Visitors to San Diego

While I always busy my time here in San Diego, activities ramp up a bit when visitors come.

A week ago, Monday, my friend, Marge, and I went to lunch at the Breakfast Republic.  We chose the same meal.... the Shrimp and Ricotta Frittata with slices of Avocado.  With an English Muffin and browned potatoes, the servings were delicious and ample.  I was only able to eat about a third of the meal resulting on a box for an eat-at-home meal.  I would recommend this restaurant.

That evening, my 15 year old New York granddaughter and her girlfriend from New Hampshire arrived after an impromptu trip to the southern ridge of the Grand Canyon with our Los Angeles family.  Early Tuesday morning, I went to the Clairemont section of San Diego to take them and their cousins to Krispy Kreme at the Clairemont Town Square.  My visiting granddaughter remembered that her brothers went there a number of years ago when they came to San Diego.  We walked there to have the total experience of Krispy Kreme.  They could see the operation of making donuts, though I think the taste of the donuts had more of an impact on the teens....Yum, yum.

After that, I left them as they went to Belmont Park in Mission Beach, where they enjoyed the afternoon.  Then, before my grandson's basketball practice, they were able to eat at Hodads in Ocean Beach.  This restaurant is a total experience that's certainly worth the trip.

On Wednesday, we went to the beach.  My son-in-law has a favorite area which is quiet.  He goes there once a week with the children teaching them to "bodyboard.'  I was only interested in wading but found the waves strong enough to pull me over if I wasn't careful.  Hence, a perfect spot to 'bodyboard.'

On Thursday, I met the family at the San Diego Zoo.  When I arrived about 10am, they were already touring the park and had reached the Polar Bear exhibit, which they found closed.  I took the skyfari®-aerial-tram to catch up with them.  This ride is a great way to see the expanse of the zoo and provides picture ops, if that interests you.  To the right, below is a photo of Balboa Park, which is located just south of the zoo.  Well worth visiting.

Balboa Park

We all proceeded to traverse the zoo, attending a 4-D theater and checking out some of the animals.  Lunch was at the Sabertooth Grill near the Elephant Odyssey.  This restaurant is the favorite of the family.  After everyone was well fed, we continued on to view the sleepy Koalas and feed the Giraffes.

After several hours, we enjoyed a cool desert near the front of the park and concluded our great day at the zoo.  I went my way, they went theirs....to basketball practice and dinner at home followed by a sunset visit to the beach.  On Friday, after experiencing lunch at IN-N-OUT with burgers and fries, the young ladies were on their way home.  No trip to California is complete without enjoying an IN-N-OUT meal.

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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) 

Get out & Vote While You Still Can

 I am voting for Donald J. Trump for President in 2016.  You can read my reasons at:  http://bicoastalgrandma.blogspot.com/2015/07/why-i-like-donald-trump-for-president.html .  I believe we need someone who is straightforward, loves America, has not been part of the political scene, and not owned by big money donors.

I was a non-partisan voter who, in every election season, voted for the person I thought would do the best job for America.  I watch politics closely and no sooner had I re-registered as a Republican, in my opinion, the Republicans' devious stratagem started coming to light.  As I became more aware of the Republican party's recent election machinations, I've been reminded of my younger days when I watched the TV coverage of the entire Republican convention feverishly trying to lock out Barry Goldwater.  I'm sickened and disheartened that the party hasn't improved in all these years. 

Sadly, the Republican party actions, namely, the last seven years of not standing up to the present Administration and the disingenuous technique of using your primary vote to create the need for a convention has caused my disenchantment.  These actions only confirm to me that, Republican politicians and their candidates, are only interested in their own personal welfare. 

Mitt Romney, the Republican who lost the 2012 Presidential elections was shown on TV advising Republicans to vote for a different person than the one they really believe should be the candidate in each State's primary.  To the best of my understanding, he was telling Republicans that voting in this disingenuous way would result in a 'contested' convention.'  In this type of convention, the Republican delegates could ignore the votes of the people and put whomever they wanted in as nominee.  He, admittedly, wanted to prevent Donald Trump from being nominated, no matter how many American citizens voted for him.  I watched the video of this losing 2012 Presidential candidate on three different channels because I could not believe that he actually said it.  No one stood up to him and said we don't play around with our votes.  No one. 

