled into town right before 1100, when I told them I got off on Fridays. They had burned down I-5 in two days, stopping in Carlsbad, CA late on Thursday night... and got settled into the hotel by the time they called me.
I got off at 1105, like usual, but my working party had been selected to come back at 2pm to tear down the tables, chairs and signs for the change of command ceremony at bldg. 52. So I decided to go meet them while still in my working uniform... I didn't want to change three more times. And they liked seeing it. We exchanged stuff from our cars... I got my camping equipment in my very own Subaru that they drove down here, and they put all their stuff in their car. They'll drive to see Zac in Yuma today, then drive home to Seattle via several national parks. :)
We went out to lunch together at the eatery right next to the hotel. I then had to go get a base pass for my own car, and that took much less time that I figured, so I was able to spend another hour in their room with them before going back and doing my duty.
When I finally returned in civilian clothes, we headed out on a drive south over the bay bridge to Coronado, all the way down the Silver Strand to National City and the wetlands and beach just before the Mexican border. We saw Tijuana quite clearly from a distance. Stepped onto the beach in front of a border patrol guy with binoculars, looking out to sea for swimmers.
When we came back, we had dinner at the fish & chips place across from the Dolphin on the waterfront along Shelter Island... right where the fishing boats come in... so it was rather good fish & chips. Also had good clam chowder! We all would have liked to take in a good sunset, but the clouds had yet again returned over Point Loma. We went to Sunset Cliffs anyway, so I could show them the park and the expansive view of the ocean. Sat and talked a while, but soon it was sunset... and no break in the clouds.
Back at the Cabrillo Inn, sat down and switched on TCM. A movie was just starting... "Pretty Baby" from 1949. Didn't really know anyone in it, but Mom said the grumpy old guy played Santa Clause on Miracle on 34th Street... which was hilarious. It was very funny, along the lines of "Bachelor Mother". A young 22 yr old wanted a seat on the packed subway on her way to work, so she started using a doll wrapped up in a blanket. She worked for a baby food company, and matters got out of hand when unbeknownst to her, she started talking with her boss and claimed to have named her baby after him.
Saturday we slept in til 9ish, had breakfast at Denny's, stopped by the NEX for discounted tickets for the harbor cruise. Parked at the USS Midway museum downtown, got there around 12:30. Had to wait around for a bit, but we were able to take a tour of two Japanese destroyers on a world cruise before we boarded the tour boat for our hour tour to the north of the bay by my base, the sub base, the Coronado air station, and the sea lions. I was disappointed they only let us walk around on the decks of the destroyers... I sure would have loved to see the berthing or the sonar room. :) After the cruise, we drove to Red Lobster for a nice dinner together. And back at the hotel there were more fun movies on TCM, featuring Jane Greer. The end of "Out of the Past", and all of "The Big Steal", "The Company She Keeps" and "Station West". So much fun!
This morning we packed up, got stuck in a little bit of traffic on Rosecrans (there was a bike race going up and down Canon Street), but finally made it to Perry's Breakfast House for some great food. We drove both the cars though, as they were heading out to spend some time with Zac for the rest of today and tomorrow, and I was heading off for church.
Tonight, Barrett and I are having Italian for dinner and seeing "Much Ado About Nothing" at the Globe. Should continue to be fun, but I already miss Mom and Dad again. I hope coming home in August works. :)
Jp
I got off at 1105, like usual, but my working party had been selected to come back at 2pm to tear down the tables, chairs and signs for the change of command ceremony at bldg. 52. So I decided to go meet them while still in my working uniform... I didn't want to change three more times. And they liked seeing it. We exchanged stuff from our cars... I got my camping equipment in my very own Subaru that they drove down here, and they put all their stuff in their car. They'll drive to see Zac in Yuma today, then drive home to Seattle via several national parks. :)
We went out to lunch together at the eatery right next to the hotel. I then had to go get a base pass for my own car, and that took much less time that I figured, so I was able to spend another hour in their room with them before going back and doing my duty.
When I finally returned in civilian clothes, we headed out on a drive south over the bay bridge to Coronado, all the way down the Silver Strand to National City and the wetlands and beach just before the Mexican border. We saw Tijuana quite clearly from a distance. Stepped onto the beach in front of a border patrol guy with binoculars, looking out to sea for swimmers.
When we came back, we had dinner at the fish & chips place across from the Dolphin on the waterfront along Shelter Island... right where the fishing boats come in... so it was rather good fish & chips. Also had good clam chowder! We all would have liked to take in a good sunset, but the clouds had yet again returned over Point Loma. We went to Sunset Cliffs anyway, so I could show them the park and the expansive view of the ocean. Sat and talked a while, but soon it was sunset... and no break in the clouds.
