San Diego Daily Photo

Close Encounters of the Beluga Kind

2010-04-01T08:35:00.001-07:00

Close Encounters of the Beluga Kind, originally uploaded by Digitalexx.

I had an opportunity to pet this whale at Sea World the other day - and it was the coolest, blubberiest thing I've done in quite a while. That big nob-thing on it's head actually jiggles like a bowl-full-of-jello! Too cool.

Sunset

2009-12-05T07:44:00.000-08:00

Here is a photo of a sunset taken from my backyard. I'm sad to let you know that I can't keep posting on a regular basis anymore and need to take a hiatus. I hope to be able to start again sometime next year. Thank you all for visiting!

Overworked, underpaid

2009-12-04T08:16:00.000-08:00

My brother sent me this photo of a Santa at the mall. Poor guy has a tough job.

A Little Seaside Village

2009-12-03T07:08:00.000-08:00

This photo makes me think of Cannery Row or some quaint sea side town. In truth, it's one of the restaurants at Seaport Village. I took this photo between the rain spells we had all day last Saturday. There is a lot going on at Seaport Village this holiday season, you should head down if you haven't been in a while!

Yuma Builiding

2009-12-02T07:14:00.000-08:00

I was standing on the upper level of the Horton Plaza parking garage when I took this photo that shows part of the historic Yuma Building on 5th Avenue. The building was built in 1888 and was one of downtown's first brick buildings.

The watering hole

2009-12-01T08:00:00.000-08:00

Okay, this will be the last photo of the Leo Carrillo Ranch - hopefully these photos will entice you to visit this great park. I thought this was a nice long view to show the expanse of the property. The visitor guide said that there were once several hundred head of cattle and dozens of horses on the ranch. This set of buildings includes the Cantina, Carriage House, Feed Shed and Tack Shed.

Movies in the barn

2009-11-30T08:21:00.000-08:00

There are a few restoration projects underway at Leo Carrillo Ranch. One of the projects is to restore the barn and convert the interior of the building to a movie theater and meeting room space. Pretty cool idea. The above photo is actually of the stables which is next door to the barn.

A room of one's own

2009-11-29T08:20:00.000-08:00

I liked this little cottage at the Leo Carrillo Ranch. The house was an artist's studio for Leo's wife Deedie. We weren't able to go inside the cottage to see what was there, but I think I remember reading somewhere that she worked with clay. Maybe the rounded dome to the left was a kiln and the pot on the right was her own work?

Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park

2009-11-28T08:19:00.000-08:00

The Leo Carrillo Ranch was once a working ranch that was built in the late 1930s by actor Leo Carrillo. The ranch was dedicated and opened as a public park in 2003. This is the view from the pool/La Cabaña looking at (from left to right) the Wash House where Leo lived while the place was being built, a stone BBQ, and the main house.
Before we headed out to the park I worried that it might be just a regular old park, but it was quite special with the preserved buildings, wide open spaces, and the peacocks and peahens roaming around.

We are family

2009-11-27T06:10:00.000-08:00

Did you know that peacocks are the largest of the family of birds that include turkeys, chickens, and pheasants? The proper term for the bird is peafowl - the peacock is the male and the female is called a peahen. I just learned this when I recently visited the Leo Carrillo Ranc h in Carlsbad where this rare white peacock lives, along with about two dozen other peafowl. I'll show you more photos of the Ranch over the next few days.

Queen Califia's Fall Leaves

2009-11-26T04:00:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I visited Queen Califia's Magical Garden, a wonderful sculpture display in Escondido by artist Niki de Saint Phalle. I'd never taken the drive up to see it and was pleasantly surprised. It was a place for everyone, regardless of age, to let their imagination fly.

We settled in, spent a few hours there, having a picnic & letting the kids run around & play. The longer we were there, the more details popped out at us. It was really quite lovely! Strangely, though, I kept being drawn to these leaves on the ground - perhaps its odd to be taken by this monochromatic microcosm within the brightly colored mosaic garden, but I wasn't the only one to comment on the beauty of these leaves. I'll post some of the photos of the actual sculptures at another time - in fact, Felicia has posted about this place a few times and you can check out her lovely photos;

here, here and here.

SWAK

2009-11-25T12:39:00.000-08:00

These lips painted on a rock at Lemon Grove Avenue and High Street make me happy. Click here to read the story of how it all started more than 30 years ago.

Skyline

2009-11-24T07:17:00.000-08:00

This view of downtown is from Harborview Park in Coronado. It's been more than 5 months since I posted a photo of our skyline - click here to see the last skyline photo I posted that includes more links of more skyline photos. You can never see enough skyline photos, right?

