Natural vs. Preservatives

Finding the right balance in life is tricky business.

Good to experience nature and fresh air and ocean water.

Like checking out the tide pools in La Jolla on a sunny day.

But sometimes the sound of an ice cream truck cannot be denied.

Then it is time for a treat.

A blue, gum ball in the eye-socket, preservative-filled ice cream bar.

DADA DADA DADA DADA BATMAN!!!!

From Sunset to Stump

Last night we drove to the coast to catch the sunset over Torrey Pines State Beach.

Along with a line of cars double-parked with the same idea.

So we made a U-Turn and headed down a quiet street in Del Mar with a lookout point and a walking trail along the train tracks.

And I forgot about the pinkish sky when I saw two tree stumps hanging off the sandy cliff.

What a perfect spot to take a seat and wait for a train to breeze by….

Curbs of San Francisco

We have visited the city many times as a couple.

Joined a group of adult friends for a birthday celebration that included lots of exciting nightlife.

But this past week was the first time we went as a family. Us. And a Finnish family of five (2 parents, 2 kids, 1 grandma).

So we saw the city from a different angle…..primarily looking down.

To see where the kids were, their reactions, to help them up or down or on or off, while snapping photos of it all.

Holding hands, down a busy sidewalk,
with our godchild who learned to walk and run
since arriving in San Diego in June.

Which is why I was able to notice the little things.

Like street names etched into concrete.

Museum of Contemporary Art, La Jolla

Shore Thing takes place every Thursday (through August 28th), from 5-8 pm and includes free admission to the museum,  guided tours, music and an opportunity to purchase cocktails and pizza.

We had a very interesting guide and the museum itself is attractive (op art is especially fun).

But I am still wondering about the series of four paintings that featured a man with his hand in a shoe splattered with sweat or tear drops? And why are the shoes not on his feet?

While we meandered around the art and tried to figure it out, I couldn't help drifting to the windows and outdoor balcony because it is the view from the museum that is breath-taking.

And I didn't need to interpret what I was looking at.

…..it is all just THERE.

A Shore Thing just like the event.

Patio Crew

It was decided by my better half that laying a flagstone patio was something we could do, we should do and we'd like to do.

What is this 'we' business?

I was far more skeptical and ready to dial a contractor at a moment's notice.

But regardless of how the finished product turns out (and at this juncture with the last two stones being leveled, it is looking pretty fantastic), our patio project has forged stronger ties with our friends.

Who have pitched in to lift/carry heavy stones, chisel heavy stones, use the grinder on heavy stones, and level the heavy stones.

Did I mention that the stones are really heavy?

There was a lot of camaraderie and laughs and sweat.

And dirt and dust.

On some evenings, when there were too many engineers involved, there were also a lot of questions --- about our choice of layout, our choice of spacing and our overall technique!!!

Yep, it has been a bonding experience with an eclectic group…..a 28-year old Hawaiian buddy, German and Danish colleagues/friends, a Finnish family member (not blood relative but close enough) and a super energetic/fit female senior citizen (yes, age did not stop us from eliciting assistance).

We made sure our helpers left with a smile on their face (this was mainly due to the beer, wine or caipirinhas we served at the end of every shift).

Which was more exciting than the safety belts, knee pads and goggles we handed out as soon as they walked through our side gate.

So a big thanks to our entire patio crew, we love ya!

Laying the first stone (just Jason and I) before we got smart
and invested in body protection gear for back, knees, eyes.

It takes 2 or 3 people and 'hellooooo dolly' (see below) to get the big stones to the backyard.

Jason used wood, wheels, rope and carpet
remnants to make our transport dolly.

A Finn and a chisel makes for a very clean line!

"I know it's dark but you are not leaving until we get this stone set!"

Engineers at work --- many opinions but always great fun.

Using the tamper to pack the decomposed granite.

Gotta hurry, the World Cup Soccer game is starting soon.

Looking good but not quite done… (the patio not the outfit).

Stay tuned, will post pictures when stones are sealed, decomposed granite is stabilized and we are ready to entertain….

Outdoor Movies

I vividly remember seeing Star Wars at a drive-in movie.

Packed into the back seat of my parent's 1960-something Mustang.

Attaching the speaker to a slightly-rolled-down window. The crackling noise when the sound came on.

Visiting the concession stand before the movie started.

Not sure how many drive-in theaters still exist but it is still possible to see current movies in the great outdoors.

Last night at our local park, the audience spread out on blankets and beach chairs, we watched as a blow up screen came to life:

If you live in or are visiting San Diego this summer, check out the possibilities!

Hobbling Along

Yep, that's my cane and no, I am not a 110.

Actually it is a borrowed cane as is the walker that I needed for the first day I was sidelined.

Diagnosis: Overdoing it.

Orthopedic Prescription: No more DIY patio project, REST, stay off the treadmill for awhile, REST, ice, REST, cortisone if needed, REST.

No surgery required!

It will heal itself.

Almost jumped off the exam table onto my bum knee when I heard the exciting news.

4th of July Parade

In an effort to avoid most of the traffic and the biggest holiday crowds, we headed east from coastal San Diego and braved 100 degree temperature to watch a holiday parade weave its way around downtown Rancho Bernardo.

Lined with flag-waving, red-white-and-blue wearing spectators, the route featured marching bands and princesses and ghost-busters and local politicians.

Plus horses and tractors and golf carts and fire engines.

An eclectic mix for sure!