Back at the Cabrillo Inn, sat down and switched on TCM. A movie was just starting... "Pretty Baby" from 1949. Didn't really know anyone in it, but Mom said the grumpy old guy played Santa Clause on Miracle on 34th Street... which was hilarious. It was very funny, along the lines of "Bachelor Mother". A young 22 yr old wanted a seat on the packed subway on her way to work, so she started using a doll wrapped up in a blanket. She worked for a baby food company, and matters got out of hand when unbeknownst to her, she started talking with her boss and claimed to have named her baby after him.
Saturday we slept in til 9ish, had breakfast at Denny's, stopped by the NEX for discounted tickets for the harbor cruise. Parked at the USS Midway museum downtown, got there around 12:30. Had to wait around for a bit, but we were able to take a tour of two Japanese destroyers on a world cruise before we boarded the tour boat for our hour tour to the north of the bay by my base, the sub base, the Coronado air station, and the sea lions. I was disappointed they only let us walk around on the decks of the destroyers... I sure would have loved to see the berthing or the sonar room. :) After the cruise, we drove to Red Lobster for a nice dinner together. And back at the hotel there were more fun movies on TCM, featuring Jane Greer. The end of "Out of the Past", and all of "The Big Steal", "The Company She Keeps" and "Station West". So much fun!
This morning we packed up, got stuck in a little bit of traffic on Rosecrans (there was a bike race going up and down Canon Street), but finally made it to Perry's Breakfast House for some great food. We drove both the cars though, as they were heading out to spend some time with Zac for the rest of today and tomorrow, and I was heading off for church.
Tonight, Barrett and I are having Italian for dinner and seeing "Much Ado About Nothing" at the Globe. Should continue to be fun, but I already miss Mom and Dad again. I hope coming home in August works. :)
Jp
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Fun With Family
Meg was just at a model horse competition in Arizona this weekend, so her and Jason decided it would be neat to swing by San Diego for a bit these last two days.
They arrived Monday night, we were all rather tired from our long days... and we met up at their hotel on Rosecrans "Cabrillo Inn & Suites". Just stayed in the room... got cards from the store across the street to play Phase 10, and ordered a pepperoni pizza from Pizza Hut online (delivered!). A little relaxing night together.
Yesterday we met up around 3ish (after work) to head out to the San Diego County Fair! It was my second trip, but the first time I only went to the concert. This time there was a horse-jumping show going on all day, so we watched quite a bit of that. Took a time out to go get dinner... I had a burger and more corn-on-the-cob... and then returned for more horses. It was dark when we went to ride the roller-coaster, and everything was beautifully lit up. I loved the little coaster they had! It was more of a windy one then one with big drops... and it was high enough for a great view of the fair. After that was just needed 3 more tickets for Meg and I to ride a simulated hang-glider ride. That was nice and gentle, and also high up.
Fun little visit! I stayed with them in their room both nights.
Jp
They arrived Monday night, we were all rather tired from our long days... and we met up at their hotel on Rosecrans "Cabrillo Inn & Suites". Just stayed in the room... got cards from the store across the street to play Phase 10, and ordered a pepperoni pizza from Pizza Hut online (delivered!). A little relaxing night together.
Yesterday we met up around 3ish (after work) to head out to the San Diego County Fair! It was my second trip, but the first time I only went to the concert. This time there was a horse-jumping show going on all day, so we watched quite a bit of that. Took a time out to go get dinner... I had a burger and more corn-on-the-cob... and then returned for more horses. It was dark when we went to ride the roller-coaster, and everything was beautifully lit up. I loved the little coaster they had! It was more of a windy one then one with big drops... and it was high enough for a great view of the fair. After that was just needed 3 more tickets for Meg and I to ride a simulated hang-glider ride. That was nice and gentle, and also high up.
Fun little visit! I stayed with them in their room both nights.
Jp
Monday, June 20, 2011
Sat & Sun
Saturday was great! Slept in til 0900 or so, ate snacks for breakfast, did my laundry, took a shower, did some posting... wanted to go take pictures on Point Loma at the Cabrillo Nat. Monument. So I got in my car, decided to park at the top of the hill and bike down the peninsula (around 3.5 miles, one way) with my camera. It was great fun! The road has gentle dips and rises in it that make it ideal for a good workout. Stopped every so often to take pictures, including once when I hiked up a little hill on the side of the road for a pic of the bay. Was able to look around the battery museum again, but when I was done there, it was time to head back to meet up with my friend from my brother division for dinner.
She and I wanted to go check out the local German restaurant Kaiserhoff together after I had found it last month. It was a grand time! This time I had stroganoff on the spatzel, cucumber salad, a wonderful dark beer in a cold mug, and apple strudel for dessert again. :) Very good! And very full! We talked about everything under the sun, mostly our families and things like that. We even kept talking as we came back to the barracks, and hung out in her room for a bit.
Sunday I checked out a new church, and ended up liking it quite a bit. Pretty small, friendly and encouraging. Especially loved the way they did communion. Turns out another first-timer sat down next to me. A woman about my age; so we were able to relate a little! Both of us decided to try it out from looking at various websites. Theirs was indeed the nicest one. Said what they believed, looked informal and intelligent. I do want to go back.
