Tree House

A dear friend (childhood buddy of my husband) lives in Maine. He and his wife are the proud grandparents of two little boys who live out-of-state. It was mentioned in a recent email that he was starting a project for when the kids come to visit.

Going to build a tree house.

What comes to mind for you?

I picture discarded wood nailed together to form a platform and some haphazard means to climb to the top.

Not the case.

Not at all.

I was blown away.

These are a few pictures he sent.

Love all the attention to detail – the binoculars, the bucket, handrails for assistance on the climb.

We will scrap our long-term plan to retire in California.

If they let us move in.

Road Race

               Bay to Breakers in San Francisco

               Turkey Trot in Dana Point

               Wharf to Wharf in Santa Cruz

               Carlsbad 5000 in San Diego

               10K event in the Beijing Marathon

Remembered the satisfaction of crossing those finish lines while I was watching the procession of runners in Coronado a week ago…

Perhaps it’s time to start training again.

This morning I ran one mile and then walked three, which means I have a long way to go.

But first I have to find a road race with an attractive t-shirt design for the finishers --- that has always been one of my primary motivators.

Dosa, Samosa and Idly

That was what we ordered on an afternoon trip to India.

Ok, it wasn't really India but a shopping center in San Diego filled with Indian restaurants, markets, a hall that offers classes in Bollywood-style dancing and a clothing store that featured threading (an ancient method of hair removal).

The best part was an opportunity to mix with patrons looking splendid in saris and Nehru jackets.

Start with lunch.

We ordered dosa, a flat pancake with a variety of different fillings and were told to help ourselves to the sambar, a spicy soup filled with vegetables, a meal in itself.

There was also a selection of chutneys – coconut, peanut and tomato.

Our dosa contained potatoes and peas.

Vegetarian samosas were deep-fried and deliciously crunchy.

The idly, a steamed bun, was rather bland and needed the dipping sauces.

After lunch, we checked out the markets.

Jugs of mustard oil, packages of naan, bags of lentils and jars of spices filled the shelves.

And for those so inclined, a wedding kit for under $20.

Whether you are recently engaged or just hungry, take the 805 freeway, exit Miramar Road, head east and make a left on Black Mountain Road. The shopping center will be on your left.

Chino Farm

Has a stand.

And it looks pretty much like any other farm stand.

Except that it is in Rancho Sante Fe, one of the highest income communities in the United States.

No prices are listed. 

And you know what they say, “If you have to ask how much it costs….”

Each vegetable and piece of fruit is presented in all its pristine glory.

I almost bought a basket of baby Brussels sprouts.

Entranced by their miniature green cuteness, forgetting momentarily that I detest Brussels sprouts.

  

And the taste, well that is why so many high-end restaurants feature their produce and why so many locals make the drive, for a perfect tomato or the sweetest strawberry.

Easy to get to, just off I-5, exit Villa de la Valle, go east for a ways and then turn right on Calzada Del Bosque and drive past the crops. The stand will be on your right.

Red, White & Blue

Went to Coronado Island to watch a parade.

And the spectators stole the show.

Local politicians, marching bands, floats and horses proceeded down the southbound lane of Orange Avenue but most of the vivid color came from the crowds that lined the streets.

Patriotic hats were quite popular.

From the subtle.

To the bedazzled.

Not sure about these clowns.

This family pet provided the necessary shade to complete the red, blue and white motif.

And these subtle ensembles coordinated beautifully with their tablescape.

Such a colorful holiday.

Happy 4th!

Pooping Pig Keychain

My favorite souvenir from the San Diego County Fair.

Every year, I buy one for me and one for my nephew, who is now 11 and will surely outgrow its entertainment value before I do, if he hasn’t already.

Perhaps we will move on to rubber snouts one day.

And that is just part of the fun.

The real excitement is rooting for your favorite squealer at the Swifty Swine Pig Races.

Click here to:  WATCH A RACE

This year was a trifecta of animal competition as we started the morning with pigs, moved on to worms and finished the evening with turkeys.

At first glance it would seem that a worm race might be a bit dull and slow.

Just a simple board, some dirt and a spritz of water.

But add some fierce Red Wigglers (our money was on Number 9, although no wagering was permitted) and a large crowd of cheering children and you have yourself a race.

Although Number 7 started out strong, it was Number 9 that won by a mile….I mean inches.

After that rush of adrenalin, we headed over to the Turkey Stampede.

Turns out that turkeys do not know how to race.

They won't wear a bib. They cheat. Run the wrong direction. Hop over fences. Spread their feathers to block the competition. Anything to get to the food truck.

The cheers for the motorized car rivaled those for the actual competitors!

Livestock at the Fair

In order to have the full Fair experience, it is necessary to deal with a little bit of manure.

Guaranteed you will see, smell and step in it.

If you decide to visit the animals.

Puttin’ on the feed bag.

Goin’ at it.

A little head buttin’.

Peaches, 600 pounds of pure bred Duroc pig.

4-H Clubs compete.

Small horses, not sure of the breed, but cute as can be.

So hold your nose, wear closed-toe shoes and watch where you're walking...