Apparently, the Democratic party is really no different.  It just handles things differently.  They have 'super delegates' as well as delegates. The 'super delegate' category seems to be comprised of elected officials who can vote for whomever they choose. Their vote seems to be cast for what is best for the Democratic party, seemingly not the American people.  It's like they, and only they, know what's best for America.  No matter how many people vote for a candidate, the 'super delegates' have the power to sway or skew the election results. The nominee will be the person selected by the 'super delegates', not the American voter.


The Republican party, on the other hand, doesn't use that technique.  I've read the explanations of their system, but in my estimation, it's just a convoluted process to get the results they, the Republican party, desire. To my understanding, sounds like a lot of 'back room' actions.  Doesn't matter what the 'unwashed' and 'unlearned' voter wants.  Even a politician, who has been in office just one term, knows how to game the system.

I saw the video made by a Colorado delegate who was shut out of voting because he was preparing to vote for Donald Trump.  Apparently, last August, the Colorado officials revised the rules so that without any people voting, they chose their nominee.  If Colorado can get away with it, what State Election Officials will try it next?


It used to be that the average person  just went to work, feeding and housing their family, and looking forward to the day when they can make ends meet to the best of their ability.  Now they are still in the 'rat' race, but it's an ever uphill battle.  I'm not even touching the subjects of many people out of work or the many people (45.4 million, as of October 2015) on food stamps.

Political officials, on the other hand, are much better off.  Many candidates enter the ring with idealism. Except for a few, their quest to help their Nation and its people seems to fade into a pursuit to preserve their own newly-found and cushy way of life. By the way, what do they do all day?  No matter what politicians of both, or either party decide for your health, wealth and freedoms, theirs is never affected.  With salaries and better benefits guaranteed by you, the American public, they live above the fray.  In my opinion, they answer to no one until Election time rolls around.  Then, they say what you want to hear in order to preserve their jobs.  After they are elected, they will hold meetings and look busy, but it seems that they've forgotten the hard working citizens who pay their salaries.  Do you really think a politician who has been in office ten, fifteen or even, 40 years can feel your pain?  


In my estimation, neither the Democratic nor the Republican party really care about or represent the voter.  We're just pawns for them to arrogantly ignore. All politicians and party officials need to be reminded that a vote is a privilege, not a toy.   Many people died protecting our freedoms, including the voting process.  It is every political party's patriotic duty to honor an American citizen's right to vote and have that vote counted.


The only hope we have as a nation is the silent majority waking up, and waking up QUICKLY.  It's time to end the cabal.

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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) 

On the Go, My Restaurant Reviews

This past week, we had visitors from New York.  The first evening we went to the Old Town Mexican Cafe.  We had a half hour wait, but it didn't seem that long because the avenue was busy with diners and tourists. As you entered the restaurant, you could watch some women employees making fresh tacos.  I enjoyed the steak 'street tacos', which were a little smaller than the regular taco.  During dinner, we enjoyed Mariachi music.  Two guitarists went through the aisles playing requests.  I asked if they could sing "De Colores" and they did beautifully.  I recommend this restaurant for good food and great ambiance.

The next day we went to the San Diego Zoo, which is always a great experience.  We enjoyed our lunch at Sydney's Grille on the Zoo's property and then proceeded to view the koalas, which are always adorable.  About 100 feet away, there were two young giraffes and two very tall ones.  No matter how many times you look at them, you have to marvel at how tall they are. Then we walked back to the Skyride....a distance of about three city blocks.  After a short wait, we were on our way.  I always enjoy this ride because I can see everything in the zoo from that height.  Unfortunately, my camera stopped working when we were viewing the koalas.  It was very disappointing.