On the way back I stopped at the local farmer's market a couple blocks away from base. Got the nicest sun-dried tomato & basil hummus, a perfect avocado, and a juicy peach for lunch. Ate these in my room and then decided to volunteer at the library for a couple hours. Then I thought I'd go to Target and have dinner somewhere around there (there's lots of choices). Got myself a new pillow (the one they gave me was a bit stained), a t-shirt for the 4th, a floppy sun hat, and a couple dvd's for $5 each. Ended up at Noodles & Co. nearby for a bowl of spaghetti & meatballs. Back on base I rearranged some things in my room so it's neater and easier to find things.
Another fun little weekend. :)
Jp
She and I wanted to go check out the local German restaurant Kaiserhoff together after I had found it last month. It was a grand time! This time I had stroganoff on the spatzel, cucumber salad, a wonderful dark beer in a cold mug, and apple strudel for dessert again. :) Very good! And very full! We talked about everything under the sun, mostly our families and things like that. We even kept talking as we came back to the barracks, and hung out in her room for a bit.
Sunday I checked out a new church, and ended up liking it quite a bit. Pretty small, friendly and encouraging. Especially loved the way they did communion. Turns out another first-timer sat down next to me. A woman about my age; so we were able to relate a little! Both of us decided to try it out from looking at various websites. Theirs was indeed the nicest one. Said what they believed, looked informal and intelligent. I do want to go back.
On the way back I stopped at the local farmer's market a couple blocks away from base. Got the nicest sun-dried tomato & basil hummus, a perfect avocado, and a juicy peach for lunch. Ate these in my room and then decided to volunteer at the library for a couple hours. Then I thought I'd go to Target and have dinner somewhere around there (there's lots of choices). Got myself a new pillow (the one they gave me was a bit stained), a t-shirt for the 4th, a floppy sun hat, and a couple dvd's for $5 each. Ended up at Noodles & Co. nearby for a bowl of spaghetti & meatballs. Back on base I rearranged some things in my room so it's neater and easier to find things.
Another fun little weekend. :)
Jp
Friday, June 17, 2011
Switchfoot!
After getting done early for two days in a row, I feel as if I've had two Fridays!
I was free right after lunch on Thursday, because of "Sports Day". I went right to the library, like usual, but I felt so tired I didn't even want to shelve (for the first time ever!). I found they have a wall of nautical themed books in the back as I sat down to read a book about "The Adventures of Herge" my Michael Farr. So I also flipped through a couple US Navy history books.
At 5pm I came back to base, had dinner at the galley... noodles with gravy and wonderfully flavored salmon! And then I watched "Amazing Grace" (Ioan Gruffudd, 2006) in my room. I love that guy! Especially loved the Horatio Hornblower series that he starred in!
But this afternoon, I went back to the library after duty was done and put in a good, solid 2 hours of volunteering. As I left, I got in contact with Ferry, picked him up on base and headed north to Del Mar for the San Diego county fair. The traffic was horrible, as expected. We listened to an entire Switchfoot album over the 20 miles or so. At the fair itself, we didn't do much but walk around. I had a grilled beef kabob on pita bread, along with a grilled & buttered corn-on-the-cob! Wow! The only thing missing is Mom's strawberry shortcake!
We had free stand-up "seating" at the concert, right in front of the stage! With a wonderful view. There were quite a bit of young folks all around us, and very boisterous. But that makes it even more fun to see them bobbing around and waving their hands during the concert. SF played for an hour-and-a-half, opening with a number from their newest album, and playing through many of their hits. They also introduced 3 songs from their not-yet-released album. A very fun night! It took 8 tracks of another album to get back on the freeway afterwords though. :)
Jp
I was free right after lunch on Thursday, because of "Sports Day". I went right to the library, like usual, but I felt so tired I didn't even want to shelve (for the first time ever!). I found they have a wall of nautical themed books in the back as I sat down to read a book about "The Adventures of Herge" my Michael Farr. So I also flipped through a couple US Navy history books.
At 5pm I came back to base, had dinner at the galley... noodles with gravy and wonderfully flavored salmon! And then I watched "Amazing Grace" (Ioan Gruffudd, 2006) in my room. I love that guy! Especially loved the Horatio Hornblower series that he starred in!
But this afternoon, I went back to the library after duty was done and put in a good, solid 2 hours of volunteering. As I left, I got in contact with Ferry, picked him up on base and headed north to Del Mar for the San Diego county fair. The traffic was horrible, as expected. We listened to an entire Switchfoot album over the 20 miles or so. At the fair itself, we didn't do much but walk around. I had a grilled beef kabob on pita bread, along with a grilled & buttered corn-on-the-cob! Wow! The only thing missing is Mom's strawberry shortcake!
