Overcast and Gloomy in Clairemont

When I awoke at 6:30am, I saw that this day was starting out with gray skies.  Around 7:30am, I ventured out to morning Mass honoring the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  As I started the car, the windshield was covered with little droplets, which I felt as I left the building.  The windshield wipers did their job, but as I drove I realized that I had to continually use them.  Strange for San Diego in August.  As I reached the Mother of Confidence Church, in LaJolla, it was actually raining.  Again, in August?  WOW.

We often have gray clouds early in the morning, but it burns off around 9 or 10 am.  Not this morning.  The temperature remained cool for the whole day.  I chose to skip the pool.

Later in the afternoon, took a walk to Starbucks about one block away.  Haven't been there often, but when I have occasion to go in, I find the people, of all ages, quietly working on their computers. Some seem like students working together.  Older customers might be reading while they enjoy their coffee.  This Starbucks was the reason I pursued a home in this area.  Not because of the store, but the people I saw inside.  I reckoned that if this environment was calm and inviting, the neighborhood might be as well.  After a year of living in Clairemont, I found this to be true.

This cloudy day resulted in accomplishing laundry chores, knitting, etc.  No matter what the situation, what matters is how you use it.  Tomorrow, back to the pool.

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Perhaps by Catherine Hall (on Kindle and the Nook) 

The Book of Micah by Catherine Hall (on Kindle and the Nook) 

Today's Activities

After rain, sleet and some snow over night, we left early this morning for Belleayre Mountain in the Catskill Mountains in New York.  We left later than expected, since the weather report stated that Orange County received more of the storm than we did in Dutchess County (NY).  It was the first snow of the year for me.  There had been an lighter snow fall earlier in the season, but I was told it wasn't much of anything.



On the Road to Belleayre Mountain

 

After leaving my grandson at the mountain, we turned around and proceeded to Wappingers Falls to root for my son-in-law who was running in the Knights of Columbus Holiday Run.  We whooped and hollered for each of the runners as they crossed the finish line.  Armed with special hot coffees from Starbucks to ward off the cold, we enjoyed doing this.  Congratulations to all the participants for a five mile run with a long uphill finish.

Village of Wappingers Falls, NY

The rest of the day was filled with regular errands.  Still it was a great day.

 

 

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Mimi's, Mission Valley

I planned to meet a friend, Diane, at 1pm on Tuesday for coffee at Starbucks in Mission Valley.  I arrived about one-half hour early and found every table and chair taken.  Since I was early, I did a little window shopping at a furniture store.  I checked back at Starbucks about 15 minutes later and found that the same people were sitting at the same tables, as best as I could recall.  It reminded me of my younger days when lunchtime at a place (in New York) was so busy, you had to literally stand behind the person sitting on a stool eating their lunch.

When Diane arrived, I flagged her down, related the situation, and asked if we could go to Mimi's instead.  As we drove to Mimi's (just a short distance away), I voiced my opinion, "What's with these people?  They are prolonging their time in Starbucks just because it is cold, windy and raining outside."  Diane asked me, "Weren't we going to do the same thing?"  I'm paraphrasing but you get the point.

Mimi's is a very nice comfortable restaurant serving good food.  When we arrived, we had a short wait and then, were seated.  Not bad for such a cold day.  I had not eaten lunch so I perused the menu and could not decide.  Diane was so gracious as she offered to share a soup and 1/2 sandwich lunch (for $6.99), as she had already eaten lunch earlier.  So, I had the half-sandwich and she enjoyed a small cup of tomato bisque soup.  Diane said the soup was good, though a little salty.  I enjoyed a the half of a Bacon Lettuce and Tomato sandwich on wheat toast.  The waiter was very gracious about our sharing lunch.

We enjoyed catching up on each other's activities and family news.  Although I like Starbucks, I think our move provided a more comfortable environment to spend our hour or so in conversation.  I think you would enjoy Mimi's in Mission Valley.

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Bronx Zoo Trip

In April, I flew to New York and enjoyed a day at the Bronx Zoo with 11 other members (11 adults and 5 children) of my family. We were celebrating the fortieth birthday of my daughter, who decided on spending her day this way.

The Bronx Zoo is located in a highly populated area of New York City in the borough called the Bronx. The picture of the buffalo with the tall apartment building in the background shows how close it is to everyday life. The other scenes show how the zoo provides a respite as well as educating the public about our wildlife.


We arrived early enough to see the California Seals presentation, which included watching them being fed. The family really enjoyed it. I, being able to see the Seals whenever I choose, sat on the sideline. Then, they all moved on to the Monkey House. The children came out, calling me inside to see some of the Monkeys’ antics. After this, they made their way to the reptile house, definitely not my cup of tea. I preferred to take pictures of the peacock. As we traveled through the zoo, my daughters spotted the children’s section. They took the children, ages 9 through 16, in to see what they had previously enjoyed as youngsters. They went into the prairie dog town and popped up in acrylic openings in the hill. Then they all climbed the ropes resembling a spider’s web, posing for a photo, obviously to tall for this area. It was still fun.





For lunch, a picnic was provided by the birthday girl. My eldest daughter brought very fancy cupcakes and one candle. Much to the dismay of the birthday girl (that she quickly got over), we sang “Happy Birthday” and ate the cupcakes.

Due to a grandchild’s scheduled soccer game, half the party left and the remainder proceeded with the day. After a ride on the Merry-go-Round, a visit to the Butterfly House was quite a treat. You walk in among the butterflies and watch them as they gracefully flit from plant to plant.


As a busy day ended, we were ready for a Starbucks. Alas, the people we asked told us of places that were well off our route. Finally, we took an exit of the highway and, low and behold, there was a Starbucks. A great day was had by all.

Actually, earlier in the day, the family agreed that we should do this again on someone else’s birthday, but as time marches on the family is just too busy again.