The next venue was the Ice Age 4D movie Theater.  It's very cute and not your typical movie.  The children really enjoyed it.  Our next choice was the Polar Bear.  Today there was only one visible and he was sleeping.  During other visits, we've seen the bear swimming and more active, but the day was cloudy and probably the bear was tired.  Who knows?  After this, we walked down a long hill to see the Pandas.  I saw a Red Panda for the first time.  When we reached the Pandas we are more familiar with, I was surprised at how large the young Panda had grown.  His mother was in one section and he was in the other.  The announcer stated that at two years of age, his Mom throws him out to fend for himself.  Later, we rode the Kangaroo Bus back toward the entrance.  Everybody enjoyed the zoo.

Also, you don't have to tour the zoo the way we did, because you get a map when you enter through the gates.  It gives you the opportunity to plan your day and ensure that everyone in your group gets to see their favorite animals.

That evening, my grandchildren, with the help of their aunt from NY, made homemade pizzas.  They did a great job.

The next afternoon as a visit to the R.H. Fleet Science Center.  I had been there a few months ago with my San Diego grandson and after six hours he still didn't want to leave.  So on this day with our visitors, we experienced the Taping Shape Exhibition.  Everyone had such a great time going through it that they insisted  I try it out.  The whole exhibition, made completely of clear packing tape, was suspended in air supported by a structure of steel pipes.  They walked through tunnels of tape and ended the experience with a 6 or 8 foot slide.  When I went through I had to told the walls for balance and then sit down and slide to the exit.  It was worth it just to see the delight on the faces of the rest of the family, who watched me come down.

Later that evening, we had dinner at Sammy's Woodfired Pizza in LaJolla.  My New York daughter and I shared a flat iron steak with fingerling potatoes.  Delish.  We finished our dinner with miniature donuts that were very tasty.  I love just a tidbit of sweetness after dinner.  Our waitress was excellent.  I certainly recommend this restaurant.

On Saturdays, minor league baseball practice is a commitment and takes precedence over anything else.  Because of that our ventures were scheduled for later in the day.  We took the trolley to downtown San Diego and walked to the Ferry to Coronado Island.  The ride probably takes about 10 minutes from the Broadway Pier to the Ferry Landing on the Island.  I always like a boat ride on the San Diego Bay.  After some Cold Stone ice cream and coffee, we toured some boutiques and an Art gallery.  Then back onto the ferry headed for the Broadway Pier.  Near the pier are the USS Midway Museum, a former aircraft carrier, and Seaport Village with restaurants and small shops.  Since it was late in the day, we skipped that area and went to dinner at Anthony's Fish Grotto on Harbor Drive.  This year they are celebrating their 70th year. The food was delicious.

 After Mass at Sacred Heart Church on Ocean Beach, we all joined together for Brunch at my City of San Diego daughter's house.  That afternoon we went to the Birch Aquarium in LaJolla overlooking the Pacific Ocean.  We had the opportunity to touch tide-pool animals and see a myriad of fish in the "Hall of Fish".   There were docents standing at the tide-pools to help the visitors and answer their questions.  The fish were identified so it was a great learning experience as well.  The other side of the building held exhibits of Seahorses and Sharks.  The most interesting to me were the Sea Horses.  Both adults and children enjoyed this afternoon chock full of information.  For the last meal of the day, we chose Rubio's on Mission Bay.  This, just like Anthony's Fish Grotto, was the original restaurant from 1983,  We completed our day with a walk on the beach where Pacific Beach meets Mission Beach.  A great day.