We had free stand-up "seating" at the concert, right in front of the stage! With a wonderful view. There were quite a bit of young folks all around us, and very boisterous. But that makes it even more fun to see them bobbing around and waving their hands during the concert. SF played for an hour-and-a-half, opening with a number from their newest album, and playing through many of their hits. They also introduced 3 songs from their not-yet-released album. A very fun night! It took 8 tracks of another album to get back on the freeway afterwords though. :)
Jp
Monday, June 13, 2011
View from the Base
Hello, from SD... and from the pelican that didn't wait around on the dock for the pic. :)
Sunday, June 12, 2011
A Fine Weekend Back to Normal
Well, the last two have been off the charts, visiting home for the first time since Christmas, and then having my Darling visit me for over 4 days!
Friday I had completely off from work (since I stayed later the day before)... I think I had breakfast at the galley before a couple of us were let off at 7:15. I had the sudden urge to get out of town... but there was the last Bible study group meeting, so I had a regular day (mostly). Volunteered at the library for just over an hour, got a burrito to go, picked up Matthew Ferry from base (he texted about hanging out) and then headed off to the Fashion Valley mall where we saw Pirates 4. Unfortunately, we got there just in time for all of the trailers. I was on the verge of stabbing my eyes when I had to endure "Mr. Popper's Penguins" and a few others. At least it does make me want to read the book again. I always imagined somebody like David Niven as Mr. Popper, so Jim Carrey sort of revolts the senses.
I enjoyed Pirates on the whole. It was very swashbuckling, and had good amounts of laughs and love interests to go around. Gone was the teenager-ish romance of Kira and Orlando, and that improved it right off the bat. It was mostly Johnny Depp and Geoffry Rush, which are quite fun to watch. And I recognized the HMS Surprise right away from downtown the other day... :)
Saturday I also worked at the library (after a snack for breakfast in my room), and right around when that closed (2pm) I drove down Point Loma to the Cabrillo National Monument, enjoying the 19th century lighthouse up on the highest point (and the museum in the house), the tiny Army battery museum with neat pictures and displays about protecting the vital harbor during the 40's. Not only these, but I walked along the cliff overlooking the vast Pacific, taking in the beautiful sunshine, the few clouds, the perfect breeze, the drifting pelicans tracing the coastline... and I thought I'd sit and soak it up. The cliff wasn't at all scary because it was just the rigid top of a gentle slope down to the roads below. I watched the people walking along the water's edge and the motorcycles going much too fast, but having a swell ride, I'm sure. It was lovely.
Along with all of this I had time to sit in on two 25 minute films at the visitor center. One on the grey whales that migrate along the coast, and the other about the Spanish explorer Cabrillo who first stepped ashore (Sep. 28, 1542) in San Diego, which he had named San Miguel. Also looked around the gift shop and found a neat t-shirt (that I'm wearing right now...) and a few other things, including a neat painting of the lighthouse in a style that reminded me of the 40's.
And I got back in time to watch a movie and have a very fun chat... with a visit from Daniel even!
Sunday was a comedy of errors (that turned out rather well!). I started off looking for a church in Chula Vista that I wanted to try out... and I didn't find it! There was no sign that I could see. But on the way I found a Target that I had wanted to stop at and a Denny's for breakfast. They say they have free wi-fi, but my computer didn't like it and wouldn't connect.
Back on base I tried getting a hold of my friend Julie (she wanted to catch up this weekend), but didn't quite make it. Decided to go back to Cabrillo, because the day before I had forgotten my camera. But when I headed out first thing, I forgot the pass for free re-entry. That's why I had stopped in on base. Had to wind my way up the hill though, because part of Rosecrans was closed down for a parade. And there ended up being no cell reception at the park... so I did drive around on the roads, but just left after that. Ended up at the library and DID get to talk to Julie for an hour and a half! That was wonderful, as it always is. We can understand and encourage each other so easily. She's finished school for becoming a grade-school teacher and has found a job in Florida, starting this August.
Since I was at the library... :) Yes, a little more. I enjoy it so much! After the library, I took myself straight down to the Old Town transit center for a ride downtown for dinner. My heart was set on the Old Spaghetti Factory, and it worked just fine! The trolley was there when I got my ticket... but they were out of the ravioli dish I loved last time... so I tried the crab ravioli in pesto alfredo sauce. Wow! That worked out for the best, I think. :)
I was able to get back to the car to drive to Balboa Park and arrive just as they opened the doors for "Amadeus". They had this promotion for $20/under 30 yrs old, where they threw in this and both of the Shakespeare plays (Tempest and Much Ado) for a total of $40. Good deal! So this was the first. I remember seeing the movie when I was a kid and being very bored. Now I understand what was going on. :) It was an odd idea for a play, to base it all off a rumor. Interesting, and I loved how they played Mozart's music when Salieri simply read his scores.
