On Friday, March 18th the new pedestrian bridge in San Diego opened without much fanfare for people wanting easy access between Pet Co Park and the convention center on Harbor Drive. It had been a long time in the making, with many delays, and at a higher cost. It is a beautiful piece of architecture, a treat for the eyes. I think a ribbon cutting ceremony is on the books. This new bridge will make life easier for those in the Gaslamp area. People will be able to cross Harbor Drive without walking blocks to a crosswalk. They will not have to watch out for trains and trolleys if they use the bridge.
Laura and I had been wanting to walk across the new bridge and finally set a time to do this. We decided to ask our good friend Ellen to go with us after Bible Study on Wednesday. Her husband Dave had walked there the day it opened so we knew she would be interested. Like us, she rides the bus everywhere. So after Bible Study we headed for the 901 bus heading to Coronado and then to San Diego. We enjoyed our ride down the Strand, through Coronado and then over the San Diego Coronado Bay Bridge. We got off the bus at Pet Co Park, where our Padres play baseball.
We headed directly to the new bridge just a block or so away. Ellen and Laura climbed the many steps to the bridge while I took the elevator. We enjoyed the scenery at the top and took some pictures. Others were there to enjoy the sights too. Some were also taking pictures and one gentleman offered to take our picture. We could enjoy much of San Diego's skyline and a view of the bay and Coronado. We were above the train tracks and Harbor Drive.
At the south end of the bridge Ellen and Laura did the steps again while I found the elevator going down. We were now at the new Hilton Hotel next to the bay. There is a beautiful walkway along the bay that was not there the last time Laura and I were in that area near the convention center. There is a new park next to the bay which is much more welcoming than it was previously. We sat for a short time and thought about walking to Sea Port Village, but decided to go back across the bridge as planned.
We again enjoyed the walk across the bridge, this time heading north. Near Pet Co Park we headed to where we planned to get something for lunch. Walking is getting difficult for me now days, but I slowly headed for our destination near the ball park. It was lunch time so Subway was crowded. We had hoped to take a sandwich to Pet Co Park to eat. Laura and I did this last time we were in that area. So we headed to The Tin Fish for lunch. Last time we tried to do this it was too early. This time it was too crowded. So we sat for a while to decide what to do.
We decided to head for the trolley and get something closer to home. We got the trolley heading to 12th and Imperial, and then the one heading south. It was crowded but we got seats for our ride to Palomar Street in Chula Vista. At our destination we got off the trolley and went to the Subway in that shopping center for our sandwiches. Thankfully it was not crowded until after we were waited on. We each enjoyed the sandwich of our choice while seated at Subway. Laura and I always get the Veggie Delite.
The three of us continued south on the trolley to Iris Street. Ellen was at her destination stop, and Laura and I still had a short bus ride to get home. Laura and I were delighted with our day with Ellen. We are game for more such days even though I hold them back with my slow pace. I need to keep moving.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Sunday, March 27, 2011
A Story To Remember
Paul had a good friend that he knew from work named Ron. They had been friends for many years and shared a lot of history together. Ron shared mumps with Paul in 1960 as he did not stay home from work when he was sick. When Paul got sick he knew to stay at home and not share it at work. But he shared the mumps with the girls and me. I was pregnant with Bill when I had the mumps. Thankfully I did not have a real bad case and my baby was fine.
The next experience we shared with Ron was when he made arrangements for us to be baptized in the ocean at Rosarito Beach. Ron and his wife had been baptized by the pastor of the Mexican church that they occasionally attended. Ron's wife was from Tijuana so they knew the people of this little Church of God in the hills south of the border. Ron was excited about the Lord, as was Paul. I was just beginning to understand the need for a personal walk with the Lord even though I had been in church and Sunday school all of my life.
I was in the Methodist church in those days. It was a whole new experience to be with people from the Church of God. We were not changing churches, we were just wanting to be baptized in the ocean. I expected to just go down there and be baptized and come home. I was missing a picnic at my church to do this. What I experienced was more memorable than a picnic. When we got to the little church in the hills of Tijuana they were prepared to baptize us in their baptistry. But this was not what Paul and Ron had planned. It was quickly arranged for us to travel to Rosarito Beach for the baptism despite the fact that this would not be as easy for the pastor.
We all got into the back of an old van or panel truck. This included a number of people from the church and Ron's family as well as Paul, our two little girls and me. There could have been several vehicles going along with us. This was 1960 and there was not any freeway or other major highway then. I am not very familiar with that area as I have only been that far south twice in my life. I can tell you that things did not look anything like pictures I see of that area now. On the way to the beach we stopped to visit an elderly couple who were about 100 years old. (Or maybe ninety) We got to know the lovely people of the church as we were squeezed together in the van. We may not have spoken the same language, but that made no difference. I remember one little boy that had survived major surgery as an infant. His family shared the story with us.
At the beach we were near the old hotel that has been there for years. There were not too many people on the beach, but the people that were there witnessed something they would not be used to seeing. I mean that most people from that region would be Catholic so would not witness beach baptisms. I had not even seen one before that date. The Pastor waded out with Paul and me into the cold water. He spoke only Spanish and we only knew English, but the Lord knew what was on our hearts.
