Our Last Days in San Diego

Every time we visit San Diego we come across the same problem .... we just don't have enough days to eat at all the places we want to.

For burgers (and malts for Jacob and the kids) we stop at Hodad's. They have a bigger location in downtown but I'm sure the vibe is just not the same so we always come to this one in Ocean Beach and stand in line.

We met up with my friend Brenda. She's a very busy woman but thankfully she was able to join us for lunch.
These two have become the best of friends.

Of all my years living in San Diego I have never been to any bookstores there .... can you believe it? I can't. I mean, I knew about Barnes & Noble but that was it. So it occurred to me this time around to google bookstores and I came across three that weren't too far.
After checking out novels and faith based books I walked towards the back and found my people sitting in the children's area.

I love bookstores that have permanent feline residents. When we visited Colorado we went to a bookstore where two cats lived at ... and now here in San Diego better yet, North Park they also had a couple of cats. I only came across this one though. Of all the bookstores I've been to in my area and the Seattle area I have yet come across a cat inside a bookstore. Lame! Everyone knows that cats and books go together!!

Here we are in Imperial Beach. It's nice here too. I like how they've updated this area. It's fun watching surfers do their thing. I can watch them for hours.

Later on this day we met up with my sister and Mom at Baja Lobster in Old Town. I'm not sure how long this restaurant has been in Old Town but I had never come across it before. It is kinda hidden so that could be the reason but there's no signs of the place that I remember seeing. Anyway, my sister treated me. Thanks Claudia. I sure do love crab, lobster and shrimp! It weirds me out seeing Jacob drinking an alcoholic drink because he rarely drinks. He doesn't like to drink beer or wine but he'll drink a pina colada or a slush margarita every now and then. I just hope he doesn't get tipsy because he's the one that drives us everywhere, mostly.

When I eat I usually finish my food a little bit on the fast side. I mean, I chew my food good and I don't rush through my meals but I always seem to be the one to finish first, lol. However, when it comes to crab or lobster I'm usually the last one to finish eating. I just love to take my time ... it is so delicious.

At my mom's ... taking time to relax. Claudia got Riley a coloring book. They also worked on some Christmas decorations. Riley does enjoy doing crafts ... plus, it keeps him engaged for a while.

Riley wanted to play at the beach one last time before we left so we went back to Imperial Beach on our last day there. When I was looking through all the pictures I began to laugh because Jacob and Riley are so pasty. Jacob's back blended in with the white of the waves, lol. I didn't post any of those pictures, Jacob wouldn't have been too happy about it.

Nathan also laid out for a while hoping he would get a tan. Then they rented a boogie board and hit the waves. Jacob said it was hard, lol. Amateurs!!! I read.
After the beach we went back to my mom's to wash up then we went to grab some Greek food and took it to Seaport Village. I like it there. I even brought wine with me. I love this meal especially their Greek salad and the chunks of feta cheese, oh and the pita bread is super soft and yummy!

Every time we visit in July the weather is just awful, humid and hot. I keep telling Jacob that we need to visit in February but the reason we keep visiting in the summer is because of the 4th of July. There's no other place we would rather be for the 4th because no other place has that same patriotic feel, vibe that we're used to at Coronado.

My sister has spoiled all of my kids but since Riley is the youngest she spoils him the most. She got him some ice cream. We walked around for a bit and bought more souvenirs.

Nathan's growing up way too fast lately.

White stucco buildings are so pretty!

The following day we had breakfast together.

Can't remember what was so funny.

Our last morning here. It sucks that we live far from each other. I love San Diego but it has changed from what I remember and I no longer wish to move back there ... maybe to Santa Cruz. I would totally move to Santa Cruz. I like living in WA even though it's another very liberal state. It's a beautiful state though, lots of fun things to do. The Oregon coast isn't really that liberal, you'd be surprised and not even central Oregon. We've seen TRUMP signs on the side of the freeway and signs that says, GOD LOVES YOU. It's just Portland that's liberal. Anyway, who knows what the future holds.
We said our goodbyes.

Riley cried.

Every time we say our goodbyes I realize this could be the last time we see each other but all I can do is hope that it isn't. This is the only way I refrain from shedding a few tears myself.

Back on the open road.

Made it to Northern Sacramento by 7:00 pm. It was hot there, even at night. We went out to dinner then went straight to the hotel. We couldn't wait to get back home. We missed Sophie.

What has Riley been up to?

This little man has been busy eating, pooping, sleeping and growing. He's already outgrown his newborn clothes and is now size 3 months. He's on stage 1 diapers but seems like he'll have to start stage 2's pretty soon. Sometimes Riley will get gas so we try to help him out by lifting and bringing his legs up to his stomach.

Here's Sydna doing just that. Riley sure likes to hang out with big sister. He's very calm with her. (Riley at 20 days old)

I love to take pictures of Riley when he's asleep. He just looks so precious.

He'll usually sleep for about 3 hours ... not too bad. As he's starting to wake up he'll begin grunting, sounds so funny. Then you'll hear a toot which always makes us laugh. (Riley at 22 days old)

Here are my two boys. Nathan got close to Riley and Riley decided he wanted to mess with big brother. Cute!