Solid as a rock

2009-11-23T07:07:00.000-08:00

Since I first saw the sculpture La Tehuana in Balboa Park's House of Hospitality courtyard, I've tried to get photos of other works by Donal Hord. The above photo is of Mourning Woman, a petite sculpture (a little under 5 feet tall) of carved granite that is located inside the Coronado Public Library. Click here to see my collection of photos of various sculptures by this artist.

Another gazebo

2009-11-22T07:16:00.000-08:00

This gazebo is the center of activity (aside from the playground) at Spreckels Park in Coronado. The park hosts Art in the Park on the first & third Sundays of the month, an annual flower show in April, and free concerts in the summer. The little photo to the left is part of a mosaic on the outside walls of the restroom.

Happy trails

2009-11-21T08:16:00.000-08:00

Carmel Country Highlands is a housing development in the north of the county. The area is an upscale tract home neighborhood, hence the showy sign and gazebo. The homes are priced starting at about $700,000. The development has an equestrian theme - the neighborhoods are called: Bridle Ridge, Carriage Run, and Derby Hill and the area is near several horse trails that lead in and around Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve.

Plant days

2009-11-20T07:15:00.000-08:00

You have probably noticed that the San Diego Zoo does double duty as a botanical garden - they have over 700,000 plants. Every time I visit I always find something unusual in bloom. On the third Fridays of each month (today) the Zoo offers free botanical bus tours and the orchid greenhouse is open. I don't even know what this pretty flower is, maybe an orchid?

Love

2009-11-19T12:33:00.000-08:00

Is it comforting to know that people still want to forever remember their loves by carving it in a tree? You would think that there's a digital tree these days - perhaps on Facebook, somewhere. Or maybe, that's the next new Facebook App!

On the one hand, I think it's very sweet to carve into a tree. But on the other I feel kind of bad for the tree. What do you think?

This tattoo'd tree lives in the park at the end of Seaport Village. Seaport Village, where an iced coffee costs $2.75. I know they have to pay their rent, but...really?? Everytime I'm vacationing somewhere I wonder how badly I'm getting gauged by shops in that town's version of Seaport Village. Err...but that's not about love, is it?

Mouse house

2009-11-18T08:14:00.000-08:00

The watchtower from yesterday's photo is in the San Diego Zoo parking lot, with views of lots and lots of cars. This mouse house made of bread has always been a favorite of mine in the Children's Zoo area. The Zoo makes a loaf per week for the mice. You can't see any mice in the photo because, like most zoo animals, they are hiding out in the far back corner.
Here is a photo of the recipe for the bread house which is posted above their living quarters - they forgot to mention that you need a huge loaf pan!

All along the watchtower

2009-11-17T08:14:00.000-08:00

I've seen people up there before. From the looks of the surrounding area, there is not much of a view. Do you know this watchtower? Tomorrow, I'll show you a photo of something on the ground near this location.

Blowin' in the wind

2009-11-16T08:05:00.000-08:00

No more than one mile from the house I showed yesterday is this funky yard with all kinds of things that move in the wind. There were store bought and hand made decorations, some Chargers, some Padres, helicopters, and lots of cute planters like this transformed Mr Bali Hai Tiki Mug above. There was also a cute homemade Wile E. Coyote chasing a roadrunner.

Corner house

2009-11-15T08:22:00.000-08:00

I really like this corner house in North Park near Morley Field. This area is better known for its craftsman style homes, but there is a nice scattering of Spanish style houses in the area too.

More Alcazar Garden

2009-11-14T08:05:00.000-08:00

I think one of the prettiest gardens at Balboa Park is the Alcazar Garden. There are 2 rectangular flower beds and 4 smaller square flower beds that always seem to be in bloom. Click here to see another photo of the garden that I showed before. Or click here to see a photo of the garden at Alcazar Castle in Seville, Spain of which the above garden was modeled after.

Kills germs

2009-11-13T08:51:00.000-08:00

Okay, this is an ugly photo. I just wanted to show you what my local grocery store is doing to help kill germs. They used to have a small disinfecting wipes dispenser, but now they have this supersized version. With the swine flu on its way to a shopping cart near you and me, I'm starting to become a germ-a-phobe and am definitely using these free hand sanitizers.

The New Children's Museum

2009-11-12T23:36:00.001-08:00

They recently put in new exhibits at the New Children's Museum, but we hadn't gone yet. Suffice it to say, these little bee costumes were but one of the new things that were loads of fun. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves!

If you have small ones, you should check it out soon!