It was late when we got home that day. We were tired, but it was a day to remember. A few days later we went back to the little church in Tijuana for them to extend the hand of fellowship to us. We were not joining their church, but they wanted to give us hugs anyway. This was in the days before we were used to hugs. That did not matter as they were so kind to us.
The next year, early in 1961, Paul and I decided to join the First Baptist Church in Coronado. I had a good Baptist grandma and went to her church when I lived with her as a child. Paul and I were attracted to the Baptist church when they had evangelists visiting there each year.
Fast forward ten years. Ron and his wife were not together anymore. He lived the bachelor life for awhile and then met Grace. Ron had a good life with Grace, but he became very sick with Hodgkins. He had this illness for sometime and he may have been in remission at one period of time. Then in 1973 the time came for him to go to be with the Lord.
Paul was asked to be a pall bearer at Ron's funeral. Paul sat with the other pall bearers and I sat alone. When it was time for people to go forward and pass by the casket the usher directed me to the front. I paid my respects and did not pay enough attention where I was to go next. I was at the head of the line and made a wrong turn. I opened a door and others followed me. Oops, I was in the janitor's closet with others tagging along behind me. How do you save face in this situation? You don't. You just grin and bear it. It would have been easier to be a pall bearer.
Then we got lost on the way to the cemetery so Paul and I never saw any of those people ever again. I don't know if that was for the best or not. They probably forgot me, but I have a story to remember.
image credits:Brenden Ashton; ksbuehler
The next experience we shared with Ron was when he made arrangements for us to be baptized in the ocean at Rosarito Beach. Ron and his wife had been baptized by the pastor of the Mexican church that they occasionally attended. Ron's wife was from Tijuana so they knew the people of this little Church of God in the hills south of the border. Ron was excited about the Lord, as was Paul. I was just beginning to understand the need for a personal walk with the Lord even though I had been in church and Sunday school all of my life.
I was in the Methodist church in those days. It was a whole new experience to be with people from the Church of God. We were not changing churches, we were just wanting to be baptized in the ocean. I expected to just go down there and be baptized and come home. I was missing a picnic at my church to do this. What I experienced was more memorable than a picnic. When we got to the little church in the hills of Tijuana they were prepared to baptize us in their baptistry. But this was not what Paul and Ron had planned. It was quickly arranged for us to travel to Rosarito Beach for the baptism despite the fact that this would not be as easy for the pastor.We all got into the back of an old van or panel truck. This included a number of people from the church and Ron's family as well as Paul, our two little girls and me. There could have been several vehicles going along with us. This was 1960 and there was not any freeway or other major highway then. I am not very familiar with that area as I have only been that far south twice in my life. I can tell you that things did not look anything like pictures I see of that area now. On the way to the beach we stopped to visit an elderly couple who were about 100 years old. (Or maybe ninety) We got to know the lovely people of the church as we were squeezed together in the van. We may not have spoken the same language, but that made no difference. I remember one little boy that had survived major surgery as an infant. His family shared the story with us.
At the beach we were near the old hotel that has been there for years. There were not too many people on the beach, but the people that were there witnessed something they would not be used to seeing. I mean that most people from that region would be Catholic so would not witness beach baptisms. I had not even seen one before that date. The Pastor waded out with Paul and me into the cold water. He spoke only Spanish and we only knew English, but the Lord knew what was on our hearts.
It was late when we got home that day. We were tired, but it was a day to remember. A few days later we went back to the little church in Tijuana for them to extend the hand of fellowship to us. We were not joining their church, but they wanted to give us hugs anyway. This was in the days before we were used to hugs. That did not matter as they were so kind to us.
The next year, early in 1961, Paul and I decided to join the First Baptist Church in Coronado. I had a good Baptist grandma and went to her church when I lived with her as a child. Paul and I were attracted to the Baptist church when they had evangelists visiting there each year.
Fast forward ten years. Ron and his wife were not together anymore. He lived the bachelor life for awhile and then met Grace. Ron had a good life with Grace, but he became very sick with Hodgkins. He had this illness for sometime and he may have been in remission at one period of time. Then in 1973 the time came for him to go to be with the Lord.
Paul was asked to be a pall bearer at Ron's funeral. Paul sat with the other pall bearers and I sat alone. When it was time for people to go forward and pass by the casket the usher directed me to the front. I paid my respects and did not pay enough attention where I was to go next. I was at the head of the line and made a wrong turn. I opened a door and others followed me. Oops, I was in the janitor's closet with others tagging along behind me. How do you save face in this situation? You don't. You just grin and bear it. It would have been easier to be a pall bearer.Then we got lost on the way to the cemetery so Paul and I never saw any of those people ever again. I don't know if that was for the best or not. They probably forgot me, but I have a story to remember.
image credits:Brenden Ashton; ksbuehler
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
The Lord Is My Shepherd
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
The 23rd Psalm is one of my very favorite chapters in the Bible. When I go through valleys in my life I turn to this Psalm of David. Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil because He is with me. The rod and staff were tools the shepherd needed to protect his sheep. We are like sheep who have gone astray. We need the Lord to watch and guide us, to be with us.
