Tuesday April 22, '14

I've been having a great time in San Diego--so good that I just went to sleep last night without posting a thing!  For my worrier, I will try to remember to post an "I'm going to bed--ttl" when I do that.

Sunday we had a nice Easter celebration with Karen's daughter Chris and grandson Quin.  Quin hunted Easter eggs and we had a bunny cake for dessert at dinner.  Quin spent the night, I slept in Myrtle with Livy (who rubbed and purred a lot).  I love sleeping up on that bunk!  I can't sit up straight because the ceiling is so low--you'd think it would give me claustrophobia.

Monday Karen, Quin and I spent the day at the Birch Aquarium in San Diego.  It is a Scripps aquarium, and is a gem.  Not big, but the displays are excellent and they are doing some very interesting research on corals, CO2 effects in the ocean, and a host of other topics.  We wrapped up our visit in the outdoor hands-on area with interactive water learn/fun exhibits.  My favorite was a big water table with water streaming in one side and out the other.  There was a grid of posts with groves on all sides that you could slide plastic panels into that changed the direction of the water flow.  And a dozen little plastic boats that you could start down a channel you created, then watch to see where your current took them.  Why didn't I take a picture?  I was having too much fun to think of it!

We dropped Quinn off at his home, and Chris gave us a tour.  They have a lovely house near the top of a ridge, and have a gorgeous territorial view.  We got outside just in time for Chris to rescue what we think was a tiny baby 'possum from the swimming pool.  Karen and I headed back to her home, and had her neighbor Leah join us for Easter-dinner-leftovers last night. We had a delightful time talking and laughing.  A great way to end a fun day.

This morning Karen has a quick dentist's appointment so I am catching up with all of you and taking advantage of her electrical outlets to do that!  We are talking about going to Bernardo Winery today.  This is the oldest winery in southern California and has an assortment of craft shops on the grounds, including glass blowing!

I sure am enjoying Myrtle's batteries, water pump, and propane fridge while I am living at Karen's curb.  And I don't have to worry about running out of power because I have that great display where I can check levels on all tanks and power sources.

I talked to an old friend last night--Margaret Bissell.  She was delighted to hear that I am going to Anza Borrego tomorrow, and recommended a campground.  So I'll be off into the desert east of here in the morning!

Karen's backyard view. Note the large eves.

Karen and Quin at the aquarium.  

Bronze grey whales in a fountain at the aquarium.