It was a late night, but I didn't mind. :)
Jp
Friday I had completely off from work (since I stayed later the day before)... I think I had breakfast at the galley before a couple of us were let off at 7:15. I had the sudden urge to get out of town... but there was the last Bible study group meeting, so I had a regular day (mostly). Volunteered at the library for just over an hour, got a burrito to go, picked up Matthew Ferry from base (he texted about hanging out) and then headed off to the Fashion Valley mall where we saw Pirates 4. Unfortunately, we got there just in time for all of the trailers. I was on the verge of stabbing my eyes when I had to endure "Mr. Popper's Penguins" and a few others. At least it does make me want to read the book again. I always imagined somebody like David Niven as Mr. Popper, so Jim Carrey sort of revolts the senses.
I enjoyed Pirates on the whole. It was very swashbuckling, and had good amounts of laughs and love interests to go around. Gone was the teenager-ish romance of Kira and Orlando, and that improved it right off the bat. It was mostly Johnny Depp and Geoffry Rush, which are quite fun to watch. And I recognized the HMS Surprise right away from downtown the other day... :)
Saturday I also worked at the library (after a snack for breakfast in my room), and right around when that closed (2pm) I drove down Point Loma to the Cabrillo National Monument, enjoying the 19th century lighthouse up on the highest point (and the museum in the house), the tiny Army battery museum with neat pictures and displays about protecting the vital harbor during the 40's. Not only these, but I walked along the cliff overlooking the vast Pacific, taking in the beautiful sunshine, the few clouds, the perfect breeze, the drifting pelicans tracing the coastline... and I thought I'd sit and soak it up. The cliff wasn't at all scary because it was just the rigid top of a gentle slope down to the roads below. I watched the people walking along the water's edge and the motorcycles going much too fast, but having a swell ride, I'm sure. It was lovely.
Along with all of this I had time to sit in on two 25 minute films at the visitor center. One on the grey whales that migrate along the coast, and the other about the Spanish explorer Cabrillo who first stepped ashore (Sep. 28, 1542) in San Diego, which he had named San Miguel. Also looked around the gift shop and found a neat t-shirt (that I'm wearing right now...) and a few other things, including a neat painting of the lighthouse in a style that reminded me of the 40's.
And I got back in time to watch a movie and have a very fun chat... with a visit from Daniel even!
Sunday was a comedy of errors (that turned out rather well!). I started off looking for a church in Chula Vista that I wanted to try out... and I didn't find it! There was no sign that I could see. But on the way I found a Target that I had wanted to stop at and a Denny's for breakfast. They say they have free wi-fi, but my computer didn't like it and wouldn't connect.
Back on base I tried getting a hold of my friend Julie (she wanted to catch up this weekend), but didn't quite make it. Decided to go back to Cabrillo, because the day before I had forgotten my camera. But when I headed out first thing, I forgot the pass for free re-entry. That's why I had stopped in on base. Had to wind my way up the hill though, because part of Rosecrans was closed down for a parade. And there ended up being no cell reception at the park... so I did drive around on the roads, but just left after that. Ended up at the library and DID get to talk to Julie for an hour and a half! That was wonderful, as it always is. We can understand and encourage each other so easily. She's finished school for becoming a grade-school teacher and has found a job in Florida, starting this August.
Since I was at the library... :) Yes, a little more. I enjoy it so much! After the library, I took myself straight down to the Old Town transit center for a ride downtown for dinner. My heart was set on the Old Spaghetti Factory, and it worked just fine! The trolley was there when I got my ticket... but they were out of the ravioli dish I loved last time... so I tried the crab ravioli in pesto alfredo sauce. Wow! That worked out for the best, I think. :)
I was able to get back to the car to drive to Balboa Park and arrive just as they opened the doors for "Amadeus". They had this promotion for $20/under 30 yrs old, where they threw in this and both of the Shakespeare plays (Tempest and Much Ado) for a total of $40. Good deal! So this was the first. I remember seeing the movie when I was a kid and being very bored. Now I understand what was going on. :) It was an odd idea for a play, to base it all off a rumor. Interesting, and I loved how they played Mozart's music when Salieri simply read his scores.
It was a late night, but I didn't mind. :)
Jp
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Three More Perfect Days
Saturday, June 4th:
Had no Navy impediment this day, but we didn't get started until around Noon anyway. :) I didn't get in bed the night before until pretty late (good thing my roommate was gone!) and I had a few things to take care of on base. We went out to "Perry's Breakfast House", the one I had gone to my first day in SD, a couple years ago. They have some very good corned beef hash... :)
Went to Balboa Park after that (a last minute decision), to visit the science center. Unfortunately, their weather exhibits I had hoped to show Mike were gone, but they did have an IMAX movie about Tornado Alley, and we certainly enjoyed that. It was just like home for him, and he hadn't seen an IMAX before. Also at Balboa we stepped into the botanical garden building (from the original exposition, built in 1915), and into the free art museum next door to that. Lovely time! And what beautiful, cool weather!