The Lord is with us and ministers to our needs as the good shepherd does for his sheep. My cup overflows with His many blessings. His goodness and mercy are evident in my life. I want to dwell with Him forever.
These words come to mind when I begin to dwell on past hardships. I did go through a dark valley in my life and sometimes want to nurse my wounds. But I don't want to stay there and bring up too many negatives. I am in a better place now and it is because the Lord has brought me here. He nurses my wounds and brings healing.
My valley was hard on my family and I feel bad for what they had to go through. It was hard to find the bright sunshine in our lives when we needed to climb out of the valley. I thank the Lord for all he has done for me, watching and guiding me. I pray for the very best for my children. I'm thankful for the ones who do believe in the Lord. I pray for the ones who still need to come to Him. May He be their Shepherd to watch over them. May they call Him Lord.
Monday, March 21, 2011
A New Season
Spring has sprung, a new season has begun. We started the season with what was supposed to be a big storm. It brought wind and rain, and was cold for southern California. I would say it was short lived unless we are in for more of the storm. The sun is out at this time.
I was enjoying the sweet sounds of a favorite bird in our yard this morning. The cheery little house finch was singing his favorite tune to rid our day of any gloom. This little bird is partly colored in red, especially the male bird. In the bird kingdom the males are the most colorful. This time of year there are several birds sporting yellow. One of them is the yellow rumped warbler.
For a number of years we had a yellow rumped warbler that visited us each time it passed through our neighborhood. It would tap on our kitchen window. We couldn't figure out if it saw its own reflection or if there was something else that he saw and wanted. This was an annual event which greatly entertained us. I don't know how long these birds live and if this was really the same one each year. This ritual has ceased for now. We also have different windows now.
Mockingbirds are quite entertaining too. If you hear a bird singing at all hours of the day and night it could be a mockingbird. They have a variety of songs. They are called mockingbirds because they do mock sounds they hear. They are sassy little guys too.
If you have ever been attacked by a bird it could be a blackbird protecting its nest. They are very protective of their nests. Mockingbirds could also do the same.
Crows are in abundance now days. They can be mean to the other birds. They kill the young of other birds. I don't mind hearing the caw caw caw of crows, but I don't like them bothering the smaller birds. We also see ravens sometimes. They are similar to crows and hard to tell apart if you aren't into birding. Ravens are larger than crows and there are other small differences. Crows are in larger groups.
To learn more about any birds mentioned here you can look them up on Google or purchase a good bird book. San Diego is a good place to be to enjoy many varieties of birds.
Spring started on March 20th, but the first full day of spring is on the 21st. That bit of information was in the news. In the spring we have warmer days to look forward to as well as many lovely flowers in bloom. Laura has many flowers in her garden in our front yard. There aren't really any for picking for bouquets, but we can enjoy the color as we walk towards the house. There are succulents and bulbs as well as lavender and many others. I guess green is the dominant color though.
I love pretty blue skies with fluffy clouds for the background on my pictures. Many people like just the pretty blue sky, but I think it is prettier with big fluffy clouds right after a storm. Looking east and seeing snow covered mountains in the winter is a treat too. It was supposed to snow in our mountains during our recent storm. I don't know if it did or not. We got to see snow when we went to the mountains with Bill when he was here.
Where else can you go to the mountains and desert as well as the beach all in one day? San Diego is the place to be.
image credits: wjklos; Noël Zia Lee; pheαnix
For a number of years we had a yellow rumped warbler that visited us each time it passed through our neighborhood. It would tap on our kitchen window. We couldn't figure out if it saw its own reflection or if there was something else that he saw and wanted. This was an annual event which greatly entertained us. I don't know how long these birds live and if this was really the same one each year. This ritual has ceased for now. We also have different windows now.
If you have ever been attacked by a bird it could be a blackbird protecting its nest. They are very protective of their nests. Mockingbirds could also do the same.
Crows are in abundance now days. They can be mean to the other birds. They kill the young of other birds. I don't mind hearing the caw caw caw of crows, but I don't like them bothering the smaller birds. We also see ravens sometimes. They are similar to crows and hard to tell apart if you aren't into birding. Ravens are larger than crows and there are other small differences. Crows are in larger groups.
To learn more about any birds mentioned here you can look them up on Google or purchase a good bird book. San Diego is a good place to be to enjoy many varieties of birds.
I love pretty blue skies with fluffy clouds for the background on my pictures. Many people like just the pretty blue sky, but I think it is prettier with big fluffy clouds right after a storm. Looking east and seeing snow covered mountains in the winter is a treat too. It was supposed to snow in our mountains during our recent storm. I don't know if it did or not. We got to see snow when we went to the mountains with Bill when he was here.