New Years Day. Mom's last day with us. I'm sure she'll miss the kids alot but I promised her I would send her pictures monthly so she can see how much Riley and the kids have grown. (Riley at 25 days old)

It's a BOY!!!

Finally ... he's here! But first I would like to post one last picture of me pregnant. I was 37w 3days along.

My mom with Sydna and Nathan. No Riley yet.

Just arriving at the Women's Center

Here's Riley James, minutes after being born.

Riley James was born on December 7,10 at 11:09 am. He weighed 7 lbs 7 oz and is 20.5 inches long.

Now in my post partum room the kids get to visit along with Grandma. Notice Sydna's face. She cried as soon as she saw him.

Now being held by Grandma. How sweet!

Big brother Nathan now holding Riley with Daddy close by.

Now it's big sisters turn

Just looking at Mommy ... so that's what you look like after 9 months of hearing your voice.

Look how I can stretch

My first carseat ride ... what is this thing you put me in, I don't like it!

At home and big brother holding me once again

Libby coming over to check me out

Libby must think I'm sweet, she's savoring the way I smell.

Here I am sleeping in my crib

I love it when Mommy holds me.

Wow! I am now a mother of three. I can't believe I have two boys. Still seems so surreal to me but I love it!

DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun Field Trip

Nathan went on a field trip to the DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun on Tuesday, April 6, 2010. Since my Mom was visiting I brought her along. I'm glad she was here to experience this with us. This place is truly remarkable. We arrived about 20 minutes early and took the opportunity to take pictures before the public started to arrive. 

DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun is a 10-acre historic district in the foothills of Tucson's Santa Catalina Mountains. It was designed and built from the ground up by Arizona artist Ettore "Ted" DeGrazia, who achieved worldwide acclaim for his colorful paintings of native cultures of the Sonoran desert. Using traditional adobe bricks crafted on-site, DeGrazia built the gallery so his paintings "would feel good inside". Opened in 1965, it is home to more than 15,000 DeGrazia originals, including oil paintings, watercolors, ceramics and sculptures. 
You can read his biography at the highlighted and underlined link above. 

I have to say that there was so much to photograph. DeGrazia loved to recycle. According to the guide she said that he didn't throw anything away. He created art from anything and everything, not only in his artwork but in everything he built. I wasn't really into his paintings although I did like a few but what caught my eye and thought was fascinating was the way DeGrazia incorporated everything he recycled into art. Even his home was built with wood from old railroad tracks. Secondly I liked his ceramics and other artwork.

Call me crazy ... but I took over 500 photos. Obviously, I will not post all of them but will post the ones I liked best. Make sure you pay attention to detail.  Enjoy......

Road that leads up to the main entrance

There are two parts to this place. The outside where you will find a Mission, his original home, and his gravesite. Then the large gallery houses more than 15,000 DeGrazia originals, ceramics, sculptures and other artwork.

 

Heading over to the Mission

The Mission in the Sun was built in 1952 in honor of Father Kino and dedicated to Our Lady of Guadalupe, patron saint of Mexico. The Mission has a rustic rock floor, open-air ceiling and DeGrazia murals.

now inside

open ceiling

 

DeGrazia painted the Virgin of Guadalupe

Nathan's class finally arrived

This is DeGrazia's original home.

horseshoes hanging from what I think is a mattress spring

Here we are in the living room

DeGrazia bringing back pieces of dead tree limbs. (Sorry about the glare, it was unavoidable).

kitchen

the dining room is on the other side of the half wall

Here DeGrazia is in the dining room

This is where he would make ceramics.

Nathan's 3rd grade class

mosaic

When DeGrazia first began building there was no electricity running through his property that's why the Mission and the large gallery have open ceilings and lots of windows to let light inside.

you will also come across benches, ramadas and tables

This is what appears to be a grill

I had never seen this before. What appears to be a dead cactus that had sprouted a new one ... that's interesting.

Hi Mom

This is DeGrazia's gravesite.

A closeup

DeGrazia died in 1982, at the age of 72 years old.

This is the everlasting Christmas tree. It is made out of rock. Visitors place loose change on the rocks and at the end of every month the workers collect the money and save it until December when they buy Christmas presents for children at hospitals with it.

Grandma gave Nathan a quarter to place on it

There are flowers just like this one throughout the grounds. They are actually made out of soda cans.

On our way to the large gallery

Main entrance to the large gallery

inside the gallery

listening to the guide

The gallery is made of adobe and straw

I liked the creative aspect of this part of the floor. I think they are wood pieces that sorta resemble flowers ... here, take a closer look

These pictures of Christ caught my attention

Through these curtains you are able to view a video of DeGrazia's biography.

This is Ted DeGrazia's studio

I really liked all the benches, stools, and chairs throughout the place. They are very unique.

I completely forgot the name of this statue ... but it's something like deer ... something man. Gotta call the place and find out.

Some of DeGrazia's family still lives on the property so some buildings said Private on them.

 

Pretty flower from a cactus

Isn't it pretty?

Ted DeGrazia was very bright talented creative artist.

I like this planter stand.

On our way back to the car. I hope you enjoyed all the pictures. I plan on taking Jacob and Sydna next time.

DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun is maintained by the DeGrazia Foundation, which was established by the artist before his death to ensure the preservation of his beloved gallery and permanent exhibitions of his artwork for generations to come.