We had a break at the motel before we set off for dinner and the late-night outdoor movie. The first plan was to visit Little Italy, and the spaghetteria I had visited before. But the wait was too long... so we decided to go find something near the theater. And that place was just as nice, practically empty, and much quieter... and the only thing that would work for time. So, more like what we wanted! I had "The San Diegan" a crab/seafood salad sandwich with cheese & asparagus on grilled garlic sourdough. Wow! And the theater, "Cinema Under the Stars" was on the same block. We enjoyed popcorn and a Bugs Bunny cartoon featuring the Tasmanian Devil before settling down to Jimmy Stewart and Doris Day in their classic Hitchcock film. Mike mentioned how much more one notices facial expressions on the big screen. It's true! Not only that, but I don't think I've ever seen "The Man Who Knew Too Much" in it's entirety. Always on TV before... was it ever so much fun! The theater has very limited seating with outdoor recliners. It was great to snuggle up in a blanket and feel the fresh air along with the suspense of the cymbals. :)
SUNDAY, the 5th, I had to wake up for watch... at 0600; so I went back to base very soon after dropping Mike back at the motel. Couldn't believe that I stayed awake for it! It was a 5-hour barracks access watch from 0630 to 1130. The first three hours were wonderful. I was able to have a marvelous quiet time (reading 1 John and praying) and do another chapter of "Ender's Game". The CDO came by for bed checks, and had to find me for not calling in for duty section muster... ha. He called the quarterdeck and told them to look at the watch-bill. :) But then someone else who failed to call in was told (after a uniform inspection) to stand the rest of my watch with me (thanks, so much). He crabbed quite a bit, but at least it was nice to get to know another sonar tech. It's only the random things that allow for that, it seems.
I changed from uniform to civies so fast, I was soon on my way to see Mike. We had another late breakfast, this time at Denny's, then retired to the motel again for a nap. He has a hard time settling down for a good sleep at motels, and was tired too.
I think it was around 3 that we headed out again! We took the trolley to downtown and saw the Maritime Museum on the waterfront. Their main attraction, the Star of India, was built in 1863! It's a working sailing ship, going out each year. They also have the HMS Surprise, a 1970 replica of a 1700's British frigate. This one was very neat, since it was used for the 2003 film "Master and Commander" (Russell Crowe, Paul Bettany) that I saw in the theater with my family. The very informative volunteer on board said it was recently used for "Pirates of the Caribbean 4" as well... maybe I'll have to see that now. :) While we were on board, a sailing ship associated with the museum was doing a harbor cruise and fired several cannon at us. We both jumped... and wished we could fire back. :)
We also toured the soviet submarine (B-39) and the 1898 ferry "Berkeley", the latter having a museum on board, like the Star of India had, with many displays featuring sailing, naval and commercial nautical history. What a time! Indeed! We spent several hours touring four of the eight ships they owned. I had no idea it would be quite so interesting! And it wasn't enough of ships for us! We took a round-trip on the Coronado ferry, took pictures and enjoyed the slow ride together from downtown, across the bay and back.
From there we walked a few blocks up and over (passing through the 1940'ish Santa Fe Depot train station) to Little Italy where we finally enjoyed a fantastic dinner of pollo parmigiana and spaghetti as the sun set behind us. It only took them 24 hours to seat us. :)
Back at the motel (and after another nap) we read a portion of C.S. Lewis's "Four Loves" together, which led to a good discussion.
MONDAY, the 6th. I had it off! I couldn't sleep in too late... my roommate had to get up to graduate! And people were yelling cadence outside, and then the A-school started marching. So I got up-and-at-'em an hour earlier than arranged. Mike and I decided to have the same convenient breakfast at Denny's again, then we were off to the San Diego Zoo's "Safari Park" about an hour north of here. It is basically like the regular zoo, except there is an included tram ride through their wide open fields of giraffe, zebra, antelope, cape buffalo, rhinos and ostrich (and their many eggs). I forgot to bring the directions, but we found a nice guy at a gas station before the exit we needed and made it there just fine. A bit of the drive went through some isolated country of vineyards and u-pick oranges. It was truly lovely.
I think our favorites at the park were the elephants (and their 6 baby elephants!) and the aviaries with exotic birds. The first of those we saw was a large, spoonbill-type pink bird from South America. There was quite a bit of walking involved, and we were there from noon to five! Oh, I forgot to mention the baby rhinos, the baby giraffes, and the baby bighorn (that I wanted to hug very badly). The tour guide from the tram mentioned that "It's June." :) What a wonderful place! Not only all this, but military with active ID's are free, and whoever they're with get discounts! That was very helpful, since it is about twice as expensive as a regular zoo. We had a late lunch near their lagoon for birds, and one particular tall white one was looking on with too much interest. :)
Back in Point Loma, we took another rest, then had dinner at Red Lobster, and finished the perfect day with a Cary Grant/Ginger Rogers film "Monkey Business" for lots of laughs.