The big T

2009-11-11T08:10:00.000-08:00

Have I ever mentioned how much I love thrift stores? It's a cycle - I give them my donations, then I shop there, then I give them my donations.... I like the Disabled American Veteran's/Veteran's Thrift Store out on Elkelton Blvd off of Jamacha Road in Spring Valley. (Click here for a nice round up of thrift stores in the county.) I heard there used to a carpet store in this space, and a grocery store before that...Anyone know what the deal is with this big T?

The Strand

2009-11-10T08:13:00.000-08:00

I have some fond memories of seeing cheap movies at The Strand theater in Ocean Beach. In front of the building and along the sidewalks of Newport Avenue are tiles that were installed in the late 80s or early 90s. Community members can purchase a tile and write a message to be installed on the city sidewalks - according to the Ocean Beach Main Street Association, they repair and install the tiles every 3 months or so - click here for info on getting your own tile.
These days the building houses a store called Wings and they sell beach clothes, shells, and touristy items.

More Ocean Beach Pier

2009-11-09T08:05:00.000-08:00

I know, I know. I keep coming back to this pier all the time because it is a nice easy 3/4 of a mile walk out and back. Here's more of the pier: click here to see the view from underneath, click here to see a view looking back at the neighborhood, here with big waves, or here for a view from the crest of Niagra Avenue.

Olé

2009-11-08T08:06:00.000-08:00

This is the front entrance at Nati's Mexican Restaurant in Ocean Beach. Off to the right is a half wall with a stained glass bull. Click here to see photos from when I went there before.

What's in a name?

2009-11-07T14:32:00.000-08:00

I liked this friendly boat name. I was browsing around the internet and found these funny boat names: Feelin' Nauti, Knoti Nauti C's, Waste Knot, She Got the House, Relax Inn, Sale n Buy. Have you seen any clever or fun boat names?

Pretty waterfall

2009-11-06T08:51:00.000-08:00

These little falls are near the exit area at the Wild Animal Park. If this were a natural waterfall, it would probably be just a trickle right now because we have had so little rainfall this year. We'll just hope for rain in the coming months.

Balboa Park Pond

2009-11-05T18:48:00.000-08:00

I've posted photos about the pond before, but I don't think I'm the only person out there who finds themselves attracted to this body of water. Here's another photo, I do hope you enjoy it.

Gag me with a baby pelican head

2009-11-04T08:52:00.000-08:00

When my kids were little and just started to eat bite sized foods, I remember chewing stuff up a little and then giving them the small pieces. I guess this pelican feeding her baby, that we saw at the Wild Animal Park, is not so different. Oh yeah, except that the kids never stuck their heads in my mouth.

Balloon ride

2009-11-03T08:47:00.000-08:00

The Balloon Safari at the Wild Animal Park is a tethered helium filled balloon that goes up 400 feet. It costs $20, or $17 for members. Nice views, looks like fun.

Padre territory

2009-11-02T08:32:00.000-08:00

I went to the Wild Animal Park last weekend and we tried feeding the lorikeets at Lorikeet Landing where, for $3, you can get about two tablespoonfuls of nectar in a little cup and the birds will land on your arm and feed from the cup. Click here to see a photo that Alexandra posted earlier this year. Well, we dropped our little cup almost immediately, but we saw this funny bird in the above photo attacking a Giants fan. We don't like the Dodgers either.

Doorways - theme day

2009-11-01T06:14:00.000-08:00

Here is a doorway inside this courtyard inside this building at San Diego State University. Click here to view thumbnails for all theme day participants.

Happy Halloween

2009-10-31T12:58:00.000-07:00

It took me an hour to carve this pumpkin last night and hopefully it will make it through tonight without getting smashed or otherwise destroyed. This is the first time I've tried something other than the traditional triangle eyes and nose, toothy jack-o-lantern. I always thought the cheap little carving knives would fall apart on the first cut, but they worked! Hope you all have a fun Halloween!

Spooky yard

2009-10-30T08:35:00.000-07:00

This yard in my neighborhood has it all - a ghost, spiders, spiderwebs, skeletons, gravestones, ghouls, pirate flag, headless horseman carriage, bats, and other creepy creatures!

No trespassing

2009-10-28T08:34:00.000-07:00

This skeleton at the door might keep some trick-or-treaters away.

Webbed in

2009-10-27T08:31:00.000-07:00

Local business are keeping it creepy in the spirit of Halloween. I was happy to see this rainbow on this wall in Hillcrest, because this rainbow on another building has been painted over.

Shackled

2009-10-26T07:28:00.000-07:00

Are you ready for some Halloween? This scary shackled ghost keeps solicitors away from the Jones' house.

The great green pumpkin

2009-10-25T08:16:00.000-07:00

On a small strip between the sidewalk and the curb, these neighbors planted a variety of flowers and vegetables. I was surprised to find these Japanese pumpkins (called kabocha) under the foliage. The flowers, and the veggies, really bring this corner alive.

