DAY TRIP! SAN DIEGO!

Dia de los Muertos

The Day of the Dead is fast approaching and Old Town in San Diego is replete with everything you could want to celebrate it. Or be creeped out by it.

The day was exceptionally windy and the ocean was wild. This is Wind and Sea Beach and the elements were living up to their name today. The waves were high and crashing, there were palm tree fronds all over the streets and not nearly as many seals as usual out on the rocks.

Grandma and the Mariachis. 'Nuff said.

La Plaza de Reyes restaurant, where we had the best lunch. Really. The moist, tasty tamales, fresh soft corn tortillas, delicious chili verde...I can't go on or we'll have to make another trip back to San Diego!

Here we are on our porch, with a beautiful clear day behind us!

WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE

Today started out with another gorgeous, sunny day. It was going to be about 80' - the hottest all week, so we decided to spend it at the beach and the pool. That is, after sleeping in till after 9:30 because we played cards so late last night.

Robert wasn't feeling well, so he stayed home. I'm glad he feels better tonight.

We went to Crystal Cove State Park - just across the street from our complex. It's the beach where the Chlarson's little beach house was (in fact we were sitting almost right in front of it) and is also where they filmed Beaches. That house is on the far right of this photo.

I only waded in the ocean up to my knees, but my parents dove right in. That's them barreling through a wave, Mom on the left and Dad on the right.

After lunch, we went back to the resort and to the Quiet Pool. Something more my speed. I went in and swam two lengths and then was pleasantly cool to sit in the shade and read my book the rest of the afternoon.

This is a Marriott resort and is beautiful. And so well-constructed. We have two little boys staying in the room over us and can't even hear them - until they go outside and run around.

Another beautiful sunset! Every night is different from the one before. But I have to go - it's dinner time!

CALIFORNIA, HERE I COME!

Well, here we are at the ultra-luxurious Newport Coast Villas. This is the view from our patio, taken as we arrived at sunset last night. I'll be posting photos as the week goes on, if I can find time in my planned schedule of laying by the pool, laying on the beach, laying on the chaise... well, you get the idea.