But all good things must come to an end. We said goodnight, and this morning I got up very early to pick him up and drive him down the street to the airport. Goodbye, Dear. :( See you sometime soon :)
Jp
Had no Navy impediment this day, but we didn't get started until around Noon anyway. :) I didn't get in bed the night before until pretty late (good thing my roommate was gone!) and I had a few things to take care of on base. We went out to "Perry's Breakfast House", the one I had gone to my first day in SD, a couple years ago. They have some very good corned beef hash... :)
Went to Balboa Park after that (a last minute decision), to visit the science center. Unfortunately, their weather exhibits I had hoped to show Mike were gone, but they did have an IMAX movie about Tornado Alley, and we certainly enjoyed that. It was just like home for him, and he hadn't seen an IMAX before. Also at Balboa we stepped into the botanical garden building (from the original exposition, built in 1915), and into the free art museum next door to that. Lovely time! And what beautiful, cool weather!
We had a break at the motel before we set off for dinner and the late-night outdoor movie. The first plan was to visit Little Italy, and the spaghetteria I had visited before. But the wait was too long... so we decided to go find something near the theater. And that place was just as nice, practically empty, and much quieter... and the only thing that would work for time. So, more like what we wanted! I had "The San Diegan" a crab/seafood salad sandwich with cheese & asparagus on grilled garlic sourdough. Wow! And the theater, "Cinema Under the Stars" was on the same block. We enjoyed popcorn and a Bugs Bunny cartoon featuring the Tasmanian Devil before settling down to Jimmy Stewart and Doris Day in their classic Hitchcock film. Mike mentioned how much more one notices facial expressions on the big screen. It's true! Not only that, but I don't think I've ever seen "The Man Who Knew Too Much" in it's entirety. Always on TV before... was it ever so much fun! The theater has very limited seating with outdoor recliners. It was great to snuggle up in a blanket and feel the fresh air along with the suspense of the cymbals. :)
SUNDAY, the 5th, I had to wake up for watch... at 0600; so I went back to base very soon after dropping Mike back at the motel. Couldn't believe that I stayed awake for it! It was a 5-hour barracks access watch from 0630 to 1130. The first three hours were wonderful. I was able to have a marvelous quiet time (reading 1 John and praying) and do another chapter of "Ender's Game". The CDO came by for bed checks, and had to find me for not calling in for duty section muster... ha. He called the quarterdeck and told them to look at the watch-bill. :) But then someone else who failed to call in was told (after a uniform inspection) to stand the rest of my watch with me (thanks, so much). He crabbed quite a bit, but at least it was nice to get to know another sonar tech. It's only the random things that allow for that, it seems.
I changed from uniform to civies so fast, I was soon on my way to see Mike. We had another late breakfast, this time at Denny's, then retired to the motel again for a nap. He has a hard time settling down for a good sleep at motels, and was tired too.
I think it was around 3 that we headed out again! We took the trolley to downtown and saw the Maritime Museum on the waterfront. Their main attraction, the Star of India, was built in 1863! It's a working sailing ship, going out each year. They also have the HMS Surprise, a 1970 replica of a 1700's British frigate. This one was very neat, since it was used for the 2003 film "Master and Commander" (Russell Crowe, Paul Bettany) that I saw in the theater with my family. The very informative volunteer on board said it was recently used for "Pirates of the Caribbean 4" as well... maybe I'll have to see that now. :) While we were on board, a sailing ship associated with the museum was doing a harbor cruise and fired several cannon at us. We both jumped... and wished we could fire back. :)
We also toured the soviet submarine (B-39) and the 1898 ferry "Berkeley", the latter having a museum on board, like the Star of India had, with many displays featuring sailing, naval and commercial nautical history. What a time! Indeed! We spent several hours touring four of the eight ships they owned. I had no idea it would be quite so interesting! And it wasn't enough of ships for us! We took a round-trip on the Coronado ferry, took pictures and enjoyed the slow ride together from downtown, across the bay and back.
From there we walked a few blocks up and over (passing through the 1940'ish Santa Fe Depot train station) to Little Italy where we finally enjoyed a fantastic dinner of pollo parmigiana and spaghetti as the sun set behind us. It only took them 24 hours to seat us. :)
Back at the motel (and after another nap) we read a portion of C.S. Lewis's "Four Loves" together, which led to a good discussion.
MONDAY, the 6th. I had it off! I couldn't sleep in too late... my roommate had to get up to graduate! And people were yelling cadence outside, and then the A-school started marching. So I got up-and-at-'em an hour earlier than arranged. Mike and I decided to have the same convenient breakfast at Denny's again, then we were off to the San Diego Zoo's "Safari Park" about an hour north of here. It is basically like the regular zoo, except there is an included tram ride through their wide open fields of giraffe, zebra, antelope, cape buffalo, rhinos and ostrich (and their many eggs). I forgot to bring the directions, but we found a nice guy at a gas station before the exit we needed and made it there just fine. A bit of the drive went through some isolated country of vineyards and u-pick oranges. It was truly lovely.