Zig zag

2009-10-24T08:13:00.000-07:00

This is the upper portion of a fountain at UCSD near the Price Center (the campus' hub). Click here to see the lower portion. During the annual SunGod Festival held in May, the fountain has turned into a playground for partying co-eds: it has been filled with suds, people have gone scuba diving in it, and some tried kayaking.

Ché Café

2009-10-23T08:12:00.000-07:00

Here is one of the outside walls at the Ché Café, a student co-operative on the University of California San Diego campus. They have a vegetarian cafe and host all ages concerts. Do you know who these famous people are? Karl Marx, Cesar Chavez, then ?, and ?

Sniffed Out

2009-10-22T07:30:00.000-07:00

At the Zoo, normally the bears are either asleep in their den, or hidden at the back of their exhibit, teasing you with a view of their shoulder. On a recent trip, however, we had an up close encounter. I felt like he gave us a good look and sniff - from across the great divide separating us, of course.

ATM gone wild

2009-10-21T08:10:00.000-07:00

Here's an easy one. Can you guess where this automated teller machine (ATM) is located?

Old neighbors

2009-10-20T07:56:00.000-07:00

These two buildings are on Fifth Avenue in the Gaslamp Quarter downtown just a few blocks from where the Jessop's clock originally stood. The building on the left is called the Louis Bank of Commerce building (1888) and to the right is the Nesmith-Greeley Building (1887).
I'm in awe of this brick work!

Jessop's clock

2009-10-19T08:14:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered about this spectacular clock on the lower level at Horton Plaza shopping mall? The clock was built by a young watchmaker named Claude D. Ledger for J. Jessop and Sons Jewelry in 1907. They entered the clock in the state fair in Sacramento that year and won first place. After the fair, the clock was installed in front of the store at 952 Fifth Avenue. It has moved two times since then - once in 1927 and then in 1984 to its current spot at Horton Plaza. Click here to read more of the clock's history and some fun facts. Click here to enlarge the photo to the left and see a few of the real jewels and a little bell set in the inner workings. For those of you that can see it in person, look for a little bear in the clock which was stuck there by a child during the 1907 fair.

It's ticking again - 11/5/09 - click here to read the story.

Look up

2009-10-18T11:15:00.000-07:00

Here are two top panels from buildings at Balboa Park that I thought were beautifully detailed. The photo above is of the top corner of the Museum of Art. The photo below is a little piece of the Casa de Balboa building where the several naked ladies are the support for the eaves.

Balboa Park Club

2009-10-17T08:38:00.000-07:00

Here is another one of the beautiful buildings in Balboa Park, this one is called the Balboa Park Club. It was built for the Panama-California Exposition in 1915 and later expanded for the 1935 exposition. The building is used for parties, banquets or meetings and has a large ballroom with a wood dance floor. I've always wanted to check out the old cactus garden which is located near this building.

China Camp

2009-10-16T07:45:00.000-07:00

The China Camp restaurant has been around for ages, but I've never been there. I've always wanted to go because the hot pink neon around the place is so very enticing. Anyone been to the China Camp or the Fat City Steakhouse that is next door?

Pumpkin Patch Time!

2009-10-15T04:00:00.000-07:00

It is that time of year - that special time when parents of young children feel themselves compelled to take their kids to a pumpkin patch. I think it's something especially attractive to those of us who live in the city. Something about the month of October says, "Go to a farm! Doesn't matter if it's a real farm or a pretend farm! Just go to a farm!"

What's great about the pumpkin patch that we like to visit is that it is actually a working dairy farm. Somehow, to me, that feels a bit more respectable. The Van Ommering Dairy Farm opens Oma's Pumpkin Patch for the month of October each year. And each year, they seem to add a few fun activities for visitors, which are made better because there is one price for entry; everything is included (even a small pumpkin for the children to take home!).

So if you, like me, have little voices filling your head begging you to get back to your farming roots (even if those roots are several generations behind you), I suggest a visit to Oma's.

Work in progress

2009-10-14T08:15:00.000-07:00

I peeked into these backyards in Encinitas because the sun at the back caught my eye.

Kearns pool

2009-10-13T08:20:00.000-07:00

They literally swam less back then...and still do today. I'm not sure when the Bud Kearns Memorial Pool opened, but it is the only pool in the Parks and Rec Aquatics that is 22 yards long instead of 25 yards long and by the looks of the building it is probably one of the oldest of the 13 pools as well.
But isn't it so charming with this beautiful tile work? Click here to see more of the tile work inside the building.

Play me didgeridoo, Blue..