Where else can you go to the mountains and desert as well as the beach all in one day? San Diego is the place to be.
image credits: wjklos; Noël Zia Lee; pheαnix
A Pigeon Story
Over the years we have had a number of pigeons. Some were young ones Paul brought home from North Island where he worked. When a young one would fall out of the nest Paul is the one people would turn to to care for the bird. Just because Paul was a birder it was assumed he was an expert with birds. Though not a pro at caring for them he has a big heart and could not say no to helping with the young pigeons.
We found a pretty white pigeon on a busy highway, near the freeway, one time. We rescued it as it was in trouble. We brought it home and cared for it. We had it for some time.
We ended up with a cage full of pigeons for a period of time. Paul built one cage we used for a number of years. Later on a neighbor gave us a larger cage that we put to good use. Eventually all the pigeons flew the coup one way or other. We had pigeons in our yard for quite a while.
Since we had the cage of pigeons we also attracted other birds. We were able to catch a cockatiel that must have been someones pet at one time. Birdie flew into the pigeon coup for food and water which enabled us to catch him. We had him for a number of years in his own cage in the house. Paul named him Cockatiel Dundee. Cockatiels originate from Australia and Paul thought of Crocodile Dundee, thus Cockatiel Dundee. Our Birdie, as I called him, did not let us handle him as he was not used to handling. He got used to us being near him and liked attention. He could hear our car in the driveway and knew when someone was coming home. He would get all excited.
Cockatiel Dundee lived a good life for a bird that could have been a good catch for a cat. Other birds have not been so lucky. We have tried rescuing others with no success. At this time we do our best to keep our cats inside. We do not want our cats to catch birds. We had one cat a number of years ago that caught two birds at once. And that is the truth.
Later on when our pigeon cage was empty we got a young pigeon from one of our neighbor children. J.J. is the child who found the pigeon and gave it to us. I named our new birdie J.J. after our little friend. We kept J.J. in a cage in the house as the weather was too cold for him to be outside. Our birdie got used to being in the house near us. But when he got older and the weather was better we put him in the large cage outside. He thrived as expected.
Eventually the door to the cage fell off and it was time to let J.J. fly the coup. After all he was a pigeon that needed to spread his wings and fly. He stayed nearby and made friends with some other pigeons. He would walk into the house if the door was open. He was comfortable with us.
We would leave the door open for the dogs to go in and out. J.J. thought it was for him. One day when we got home from doing our errands we were greeted by J.J. and his girl friend up on our bookshelves. When J.J. left the house he left his girlfriend behind and she was not happy being with all those strange people. She was in a scary place without him. She eventually flew outside to join him. He continued to visit us for sometime. Eventually the pigeons discontinued visiting our yard. We still enjoy other birds in our yard.
We found a pretty white pigeon on a busy highway, near the freeway, one time. We rescued it as it was in trouble. We brought it home and cared for it. We had it for some time.
We ended up with a cage full of pigeons for a period of time. Paul built one cage we used for a number of years. Later on a neighbor gave us a larger cage that we put to good use. Eventually all the pigeons flew the coup one way or other. We had pigeons in our yard for quite a while.
Since we had the cage of pigeons we also attracted other birds. We were able to catch a cockatiel that must have been someones pet at one time. Birdie flew into the pigeon coup for food and water which enabled us to catch him. We had him for a number of years in his own cage in the house. Paul named him Cockatiel Dundee. Cockatiels originate from Australia and Paul thought of Crocodile Dundee, thus Cockatiel Dundee. Our Birdie, as I called him, did not let us handle him as he was not used to handling. He got used to us being near him and liked attention. He could hear our car in the driveway and knew when someone was coming home. He would get all excited.
Cockatiel Dundee lived a good life for a bird that could have been a good catch for a cat. Other birds have not been so lucky. We have tried rescuing others with no success. At this time we do our best to keep our cats inside. We do not want our cats to catch birds. We had one cat a number of years ago that caught two birds at once. And that is the truth.
Later on when our pigeon cage was empty we got a young pigeon from one of our neighbor children. J.J. is the child who found the pigeon and gave it to us. I named our new birdie J.J. after our little friend. We kept J.J. in a cage in the house as the weather was too cold for him to be outside. Our birdie got used to being in the house near us. But when he got older and the weather was better we put him in the large cage outside. He thrived as expected.Eventually the door to the cage fell off and it was time to let J.J. fly the coup. After all he was a pigeon that needed to spread his wings and fly. He stayed nearby and made friends with some other pigeons. He would walk into the house if the door was open. He was comfortable with us.
We would leave the door open for the dogs to go in and out. J.J. thought it was for him. One day when we got home from doing our errands we were greeted by J.J. and his girl friend up on our bookshelves. When J.J. left the house he left his girlfriend behind and she was not happy being with all those strange people. She was in a scary place without him. She eventually flew outside to join him. He continued to visit us for sometime. Eventually the pigeons discontinued visiting our yard. We still enjoy other birds in our yard.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Got Pets
Paul and I also enjoyed many pets as children. Paul's mother had a soft spot in her heart for animals. There was always a dog in their lives as far as I know. They had two bunnies when I first knew their family. One was a little wild bunny named Ozzie that came from North Island. The other bunny was a large white rabbit similar to one our children had in the sixties.