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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) 

Christmas in New York

This past month has been a very busy one.  Since I spent two months in New York with my daughter who broke her leg, I didn't expect to come for Christmas. This trip was unexpected and unplanned, but very enjoyable.  When I looked for a return flight to San Diego, American Airlines was offering the least expensive ticket on a Tuesday, Dec. 29 from JFK Airport in New York City.  When that day came, we were experiencing inclement weather with light snow and ice in Dutchess County, while it was just raining in New York City.  So, instead of my daughter driving me the approximately 86 miles, with 60 of them on icy roads, I decided to take the MetroNorth train into Manhattan.  Then, I planned to ride the Air Link shuttle for the rest of the trip to the airport.  The train ride was fine....not new to me.  When I arrived at the pickup spot for the shuttle, sheltered from the rain by only my umbrella, I saw that Park Avenue going north between 41st and 42nd Sts  was closed.  It was now a parking spot for rental bikes.  After phoning Air Link, I was assured that the driver would pick me up on that corner.  He arrived a little early and politely helped me climb into the front seat of the van.  He drove safely and maneuvered adroitly through the growing traffic.  As the traffic grew and the rain lessened, I suspected the tourists were coming out of their hotel rooms to roam the City, or possibly, New Yorkers might be leaving work early.  I really wouldn't know, but these thoughts kept me busy as the driver wended his way through the streets. The drive was uneventful except for a massive tie-up on the Grand Central Parkway, which the driver deftly circumvented on the city streets.  I arrived at JFK, calm, cool, and collected .  I'd certainly recommend this shuttle.

During my visit, I had the opportunity to eat at two restaurants that were very enjoyable.  The first was "The Tomato Cafe" in Fishkill, NY.  While the food is excellent, I especially appreciated their practice of providing half meals.  I am a small eater and usually have to take a box home to one of my grandsons who graciously eats the leftovers.  I especially enjoyed the Steak Frites and always finished my meal with a cookie chosen from the display case.  The employees are very courteous and friendly.  The restaurant seems to very busy at lunch time.  However, we didn't wait long for a table.  One Sunday after church, we called to see if they could accommodate 11 people, which they did.  The family enjoyed their meal as well as the easy going atmosphere.  I really recommend "The Tomato Cafe."

On the Saturday after Christmas, I took the MetroNorth train to Tarrytown.  My friend, Katie, met me and drove to a restaurant she likes in Irvington.  We were having Brunch at The Red Hat on the River.  The restaurant is located in a renovated Lord and Burnham factory building situated on the edge of the Hudson River.  I checked the history of Lord and Burnham and found it very interesting.

The Red Hat on the River has a loft area over the main floor.  Since we arrived early, we were seated on the main floor by the large windows, which provided a great view of the river.  Again, since I prefer a small meal,  I enjoyed a delicious crab cake.  As best as I can recall, Katie had the Eggs .Benedict.  The service was great and we had an enjoyable repast.  The atmosphere was very warm and a great place for a special meal.  As we were preparing to leave, we saw a framed letter from the author, James Patterson, to the restaurant owner who happens to be his cousin.  Outside the restaurant, Katie pointed out the views of the Tappan Zee Bridge and New York City in the distance to the south.  A great photo op despite the haze.

View of New York City in the distance looking South

Looking North, the Tappan Zee Bridge over the Hudson

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Perhaps by Catherine Hall (on Kindle and the Nook) 

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A Peaceful East and a Stormy West

In a span of a week and a half, I was able to get photos that portray a calm East Coast and a stormy West Coast. 

As soon as my daughter in New York told me that she twisted and broke her leg, I was there 'in a heartbeat'....well, actually not, but close. That occurred in late August.  I didn't have time to wander about the Hudson Valley, as I usually do when I visit, until the last two weeks of October.

A hike up Mt. Beacon in Beacon New York with my grandson was the highlight of my adventures.  We decided to use the 'fire road ' to climb the mountain.  This road is not open to vehicles, but provides emergency personnel a way to the top.  As we entered the area, I mistakenly took the wrong entrance.  It lead to a rock-bed creek next to a trailing waterfall.  Within minutes, I recognized the trail as the one his younger brother had chosen to lead me up the mountain three years previous.  At that time, water was slowly streaming down and he had to assist me so I would not slip on the wet rocks.  We stopped and turned around because I didn't feel safe crossing the waterfall on wet rocks.