I think our favorites at the park were the elephants (and their 6 baby elephants!) and the aviaries with exotic birds. The first of those we saw was a large, spoonbill-type pink bird from South America. There was quite a bit of walking involved, and we were there from noon to five! Oh, I forgot to mention the baby rhinos, the baby giraffes, and the baby bighorn (that I wanted to hug very badly). The tour guide from the tram mentioned that "It's June." :) What a wonderful place! Not only all this, but military with active ID's are free, and whoever they're with get discounts! That was very helpful, since it is about twice as expensive as a regular zoo. We had a late lunch near their lagoon for birds, and one particular tall white one was looking on with too much interest. :)
Back in Point Loma, we took another rest, then had dinner at Red Lobster, and finished the perfect day with a Cary Grant/Ginger Rogers film "Monkey Business" for lots of laughs.
But all good things must come to an end. We said goodnight, and this morning I got up very early to pick him up and drive him down the street to the airport. Goodbye, Dear. :( See you sometime soon :)
Jp
Friday, June 3, 2011
Hello, June!
And with June, I welcomed Mike to San Diego yesterday evening around 6:20. It had been another long day moving refrigerators around for my working party. And for working out, I spent a bit over a half-hour swimming on base for the first time (it opened Monday). Knocked out 1,000 yds in sets of 100's (two laps).
The first thing we did after I picked him up was run over to the outdoor theater to get tickets for "The Man Who Knew Too Much" (Jimmy Stewart, Doris Day) for this Saturday night. And then we found some Chinese for dinner, and picked up some Diet Coke at Vons. :) It was a wonderfully fun and simple evening together.
Had a bit of a scare this morning after muster. I was called out for a special duty starting Monday... the Monday I had a special liberty chit approved for... and for about an hour, the issue was in doubt, because our LPO, IC1, said it was not negotiable. Fortunately, when I came in to show him the chit, he said it was fine if I reported on Tuesday... (whew!).
Today we're going out for burgers, then to the Padre's game tonight. They promise after-the-game fireworks every Friday night... so that should be very fun.
Jp
PS... it was! We did have burgers at my favorite place in Old Town (how can you resist a juicy, cheddar cheeseburger with half an avocado and all the trimmings... and Parmesan cheese french fries?). But on our walk through the historic park (the "birthplace" of California), we stopped in the Wells Fargo bank museum, as well as the courthouse (with rusty one-person jail outside) and the newspaper office.
Later, we took the special event trolley from Old Town to Petco Park and enjoyed one of the first Padre's wins in a while. They beat the Houston Astros 3-1 and even hit a home run for the 3rd score. We had some wonderful snacks... they have an event every Friday night with local downtown restaurants offering tastes of their fair before the game... tried the fondue from "The Melting Pot" and some shrimp cocktail from "Anthony's". A bit later, during the game, we enjoyed some very cheesy cheese pizza, and then during the 8th inning, some hot chocolate. It was getting pretty chilly. Our view was lovely... first level on the third base line.
The first thing we did after I picked him up was run over to the outdoor theater to get tickets for "The Man Who Knew Too Much" (Jimmy Stewart, Doris Day) for this Saturday night. And then we found some Chinese for dinner, and picked up some Diet Coke at Vons. :) It was a wonderfully fun and simple evening together.
Had a bit of a scare this morning after muster. I was called out for a special duty starting Monday... the Monday I had a special liberty chit approved for... and for about an hour, the issue was in doubt, because our LPO, IC1, said it was not negotiable. Fortunately, when I came in to show him the chit, he said it was fine if I reported on Tuesday... (whew!).
Today we're going out for burgers, then to the Padre's game tonight. They promise after-the-game fireworks every Friday night... so that should be very fun.
Jp
PS... it was! We did have burgers at my favorite place in Old Town (how can you resist a juicy, cheddar cheeseburger with half an avocado and all the trimmings... and Parmesan cheese french fries?). But on our walk through the historic park (the "birthplace" of California), we stopped in the Wells Fargo bank museum, as well as the courthouse (with rusty one-person jail outside) and the newspaper office.
Later, we took the special event trolley from Old Town to Petco Park and enjoyed one of the first Padre's wins in a while. They beat the Houston Astros 3-1 and even hit a home run for the 3rd score. We had some wonderful snacks... they have an event every Friday night with local downtown restaurants offering tastes of their fair before the game... tried the fondue from "The Melting Pot" and some shrimp cocktail from "Anthony's". A bit later, during the game, we enjoyed some very cheesy cheese pizza, and then during the 8th inning, some hot chocolate. It was getting pretty chilly. Our view was lovely... first level on the third base line.
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