Paul's mother had a darling parakeet that she let fly around their house. Pedro learned some words and could sing, or whistle, "Take me out to the ball game." He got out one time and she was able to call him back into the house. But when he got out again, probably on someones shoulder, they did not realize he was missing in time to get him back. Mom was very very upset about losing her little friend.
There were always farm animals when we lived with our grandparents on the farm. Besides the cows and chickens there were pigs and one work horse. I remember Grandma warming newborn piglets next to the old wood stove when the mommy pig couldn't care for so many little piglets. There were cats in the barn and on a rare occasion we had a pet kitten on the farm. There was always a farm dog. I remember my parents taking Buddy for a ride when we went to get ice cream cones. They bought the dog a cone too. That would be an amazing treat for a farm dog.
On the farm as young children we accepted that animals were mostly for the survival of the family. Cows were for milking, mostly. The chickens were for eggs or a good chicken dinner. I have always hoped Susie Q didn't end up in a pot of stew, but times were tough so who knows. The pigs were also used for meat. That is the way it was. The cats and dogs were not usually house pets.
My children grew up with a lot of pets, mostly kitties. It would take a book to share about each pet. We also had birds which doesn't always work with cats. We had Henrietta our first cute little dog. She was part Dachshund. She had one litter of puppies, and it was a difficult delivery for her so she ended up having surgery to have the final pup. That one did not survive. One other pup also died during her labor. She had four healthy pups and we found homes for each of them. Their daddy was a Dachshund which was appropriate.
I can't begin to remember all the kittens we had. But we got to where we were able to have all of our cats fixed so there were no more litters of kittens. Charlie was one of our earliest cats. Charlie ended up having kittens so we obviously gave her the wrong name. After her largest litter she went out and got hit by a car and ended up with a broken hip. She had surgery for this injury and we had to bottle feed some of the kittens. We eventually got her spayed so she got a reprieve from nursing kittens.
After we moved to our present home in 1973 we got a cute little dog that Griff named Nipper. She could have been a cockapoo. Later on a little poodle got into our yard and mated with her. She had three sons and we kept them all. We named them Doug, Sheldon and Herschel (Hershey). They lived a long time, especially Hershey who lived fifteen years. We had other dogs along the way too.
In 1980 my niece Elizabeth came from Montana to visit us after she graduated from high school. She ended up staying for five years along with her dog, Mouse. With Mouse added to our dogs we had five dogs in the house at that time. Actually her dog was the most well behaved of all the dogs.
Other dogs we have had over the years are Susie, Sam, Bear, Mandy and Sammy. I could be forgetting one. Each pet has a story to tell. We have not gotten any at the shelter as they seem to find us. The pups, Henrietta and Nipper, were acquired on purpose. The others found us in various ways.We also had turtles at various times. Two turtles that we got while we lived in Coronado moved with us to our present home. They were originally very small turtles that lived in a bowl, but ended up in a little children's plastic pool in our back yard. We had them for more than thirty years until a raccoon came into our yard and injured them. We did not know there were raccoons in our area until then. We had to have them euthanized due to their injuries. We had box turtles when we lived in Coronado. We had a desert tortoise, that was found walking down the street, after we moved here.
One of our kitties was named Phantom as Paul found her at work where the Phantom jets were. Our Phantom was a tiny kitten when Paul found her. We had her for nineteen years. Griff now has a large kitty named Phantom. He is named after our original Phantom. We also had a kitten we named Temporary as we were not going to keep her. We had her for many many years. Early on we had a kitty named Goldwater that we had for many years. We had him when our boys were babies and moved twice with him.
If I forgot any pets they will be another story for another day. We only have kitties at this time, but there are more than I care to admit to. Got pets!! :)
images from Marvin family album
Sunday, March 6, 2011
We Say Goodbye To Our Son
Bill had a period of time that he was not able to get back to see us in San Diego as he was busy with the Air Force and he needed to replace his car to make the long drive. He needs his car when he is here as we don't have one and he has a lot of places to go. Bill and his Dad are both birders so enjoy going to all the places that birds will be seen. Laura also enjoys looking at the birds and going on excursions with her brother. I enjoy the rides too.
While he was here we went to the desert and the mountains several times. Bill met a new friend while he was birding so they went a lot of places together. It is nice to have a friend with the same interests as you have. The last time we went to the Salton Sea Bill's friend Mark was with us. Actually Bill and Mark headed that way at least one more time to observe the birds.
We always enjoy our mountains when possible. We drove through the Lagunas more than once this year. Bill also went to Palomar Mountain more than one time. I was with him on one of the trips. It had snowed so it was pretty, white and cold. I have to admit that I mostly go for the ride and don't get out in the elements when it is cold.We went to Borrego Springs and nearby Anza Borrego Desert State Park on one of our rides. Actually Bill did that more than once this year. I won't try to mention all of our excursions as we did a lot while he was here. We enjoyed our coast on a number of occasions as would be expected. We always enjoy a walk along the cove in La Jolla when we get a chance. Sunset cliffs are pretty too and a good place to see some birds. The Point Loma area is also good. We also got to the Del Mar area, and other places in the north county. We found some new parks and nice areas for birding in several San Diego neighborhoods.