This time though, the trail was dry.  The only thing I had to be careful about was not to turn my ankle as I traversed the rocks.  Before long, I realized that since I'm not a hiker, this trail was not the best choice.  We decided to cross the waterfall and head for the 'fire road.' 

Crossed waterfall here

Sample of trail.

 When we reached the waterfall, my grandson had to help me cross.  After carefully navigating the rocks,  I could see the waterfall that actually looked to be a series of about five small ones...a very pretty sight. 

Waterfall

My grandson used his phone (GPS) to locate the fire road and we were soon on our way down the mountain.  These pictures reflect a quiet, peaceful day.  We didn't get to the top of Mt. Beacon that day, so I have no photos of the beautiful Hudson Valley.  I've been told that from the Fire Station at the top of the mountain, you can see New York City, approximately 60 miles to the south.  Perhaps, next year....

The finch shown below was the only visible evidence of wildlife that day.

As we descended, one of the switchbacks on the fire road provided the opportunity to get a photo of the Newburgh Beacon Bridge over the Hudson River.

Now, on the opposite Coast, I have photos of the angry Pacific Ocean.  This past Tuesday night in San Diego, we experienced heavy rains with thunder and lightning.  It's a rare occurrence here.  The thunder persisted for hours with intermittent downpours. 
After this overnight storm, I thought I might get some good photos of the waves.  Camera in hand, I went to a neighboring area in San Diego called Ocean Beach.  The town was bustling with preparations for the Farmer's Market held weekly on Wednesday.  The tables already set up, invited me to stop and look, but I was on a mission.

As I neared the beach, the flock of sea gulls (photo on the right) fighting the gusts of wind were quite a sight.  The man was providing what looked like peanut butter.  Every so often a gull would succeed in getting the food.  I didn't have the same success in getting that shot.

As I expected, the waves were angry.  Hopefully, they would provide some good photos.  Ocean Beach has a very long pier.  Fishermen and tourists alike enjoy it. 

Ocean Beach Municipal Pier

 

The waves looked furious, but the storm was over.




The photo below resembled a crystal Christmas tree.  As I took it, I was startled by an unexpected spray of ocean water.  My clothing was just slightly wet....a small price to pay for that photo.

  

 

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Perhaps by Catherine Hall (on Kindle and the Nook) 

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Why I Like Donald Trump for President 2016

Since Donald Trump declared his intentions to run for the office of President of the United States in 2016, his detractors have been criticizing him.  First they laughed; then they seemed to deride the thought of a Trump presidency.  I remind them that people laughed at Ronald Reagan, saying that he was only an actor.  Look what he accomplished. 

I think that these detractors are also grasping at straws when they pull apart every statement that Donald makes.  Remember he speaks without notes or a teleprompter.

I’m for ‘the Donald’ precisely because he is a Washington ‘outsider’.   All the other candidates have political ties.  Now, Donald Trump might have ties of which I’m unaware.  However, Donald also has not been schooled in being Politically Correct in his statements and in being ‘quiet.’ (Like shut up and sit down.)  I’ve read that Freshman Congressmen and Senators are told just that, when they speak up.  We need a leader who is not intimidated.  I believe that, like Ronald Reagan, those who want to do us harm would think twice before doing anything with Donald Trump as President.

In my opinion, both Republican and Democratic politicians have lost all common sense.  The Republicans promised anything and everything if elected in 2012.   Where has that gone?  Nowhere!   The Democrats gave us Obamacare.  The original bill was purported to be 2200 pages, which I read.  After reading this bill, I was just plain tired and disgusted. Within this Bill are changes to other statutes.  They may have been changed to comport with the purposes of Obamacare.  Who knows?  We, the People would never know of these other changes without reading and researching the whole Affordable Care Act.  Who even read the Bill before passing it?  Certainly not the Democrats who voted for it and succeeded in making it law.  It’s time for politicians to write and enact bills that address the subject exactly, and only that one subject.   Aren’t we tired of politicians acting like they know better than us?  I’m happy that there are people receiving healthcare who were not previously able.  All people should have access to healthcare insurance, and there could be a better healthcare law, if politicians, both Democrats and Republicans, put their collective and personal agendas aside.