2009-10-12T07:44:00.000-07:00

Expat shares with us an exceptional moment at the market:
At the Farmer's Market (every Sunday 9-1 in the DMV parking lot on Normal Street) there's always live music of some kind. Most often it's one of those folk groups that coalesce by magic, like mariachi bands, from whatever musicians happen along. Occasionally it's a lone guitarist. Very rarely, it's a didgeridoo-ist (is that a word?)
The Sunday before last, we were privileged to have the folk group in the middle and the didgeridoo at the South end, by all the mangoes and peaches. I guess you could not just listen to this weird, haunting drone, but actually BUY a didgeridoo if you were in the mood. I didn't ask the price because I don't have storage space for an instrument I would never have enough breath for at my age. But I kind-of liked listening for a while.

Smokey

2009-10-11T07:51:00.000-07:00

The town of Julian is just outside the Cleveland National Forest. You can see from this sign that the fire danger level is now at EXTREME.

I've always called him "Smokey the Bear", but the mascot's official name is "Smokey Bear". He was created in 1944 by the US Forest Service to teach forest fire prevention - looking good at 65 years old.

Fire and rescue

2009-10-10T08:36:00.000-07:00

Julian has a number of fire protection services, most of which are volunteer. The town was hard hit by the wildfires in 2003 and fires came very close to the town in 2007.

It's all about the crust...

2009-10-09T08:26:00.000-07:00

We got about a 5 pound bag of apples from our apple picking in Julian. This is really too many apples unless you have a big family of apple lovers or if you follow the "apple a day keeps the doctor away" rule. So, I made this apple galette to make the apples more palatable and use up a handful of apples.

Flowers at Influx Cafe

2009-10-08T19:18:00.000-07:00

The other night while visiting Influx Cafe, these flowers were pointed out to me. They're so strange! They felt leathery, and oddly hairy. Super strange. I don't know anything about the type of plant, except to say that it's a type of cactus. Also, I have no idea what might pollinate it. I'd guess bat by the look of it, but they didn't have any smell that I could detect. Does anyone out there know what this might be?

Influx is an awesome little cafe on Broadway that really is a must place to visit. You will become a regular.

Julian - the view

2009-10-07T08:32:00.000-07:00

We kind of got side tracked in Julian and ended up on this hillside. Very pretty and idyllic.

Apple picking

2009-10-06T08:18:00.000-07:00

We went to Julian to go apple picking, but unfortunately the crop this year was pretty low. Many of the orchards have either closed for the season or did not open at all due to low yield. There are a few places still open for the season. We went to Raven Hill Orchard and the trees were pretty bare but we found some good ones on the ground and got to fill our bags full from a box that the orchard had harvested. If you are thinking of going to pick apples - go now! If you don't care about picking your own apples, don't worry, there are plenty to be had in the shops around town.

Day trip to Julian

2009-10-05T07:57:00.000-07:00

Julian is a mountain town about one hour from San Diego. It is a gold rush town with some of the buildings dating back to the 1870s. The town is best known for its apples - apple cider, apple butter, and especially their apple pie. The pies are so popular they are sold in lots of supermarkets in San Diego.

Coast Guard

2009-10-04T07:50:00.000-07:00

For some reason I never thought of the Coast Guard as a military branch, but they are a branch of the military and part of the Homeland Security department. Thus, they have a station out at the Ballast Point Naval Base. Here they are parking the Sea Otter.

The Point

2009-10-03T08:19:00.000-07:00

I saw Ballast Point described somewhere as the thumb of the Point Loma peninsula. So, I was standing at the thumb when I took this photo and I thought about what an outstanding landmark the Point is and how fortunate we are to have the Cabrillo National Park and Monument there. (I haven't been watching the Ken Burns series on National Parks - the run of the show on KPBS ends this weekend). Here are two other views of the point - one from Midtown and one from Coronado beach.

Who's afraid of Manny Ramirez?

2009-10-02T07:41:00.000-07:00

Expat takes us out to the ball game: That's Manny at bat, in this bird's-eye-view of Petco Park, taken in the 2nd inning of the game on Tuesday, 9/9/09 in which the Padres made quite sure the Dodger champagne remained firmly closed by whacking them 3-1. Manny went 0 for 4, haha.

Since the Colorado Rockies also won that night, the Dodgers were forced to wait at least one more day before claiming the NL West Division championship.

Our spectacular view was from the "Ultimate Skybox" on the 15th floor of the Diamond View Tower, courtesy of Morgan Stanley. The party was to thank Morgan Stanley/Smith Barney clients for not deserting them after all our accounts crashed last year. Something like that, anyway. An open bar and a Padres victory over the Dodgers, can't be bad.