Of course my favorite place is Coronado. That is our hometown even if we don't live there anymore. That would be where Paul first started birding. His mother was always interested in the birds in the tree outside her kitchen window and in her backyard. I'm sure that helped gain Paul's interest in birds.
Bill became interested in birds when he was stationed at Luke Air Force Base in the Phoenix area. He wanted to figure out places to take us when we went to visit him. That started him finding birding spots to show us. Paul had liked birding in Arizona ever since we first went there in the late 70s, way before Bill was there.
My cousin Dagna and her husband Joe also visited us once since Christmas. Donna and Fred were also with us that same day. Dagna and Joe try to get here soon after Christmas each year. They live in Oceanside. We went to their house last year when Bill was with us.
I pray that Bill gets home safely. He plans to enjoy the birds along the way instead of his usual quick trip across the country. He may get back here before too long. He is hoping to do so, but did not promise for sure. It is a long way and takes a lot of gas. I think he enjoyed his time in San Diego and didn't seem to want to leave. Hopefully he will move to our part of the country eventually. He has had thoughts of doing so.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Distracted Driving
Concerning the accident on the Strand in Coronado on Thursday, it is now said that there was no car jacking. I would say if it wasn't a stolen car then the driver would have been wise to stop for the Sheriff's deputies instead of speeding up. There would have been no chase scene and no accident.
The girl's mother said that maybe her daughter got scared, the way they were chasing her. I'm getting this information from this morning's paper. I think that people need to think about what they will do in difficult situations while driving. Young people need to realize that they need to stop for law enforcement who are just doing their job. It seems that some young people think of the police as the enemy, out to get them. I think that most law enforcement officers have the good of the citizens in mind when doing their jobs.
If you take the responsibility of driving seriously think ahead of time what you will do if you have an accident. Do not leave the scene of an accident as that will make you guilty even if the accident was not your fault. Watch out for bikes and pedestrians too. Do not text and drive or use the phone at all while driving. Distracted driving causes accidents. I have seen someone put on makeup while driving down the freeway, even with children in the car. Yikes!!
As pedestrians we have barely escaped being run over by drivers who were on their cell phones. We were thankful not to have been hit. We, being my daughter and me. I don't know if my husband has had any close calls with bad drivers yet. We are pedestrians as we take public transportation many days. But even those with vehicles are pedestrians on occasion.
Another thought on the bad accident on Thursday. If it had not been reported as a car jacking in the first place there would not have been a need for the deputy to give chase. That needs to be accounted for. Also the driver deliberately sideswiped the patrol car and sped away so that looks pretty guilty to me.
I'm glad officials take their time to get all of the facts straight. They spent hours and hours at the scene of the tragic accident to piece it all together. I'm glad I don't have to figure things out. I appreciate our law enforcement officers. Police and Sheriff's deputies have a thankless job. They need our prayers as they go about their many activities so that they can safely go home to their loved ones each day.
The girl's mother said that maybe her daughter got scared, the way they were chasing her. I'm getting this information from this morning's paper. I think that people need to think about what they will do in difficult situations while driving. Young people need to realize that they need to stop for law enforcement who are just doing their job. It seems that some young people think of the police as the enemy, out to get them. I think that most law enforcement officers have the good of the citizens in mind when doing their jobs.
If you take the responsibility of driving seriously think ahead of time what you will do if you have an accident. Do not leave the scene of an accident as that will make you guilty even if the accident was not your fault. Watch out for bikes and pedestrians too. Do not text and drive or use the phone at all while driving. Distracted driving causes accidents. I have seen someone put on makeup while driving down the freeway, even with children in the car. Yikes!!
As pedestrians we have barely escaped being run over by drivers who were on their cell phones. We were thankful not to have been hit. We, being my daughter and me. I don't know if my husband has had any close calls with bad drivers yet. We are pedestrians as we take public transportation many days. But even those with vehicles are pedestrians on occasion.
Another thought on the bad accident on Thursday. If it had not been reported as a car jacking in the first place there would not have been a need for the deputy to give chase. That needs to be accounted for. Also the driver deliberately sideswiped the patrol car and sped away so that looks pretty guilty to me.
I'm glad officials take their time to get all of the facts straight. They spent hours and hours at the scene of the tragic accident to piece it all together. I'm glad I don't have to figure things out. I appreciate our law enforcement officers. Police and Sheriff's deputies have a thankless job. They need our prayers as they go about their many activities so that they can safely go home to their loved ones each day.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Got Memories
Other memories include old fashioned wringer washing machines used by my grandmothers and mother when I was little. They would wash the clothes in the tub of the machine and then have to put the clothes through the wringer which was part of the machine. Then they would rinse the clothes and put them through the wringer again.
