I Go Out Walking

Anybody else like Patsy Cline? The title of this post is from one of her songs. No other connection, but if you've never heard her country songs from the late '50's and early 60's (I believe) you are missing out.  At any rate, I really made tracks around this lake near home this summer. It was a great time to talk to my teens when they accompanied me and I hope I burned off a few pounds. Sitting at a desk for 40 hours a week does nothing good for your figure.

By the way, I had an obsession with cattails when I was young. They always seemed out of reach as we drove down the highway to Grandma's. Now I could pick some, I'm sure, but I know better. Don't you wish for those childhood days sometimes? 

I never noticed these seeds are so pretty when they are newly formed. 

I'm still discovering things about this lake each week. Just you wait!

Little Dutch Girl

During July we were fortunate to see the Rembrandt exhibit in town. While his paintings are not my favorites since I like the Impressionists the best, it was interesting to read about his life. 

The museum gift shop had some Dutch items to go with the exhibit.

Unrelated to Rembrandt, the prairie was blooming quite nicely. I do not know what weed or wildflower is in the bottom picture, but I like it for its uniqueness. The picture doesn't do it justice.

Summer Continues...

At least on this blog! I guess I've decided to just keep going instead of skipping ahead to our apple picking adventure. Here are a couple of pictures from the Fourth of July and my favorite arboretum.  Now I've added Pinterest to my pile of things to do! Help me! Have a good weekend!

San Diego

At the end of June we spent nearly a week in San Diego. It was very fun and beautiful! One of the first places we went was La Jolla Beach recommended to us by the hotel staff. The first time we went was on a Sunday afternoon. It was crowded and we parked some distance away. It was ok though and we saw the beach at its bustling best. It was clean and it was fun to see all the action.  We went back again on Tuesday and it was much calmer. We got to park in the parking lot!

Of course we had to visit the San Diego Zoo.  It was enjoyable. We took a bus ride around and then did our share of walking. This acrobatic troop put on a good show there.

A preemie giraffe had been born not long before our visit. Here are mama and baby.

On Tuesday morning we visited the Hotel Del Coronado. It is beautiful and has quite a history. It was almost closed in the early 1960's, but thankfully it was saved and renovated. While it was in its decline with few guests, the movie "Some Like It Hot" starring Marilyn Monroe was filmed on location there. I would love to stay as a guest!

We saw Sea World on Wednesday from opening until close. There are many fabulous shows. Do not get so distracted that you don't take time to reapply the sun lotion!

Shamu

I thought our visit to the U.S.S. Midway on Thursday was going to be mostly for my husband's enjoyment, but I found I really liked it. It was interesting to tour the inside of the ship including the quarters where the crew worked and lived. Out on the deck were many interesting aircraft along with a former pilot talking about what it was like to land on the deck.

On our last day, Friday, we visited Cabrillo National Monument on Point Loma.

We visited the tide pools there. It was fascinating to see the little creatures visible because the tide was low as well as the rock striations.

One quick stop in the Gaslamp District before heading home.

Good-bye San Diego! We'll be back.

Pirates of Penzance

Maybe, just maybe I can catch up on a few posts.  This summer's church musical was Pirates of Penzance. I was not familiar with the story. We saw both performances because that is what you do, if you can, when your daughter is in it. The youngest was both a pirate and a mustached policeman. It is a cute story and she had a good time with her friends. Now she'd like to take voice lessons in addition to flute and piano and I think she has potential, but does anyone know of a good part-time job to pay for all of this? I hope you are enjoying the long weekend!