Cleaning the Balboa Park Pond

2009-10-01T07:31:00.000-07:00

On a recent trip to the park, I ran across these guys carefully picking the dead leaves out of the water. It was actually kind of mesmerizing, watching them slowly weave through the water, pluck-pluck-plucking, then weaving away again, winding around the pool.

I never thought about the fact that you'd have to have someone going through there once in a while to keep it nice! Who knew?!

Whaling station

2009-09-30T08:12:00.000-07:00

The area where Cabrillo landed at Ballast Point later became a whaling station. (Ballast Point was also where the old Point Loma lighthouse was once located. Or click here for more history of Ballast Point from our very own Ballast Point Brewing Company.) Archeologists discovered this site in 1988 where brick ovens and cast iron pots stood in the mid 1800s. Gray whales were killed off the coast and towed to this area where their blubber was boiled into oil.

I just learned about some awesome deals for families for next month that I thought you would love to know about.
San Diego Zoo & Wild Animal Park: Kids 3-11 get in free all of October
Belmont Park is offering free Unlimited Ride Wristbands and more - on the DAY of your birth in October
The Hornblower - 2 children can cruise for free with one paying adult on the 1 or 2 hour Harbor Cruises - click here for the coupon, expires 10/31/09

Portuguese dancing

2009-09-29T08:11:00.000-07:00

Here are the Portuguese American Dancers that performed at the Cabrillo Festival. Their costumes are embroidered wool (and it was at least 70 degrees outside).

Cabrillo Festival

2009-09-28T07:56:00.000-07:00

We were to imagine a more pristine coastline in this re-enactment of when Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo sailed ashore at Ballast Point on September 28th 1542 claiming the land for Spain.
Cabrillo was a Portuguese explorer who was sailing for Spain. The festival included food, dancing, and vendors from Native American, Mexican, Portuguese and Spanish traditions.

The Bells

2009-09-27T10:48:00.000-07:00

You may have seen these bells marking the El Camino Real (the Royal Road) throughout California. I saw this one near Harbor Island. The bells mark the 600 mile trail of the California Missions. On the bell it says Loreto Oct 25, 1697 and Solano July 4, 1823. The Loreto Mission in Baja California was the earliest successful Mission aka the "head and mother of all the Spanish missions in Upper and Lower California". The Solano Mission in Sonoma, California is the northernmost Mission and the last to be established.

Goats, dogs, or walruses?

2009-09-26T08:12:00.000-07:00

I really liked this Spanish style cupola I saw in South Park, but I couldn't figure out what the heck these decorative animals were. What is your guess?

Big Kitchen

2009-09-25T08:25:00.000-07:00

I haven't been to the Big Kitchen in a long time, but it is known for several things: hippies, liberal politics, Judy "the beauty on duty" - tres bien, Whoopi Goldberg once worked there, good food, expensive sodas, outdoor patio, cozy inside, cash or check only, a neighborhood/community favorite, aka Mama's Kitchen.

Japanese Gardens Koi Pond

2009-09-24T07:31:00.001-07:00

I recently took a tour of the Japanese Friendship Gardens, a place that I haven't been to since I was a child. At some point between my two visits, they added a koi pond, with these big, entrancing fish swimming around. I think koi are so pretty, and sometimes fantasize about having my own koi pond at home.

The Friendship Gardens are quite an enjoyable place walk through, more so now with the pond. You should check it out sometime soon. For more information, click here: http://www.niwa.org/.

Disc golf

2009-09-23T08:10:00.000-07:00

We've got the weather to play through all the seasons. And for more than 30 years, we've been fortunate to have one of the first disc (aka frisbee) golf courses in the world. The Morley Field Disc Golf Course is good cheap fun at $2.50 on weekdays, $3.00 on weekends, and $1.50 for disc rentals. Click here for insider tips from a local or info/a few photos about the death of the infamous shoe tree. See you on the 19th hole!

Whose water tower is it anyway?

2009-09-22T07:53:00.000-07:00

The photo above is of the landmark water tower between El Cajon Boulevard and Howard Avenue on Idaho Street. I have always thought of it as the North Park Water Tower, but it seems it is also called the University Heights Water Tower. What's your vote, NP or UH?

Moussakà

2009-09-21T07:30:00.000-07:00

We have through this Friday, 9/25 to check out Restaurant Week - Expat was kind enough to send this photo and story on his dining out experience:

Just like last year, San Diego Restaurant Week has been extended to Restaurant Fortnight, so slackers who haven't yet taken advantage have another week to get out there onto those mean streets.