When I was a young mother I had a spin dry washing machine. It was old, but affordable as my father-in-law got it for me. I would wash the clothes in the large tub of the washer and then put them in a smaller section to spin them before I could rinse them. After they were rinsed I put them back in the spinner again to ready them for hanging on the clothes line. I still like hanging clothes on the line to dry. I only had a clothes dryer for one short period of time. It was nice when it rained to still be able to do laundry. I manage quite nicely without this modern convenience on sunny days. I do have a good washing machine.When I was little there was no television. Nobody had television then. I was probably thirteen before I saw T.V. Or maybe I was twelve. We first saw television in L.A. at the neighbor of my uncle. The screen was very little and the cabinet was large. It wasn't long before my family got a T.V. My parents got a nice sized one for the day. They weren't rich but managed to always have a television after this. They were hard working house painters and needed this one thing to relax with after a busy day on the job.
We eventually got a second hand T.V. from a friend, but that did not last too long. I was sort of a T.V. addict when I had one to watch. We finally got a new little portable T.V. which was nice to have. Later when it no longer worked we went another period of years without television. We enjoyed other forms of entertainment then. We played board games and I was turned on to Scrabble at that time. Now I would not want to be without T.V. We don't go to the movies or other places of entertainment so T.V. is what I have to enjoy. I went without television enough years.
One good thing about no television is that you read more. My children are readers. When they were young and we got an encyclopedia set the children used to read it for enjoyment. I would not have done this as a child. I only used encyclopedias for school projects. My kids found pictures of old sailing ships that at least one of them tried to draw. These books drew them in, as did other sets of books we had. I did not have books as a child. They were more at home with books than I had been in earlier years.I had intended to write "Got Pets" when I started this post. That will be saved for another day. I changed to "Got Memories" as that is how this worked out. We have a lot of memories if we live long enough. This will be the year I turn 75, in December. I have a lot to pull out of the album of my mind. I have photo albums full of memories too.
Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever. Hebrews 13:8
image credits: ellenm; bobnrenee; daveynin; calliope
Thursday, March 3, 2011
You Never Know What A Day May Bring
You have probably heard that we do not know what tomorrow holds, but we know who holds tomorrow. Looking this up on Google I find song lyrics but not the scripture I had hoped to find. At least I'm learning to use Google, but I prefer to have Laura to help me.
Yesterday I had my plans all made to go to Ladies Bible Study in Coronado. I had things in order to take what I needed for the lunch we were having after Bible Study this morning. We had been to Griff's on Tuesday and had picked avocados for me to share with the ladies. Yesterday it was apparent that the avocados were not going to be ripe so I bought some for our Mexican themed lunch. They are just right to use.
This morning I was up early to get ready to go on the bus to Coronado. Laura was going to the library in Coronado so was going on the bus with me. We were doing great until we got to Imperial Beach where we change buses to go down the Silver Strand to Coronado. It turned out that no traffic was allowed on the Strand as there had been a major accident. This meant that the bus would not be going to Coronado. So I would not be able to follow through with my plans for the day.
I made a phone call to the church from a nearby pay phone to let the ladies know that I would not be there. We were not only having the luncheon after Bible study, we were also putting "Welcome baskets" together to share with new neighbors or others we want to invite to church. Thankfully I had already taken my items for the baskets to church on Sunday. They would do fine without me as they have done much of the past year. I used to lead the group, but Jane does a great job as Bible study leader and others lead the activities quite nicely.
Yesterday I had called Jimmie Sue to let her know I would be there and to see if they needed anything else for the activities planned. Thankfully I did not need to promise to bring any extras. I could not have kept my promise.
Since we couldn't get to Coronado Laura and I decided to get on the bus and head to the Imperial Beach Pier. This was a good decision as it was a beautiful day in our part of the country. I didn't need my jacket on as we walked on the pier. The water and the sky were so blue you could hardly tell where one began and the other ended. We enjoyed seeing all the fishermen on the pier as well as the birds overhead. Someone had caught a starfish which I think should have been put back in the sea. Earlier this week Laura, Bill and Paul had seen more birds as well as porpoise in that area. It is always fun to see the porpoise and seals when they swim nearby. They are a rare treat to observe.
More than a year ago (maybe two years) Laura and I rescued a drowning pigeon at the beach. We were standing on the pier observing the sea birds when we realized that one of the birds shouldn't be in the water. It was a pigeon that had ended up in the waves and was struggling to survive. The waves were taking it closer to shore so we were happy about that. Then when it finally hit the beach another bird started to pick on it. Laura and I headed towards the beach and the pigeon to see what we could do. We decided to take it home with us as it was too weak to survive otherwise. I put it in an extra bag that I had available and we got on the bus with it and headed home.
Laura named the pigeon Pierre. We had a small cage for him which was o.k. for a short time. After a week, when he was strong enough to fly, Griff drove Pierre and me to the pier area where we let him go near the other pigeons. The last we saw he was with the many pigeons in the park next to the pier. He was one of the prettier pigeons and I think of him when I'm in that area and see one with his type of markings.