Our freedoms and our rights under the 'original' Constitution, not under present day interpretation by liberals, should be sacrosanct.  The Founders intended our elected officials to respect and maintain those rights.  The President of the United States should protect the ‘original’ Constitution.

Our Military (Active and Retired) must be respected.  We owe our Veterans the utmost of care.  They put themselves in danger to protect us.  We must ensure that they have the best healthcare, perhaps the same as our elected Washington representatives, as well as job opportunities.

Also, in my humble opinion, this Nation is over-regulated.  Experts hired by this Administration and maybe, life-long career specialists in various departments tell American Citizens what they can and can’t do.  Were they elected to anything?  No.  Yet, California suffers from the over-protection of a ‘smelt’ or a special ‘mouse’.  We should be a self-sufficient Nation and because of Washington Politicians we aren’t.  We should be using our own homeland’s natural resources, but the powers that be say “No.”  You could note that this affects your ability to find a good job or improve your salary, if you even have employment.  Now, rules are good things, but over-regulation has caused our lives to be diminished.

We should be protecting our Nation’s borders and allowing only LEGAL immigration.  Because of insufficient protection on our Southern Border, ILLEGAL immigrants from all over the world pour into our Nation, seemingly increased by an invitation from our present President.  From what I’ve read, the Department of Homeland Security has allowed these people to disburse, not to be heard from again unless they kill an American citizen.  We have Sanctuary cities, which harbor ILLEGAL immigrants and defy Federal laws in regard to these people.  Does our present President use his authority to put a stop to this?  Have our representatives in Congress?

This is why I like Donald Trump.  Even if he has friends on both sides of the aisle in Washington, he is not one of them.  Donald is a successful businessman.  I really believe that he does want America to be great again.  It makes perfect business sense.  I think he has the wisdom and experience to create jobs and to work with Congress on improving this Nation.  He would not sell us down the river in any negotiations, which is his forte.  I expect that he would speak out when Congress was not working in the best interest of all American Citizens, not just a few.  In that vein, he knows how to use the best talent.   As President Trump, I hope that he would tap into the pool of Presidential candidates for 2016.   Their experience under his direction could benefit this country greatly. 

It’s time to declare that we are a great Nation and can be even greater under the correct leadership.  No more apologies to the world.  Let’s respect ourselves and lead again.  Let’s remember that every nation on Earth, friend or foe, has benefited from the generosity of our great Nation.

Only Donald Trump, at this time, will be the leader we need for President of the United States in 2016.

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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) 

Ospreys in Flight

I visited Robb Field On May 16 to see how the Osprey family was doing.  Below is a picture of Mom and two chicks.

I receive a daily email from a birder who shared pictures of one of the Osprey chicks or fledglings flying.  Yesterday, May 20, I went to Robb Field to see what I could see, so to speak.  

The female juvenile Osprey (photo below left) came down to the baseball field.  I believe she was the first born.  A little while later the brother came to visit. (photo below right)  I enjoyed seeing them so close.  I could see that the Mother was watching closely from the nest as they sat on the fence, about 10 feet above the ground.

After the juvenile male arrived, they settled down and just looked around.  Some smaller birds came to visit, but Ospreys eat fish, so they just ignored the other birds.

 A birder who has been watching the Osprey's for a number of years decided that the young'ens had been exposed to the humans long enough.  So, he advised me to get ready to take a picture of them in flight.  Then, I supposed he just clapped the fence to cause them to take flight.  I was so busy concentrating on getting a good picture, I don't actually know what he did.  But, the female immediately took flight.  Not being adept at photographing birds in flight, I barely caught a photo of the female (photo below left).  The male didn't respond as quickly, but when he did, I was able to get the photo on the right.

As I walked to the Osprey nest, I was buzzed by some Barn Swallows.  Now getting a photo of them with their swift maneuvers was a challenge.

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Perhaps by Catherine Hall (on Kindle and the Nook) 

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