Our Friday posse went for Apollonia, which was well reviewed in the Reader a week ago. We were attracted by the presence of taramasalata on the menu and lamb in the moussakà (both features ridiculously rare here in SD). It was worth the schlep to the Costa Verde mall -- a 4-course blow-out for a mere 20 bucks. We all chose the moussakà and it was pretty good although lacking the cinnamon and cilantro that I use in my recipe. The starters were all very good.

Pink house #3

2009-09-20T08:14:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I showed a stately pink house. Here is another pink one in North Park. We have such a nice variety of pink houses here, that this is going to become a series. Stay tuned for more pink.

Another pink house

2009-09-19T08:02:00.000-07:00

There is no lack of pink houses here. More than a few years ago, I showed a different pink house and promised to show more. This pink beauty is near the Balboa Park Golf Course and from the plaque on the façade I could tell that it has been designated as an historic home.

The Old Mill

2009-09-18T08:00:00.000-07:00

This restaurant in North Park was The Old Mill then changed to The Lumberjack, now it's back to The Old Mill again. I never went when it was The Lumberjack, but I hear that the food has not changed much through all the transitions. The food is basic American diner food. What I remember is the biscuits and gravy, onion rings, and old style red, amber or frosted clear plastic drinking cups.

Balboa Park Squirrel

2009-09-17T07:34:00.001-07:00

Squirrels make me feel the change of the seasons. To me, they seem to be more active during those transitional days. I could be totally wrong about that. Maybe I'm just more observant of them during the season's changes. Who knows?

I found this squirrel snacking on these palm fruit in Balboa Park a couple of days ago. He was making quite a ruckus. So much for the quiet of nature! He scraped his teeth against the seed creating a loud staccato noise: squeak-squeak-squeak! I stopped and watched him go through several fruit. He sniffed out the desired produce then plucked it off. Peeling off the outer layer, spitting it out until he found the inner, squeaky center. Didn't seem like there would be all that much left of the fruit once peeling it, but there must be something tasty about it!

I hope you are enjoying the squirrels, where ever you are.

An ocean view

2009-09-16T08:35:00.000-07:00

I see the ocean often enough, but I oooh and ahhh every time I see the blue ocean on the horizon. I was driving down Prospect Avenue in La Jolla when I took this photo. The street is divided by upper and lower level lanes - thus the barred railing you see in the photo. At the end of the street is the Ellen Browning Scripps Park.

Sonic

2009-09-15T08:16:00.000-07:00

Back in April of this year, the first Sonic Drive-In restaurant opened in Santee to much fanfare. I was not familiar with Sonic so I went to check it out recently. There are two options for dining: drive-in, park, and order or walk-up to order and sit at picnic table seating. No one goes inside, they come out on roller skates with your food and drinks.
I asked the young skating hostess if they had to buy their own skates and she said yes, but the company reimburses the cost. I also asked if it was tough being on skates all day and she said that it was fun and not uncomfortable at all.

Community garden

2009-09-14T08:17:00.000-07:00

There is also a community garden on the Edgemoor property that is open only to seniors. Among the roses were other flowers as well as lots of tomatoes, squash, and corn coming in. It is unclear how long the gardens can stay. Click here for a list of community gardens in the county.

Edgemoor

2009-09-13T08:34:00.000-07:00

The above photo is of Santee's Edgemoor Polo Barn, built in about 1913. The barn may soon become the last reminder of the Edgemoor Farm. At one time the area was a dairy farm and the barn was home to polo ponies. In the 1920's the county bought the farm and used it for a hospital and nursing facility.
A new facility opened this year and the old buildings are slated to be torn down, except for the barn which is listed as on the National Register of Historical Places. I could see this place being made into a nice shopping/historical area like Bazaar del Mundo/Old Town or something like Old Poway Park. Too bad for us if it is not saved.

More Air & Space

2009-09-12T16:20:00.000-07:00

I made a quick left turn off of Magnolia Avenue when I saw this missile from the road. The Annex at Gillespie Field is part of the San Diego Air and Space Museum located in Balboa Park. The annex has an educational center, restoration shop, and is storage for extra aircraft owned by the museum.

Seau's

2009-09-11T08:03:00.000-07:00

Seau's is a restaurant in Mission Valley that is owned by the professional football player Junior Seau. Seau was born in San Diego and used to play for our football team, the Chargers. The restaurant looks like a mini stadium from the outside and has an incredible number of TV monitors as well as a projection screen for your sports viewing pleasure. They serve American food and also have a large sushi menu.

Old Trees

2009-09-10T16:00:00.000-07:00

Mission Hills is one of the older communities of San Diego. As a result, you can find some fantastically old, knotted, gnarly, and beautiful trees there. It's also interesting to think about the different trees that were popular at different times in the evolution of this city. At end of the 19th century and the turn of the next, it seems that pepper trees were the most popular. But I'm just guessing from what I've seen around the town.