We never know what a day may bring. What does God have in store for us when we begin the day? We did not know that we would not get to Coronado today. We had a different adventure instead. We did not know we would be rescuing a bird that day so many months ago. Each day has something to behold. One thing we need to realize is that God holds the future and we need to be ready to meet Him at a moment's notice.
The people in the car accident on the Strand in Coronado did not know that this would be such a horrific day. One was innocently minding his own business and was car jacked and taken on a frightening ride. Then there was the crash and both people in that vehicle were killed and others were injured. I don't really have all the details, but we do know that this was the day these two people needed to be ready to meet their Maker. We don't have any promises about what tomorrow will bring. We may just be the one that couldn't get to our job on time, or to an appointment. But we could be the one heading for our final breath here on earth.
One gentleman I talked to was going to his first day on a new job. Many others were about their daily business. They did not get to their destinations on time, or at all. But that is not as serious as being in a deadly car crash.
"I Know Who Holds Tomorrow"
There are things about tomorrow
That I don't seem to understand,
But I know Who holds tomorrow
And I know Who holds my hand.
Song by Ira Stanphil
Yesterday I had my plans all made to go to Ladies Bible Study in Coronado. I had things in order to take what I needed for the lunch we were having after Bible Study this morning. We had been to Griff's on Tuesday and had picked avocados for me to share with the ladies. Yesterday it was apparent that the avocados were not going to be ripe so I bought some for our Mexican themed lunch. They are just right to use.
This morning I was up early to get ready to go on the bus to Coronado. Laura was going to the library in Coronado so was going on the bus with me. We were doing great until we got to Imperial Beach where we change buses to go down the Silver Strand to Coronado. It turned out that no traffic was allowed on the Strand as there had been a major accident. This meant that the bus would not be going to Coronado. So I would not be able to follow through with my plans for the day.
I made a phone call to the church from a nearby pay phone to let the ladies know that I would not be there. We were not only having the luncheon after Bible study, we were also putting "Welcome baskets" together to share with new neighbors or others we want to invite to church. Thankfully I had already taken my items for the baskets to church on Sunday. They would do fine without me as they have done much of the past year. I used to lead the group, but Jane does a great job as Bible study leader and others lead the activities quite nicely.
Yesterday I had called Jimmie Sue to let her know I would be there and to see if they needed anything else for the activities planned. Thankfully I did not need to promise to bring any extras. I could not have kept my promise.
Since we couldn't get to Coronado Laura and I decided to get on the bus and head to the Imperial Beach Pier. This was a good decision as it was a beautiful day in our part of the country. I didn't need my jacket on as we walked on the pier. The water and the sky were so blue you could hardly tell where one began and the other ended. We enjoyed seeing all the fishermen on the pier as well as the birds overhead. Someone had caught a starfish which I think should have been put back in the sea. Earlier this week Laura, Bill and Paul had seen more birds as well as porpoise in that area. It is always fun to see the porpoise and seals when they swim nearby. They are a rare treat to observe.
More than a year ago (maybe two years) Laura and I rescued a drowning pigeon at the beach. We were standing on the pier observing the sea birds when we realized that one of the birds shouldn't be in the water. It was a pigeon that had ended up in the waves and was struggling to survive. The waves were taking it closer to shore so we were happy about that. Then when it finally hit the beach another bird started to pick on it. Laura and I headed towards the beach and the pigeon to see what we could do. We decided to take it home with us as it was too weak to survive otherwise. I put it in an extra bag that I had available and we got on the bus with it and headed home.
Laura named the pigeon Pierre. We had a small cage for him which was o.k. for a short time. After a week, when he was strong enough to fly, Griff drove Pierre and me to the pier area where we let him go near the other pigeons. The last we saw he was with the many pigeons in the park next to the pier. He was one of the prettier pigeons and I think of him when I'm in that area and see one with his type of markings.
We never know what a day may bring. What does God have in store for us when we begin the day? We did not know that we would not get to Coronado today. We had a different adventure instead. We did not know we would be rescuing a bird that day so many months ago. Each day has something to behold. One thing we need to realize is that God holds the future and we need to be ready to meet Him at a moment's notice.
The people in the car accident on the Strand in Coronado did not know that this would be such a horrific day. One was innocently minding his own business and was car jacked and taken on a frightening ride. Then there was the crash and both people in that vehicle were killed and others were injured. I don't really have all the details, but we do know that this was the day these two people needed to be ready to meet their Maker. We don't have any promises about what tomorrow will bring. We may just be the one that couldn't get to our job on time, or to an appointment. But we could be the one heading for our final breath here on earth.
One gentleman I talked to was going to his first day on a new job. Many others were about their daily business. They did not get to their destinations on time, or at all. But that is not as serious as being in a deadly car crash.
"I Know Who Holds Tomorrow"
There are things about tomorrow
That I don't seem to understand,
But I know Who holds tomorrow
And I know Who holds my hand.
Song by Ira Stanphil
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