These trees look like they might be located along a forest path, perhaps, but they are actually tucked into the back side of Grant Park.

It really is a lovely place to experience, you should go soon!

Trader Mort's

2009-09-09T08:20:00.000-07:00

This is an old photo I pulled from the archives to keep with the Tiki theme. Trader Morts Liquor & Deli has more than just fixin's for mai tais. Click here to see photos of the inside and outside of the store from a tiki fan or here, here, or here to see a few of my older posts on tiki.

Tiki 2

2009-09-08T08:11:00.000-07:00

A few years ago I posted about all the tiki inspired architecture and places with the tiki theme that we have here. I stopped by Bamboo 2 U and Tiki's Too (the photo is of the front of the store) on my Coast Highway 101 trip and they are totally loaded with tropical paradise merch...and tiki's too.

Sidewalk mosaics

2009-09-07T07:40:00.000-07:00

There are a bunch of mosaics on the sidewalks in Encinitas that I didn't know about until I decided to post the above. This one was actually in Solana Beach. In the late 1990s, a lot of money was put into revitalizing downtown Encinitas and the mosaics were part of the project as well as upgrading the sidewalks, putting in lighting, and installing trash cans with artistic tiles on the side (I didn't know about the trash cans either). Click here or here to see some of the mosaics and here for the tiled trash cans.

Big pink cloud

2009-09-06T08:06:00.000-07:00

I saw this big pink cloud last night from Mission Valley. Humidity seems to help make for beautiful sunsets - click here to see another photo from about 2 years ago. Ugh, when will it end!?

The boobs

2009-09-05T08:05:00.000-07:00

Anyone who has driven between San Diego and Los Angeles on Interstate 5 North has probably seen the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station, which our family affectionately calls "the boobs". The plant generates about 20% of power to Southern California.

Beware of Landsharks

2009-09-04T09:02:00.000-07:00

For me "pizza delivery" is a phrase that is almost synonymous with "candygram" - I'm on the lookout for Landsharks. Can you imagine a Landshark riding this cute scooter for Bronx Pizza? Click here for a pic of their pizzas.

Shy Koala

2009-09-03T08:43:00.000-07:00

The koala exhibit opened when I was a child and it's still a favorite. The viewing platforms are up high, at koala-eye level. I sat there, waiting for this guy to turn around for...oh...5 minutes or so. Didn't happen. Oh well, maybe next time.

Night (space) rider

2009-09-02T07:56:00.000-07:00

Yep, that is a small space ship on the front of a motorcycle with sparkling lights. And there were flags. And a costumed man with a long beard. And a website on the side of the bike that I couldn't read. Have you seen this biker dude around town?

Sombreros

2009-09-01T07:55:00.000-07:00

I liked this colorful display of paper flowers, ceramics, and tiny sombreros in one of the Old Town shops. Seeing those little sombreros made me think of big sombreros and how much fun it is drinking margaritas while wearing a big sombrero. Or wearing a big sombrero and getting your photo taken on a donkey in TJ. Ridiculous, but fun. Poppers anyone? You know what I'm talking about?

Alcazar Garden

2009-08-31T08:39:00.000-07:00

Did you hope to see more from the architect Richard Requa? Well, good, because he did many projects in San Diego including several in Balboa Park. Requa was the chief architect for the California Pacific International Exposition in the Park held from 1935-1936. He designed the above Alcazar Garden, as well as the following in Balboa Park: Air & Space Museum, Hall of Champions, Casa de Rey Moro Garden, House of Hospitality, this tile fountain (called the Persian Water Rug Fountain), and more...

Sessions building

2009-08-30T08:00:00.000-07:00

This is one of the historic buildings in Old Town. Today it houses Toby's Candle Shop, but at one time it was used as a landscape nursery business and ceramic shop.

The building was originally called the "Milton P. Sessions Spanish Studio". It was designed by Richard Requa and built in 1929 for Milton Sessions, a landscape architect and cousin of Kate Sessions, "Mother of Balboa Park".

The bloom

2009-08-29T08:25:00.000-07:00

I posted a photo before of the Century Plant or Agave americana. I was told that the plant blooms once then dies. So, here you will see, above, its beautiful bloom.

Jimmy Wong's neon sign

2009-08-28T08:14:00.000-07:00

Hillquest, a guide to Hillcrest, says that Jimmy Wong's is the neighborhood's oldest ongoing restaurant. I couldn't figure out when it opened, maybe the 1940s or 1950s, but in 2006 they remodeled and reopened as The Asian Bistro. I'm glad they kept the sign.