February 6, 2000, Sunday- after an easy trip down the highway, we got to the Chula Vista RV Park. We are surrounded by a marina full of power and sailing craft, a marina park, and the San Diego Bay. Dick and Barbara, who left Temecula a few days prior, and are in another campground (ours was full), came over for a few more hours of euchre. Tomorrow is the big bike ride- around the San Diego bay- wow!

 

Birds of Paridise at our Chula Vista RV site

February 7, 2000, Monday- it was the start of a perfect bike riding day. At 10 we started towards the southern end of San Diego Bay, to Imperial Beach, up the Silver Strand to Coronado, over to San Diego via the ferry, and back south to National City and then into Chula Vista. Our ride around the bay was 30 miles of fun riding. It was great to see the Del Coronado Hotel, still in it's glory, the wonderful skyline of downtown San Diego from across the bay, the lovely new residences in the downtown, and the big naval ships. Barb and Dick had wanted to do this trip for years, and with the bike maps and some preplanning by them, we, no pun intended, went along for the ride. Dinner was in Old Town, in one of our favorite local Mexican restaurants. Excellent food at reasonable prices.

 

Susan's next home? Wouldn't it be nice?

February 8, 2000, Tuesday- what a change a few miles make. Since mid December we've been in the desert, with low humidity. Things could be left outside without getting the evening dew, or the overnight coastal fog. Here we are, alongside the water- and it's wet at night. The car and coach are drenched. Everything drips, but fortunately, with the sun out and a slight breeze, the drying process isn't far into the day. We got lucky today. Since our travels have started, our coach "big" awning has needed a dropdown sunshade. Today we found an awning company that stocks the needed screen, and they will deliver it next Tuesday. Dinner was with Brian and Lauren, son and daughter-in-law to Jeff and Lenore. They live in the Kensington section of San Diego- in a delightful little historic neighborhood, all of which was totally new to us. As we departed the area- we noticed many more neighborhood pockets. These seem to create civic pride for the residents.

February 9, 2000, Wednesday- off to the Goodyear Tire store for our free rotation and wheel balancing. Back to the coach to get ready for Mom- whom we pick up at the airport this afternoon. Her flights went well- and during dinner at the Harbor Island restaurant- with views over the harbor and airport, we got to speak to all the kids- a nice treat for Mom.

February 10, 2000, Thursday- after a nice walk along the marina, we drove to the Mission Beach area of San Diego to the see the sight of our mid 1980's adventures. First we passed by the apartments that we bought in 1984 and sold in 1994. It was obvious that the new owners had put a lot of dollars into the property. For 55-year-old buildings, they looked great. Then, on to our first construction project- the Ocean Vail condo's at San Luis Rey and the ocean. These units have held up well, and other then the need for a power wash- were non the worse for wear. All of the landscaping was mature, and filled in the open areas as planned. Next, up to North Mission to our Jersey Vail condo's at Jersey Court and the ocean. This set of three condos was maintained to the nines. Freshly painted, and with trimmed landscape, I was ready to make an offer on the units.

After cruising up to La Jolla, it was fun to see which restaurants and businesses were still in operation. Some of our favorites of the Bully, Top of the Cove, George's, and the Firehouse Café were still pumping out product. In Mission Beach- the Pennant, the Beachcomber, and Roberto's Taco's, looked just like 15 years ago.

We then dragged Mom over to Loehman's where she and Susan found some great pieces to supplement their wedding outfit wardrobes.

February 11, 2000, Friday- after household chores and Hobbes walking we went to the San Diego Zoo. The last time we were there was about 1974- a few seasons ago. It was a treat to visit this world renowned enclave in the middle of San Diego. As we walked around, and took the tour bus and sky tram, the following facts came out- and it might be interesting to those who like minutia. This zoo is largest bird sanctuary in the Western Hemisphere with 1850 birds, covering 450 different species. All male birds are banded on the right leg, and females on the left leg. At least here the males are always right. Why do flamingo's stand on one leg? It's a method of preserving body heat- keeping one leg tucked up again the body reduces heat loss. The head of a hippo weighs 500 pounds, while the whole animal weighs in at 6000. Some of the gazelle's live their entire life never taking a drink of water. They receive enough liquid from their solid diets. In addition to animals, the zoo is a botanical garden, with over 6500 plant species. Some of the bamboo seeds take 5 to 10 years before they geminate, but once growing, they can grow 4 feet per day. Now you could literally watch the plant increase in size.

 

Susan, Mom and Hobbes in La Jolla	Parrot in San Diego Zoo

One of the boats that is in the marina, has the interesting name of "no tan lines". We wonder who the crew is. One of the motor homes that we saw, back in Desert Hot Springs, was an older unit, with lots of "stuff" had the name of "cramalot inn". Nice to see people with a sense of humor!

Dinner was at David and Paula's recommendation- at the Blue Point in the Gas Lamp historic district of downtown San Diego. A great meal with all of the appropriate finishes. As we watched the streets outside, they were alive with people frequenting the 100 plus restaurants and watering holes.

Dinner at the Blue Point

Mom brought with her a video of the "Galaxy" cruise ship that we will be on this summer. What a magnificent vessel. It appeared that no expense was spared to create the ultimate creature comforts.

The largest winter storm in the last year was scheduled to provide needed rain, starting at 3 in the morning. As we returned to the RV park this evening, staff of the park were going around from RV to RV, raising lowered awnings, in case the winds came. Very thoughtful!

February 12, 2000- Saturday- this morning was a taxing day- for Mom. I slipped the turbo tax cd-rom into the computer, clicked the mouse a few times, and her federal return was completed. Fortunately, a refund is due- so now we'll have to run to the post office before April 15th.

The big rains came and went during the night. Fortunately no wind or flooding here, but up in LA, mud slides were everywhere. In fact, the sun was out most of the day- but with most people's "mindset" programmed for the day, the traffic getting into the Fashion Valley Mall was backed up onto the highways. Fortunately our parking karma still held, and we found a spot right outside of Needless Markup that saved a few steps for Mom.

A few clicks on the phone and we got "The Red Violin" on the dish pay-per-view dish, and we were set for the evening's entertainment.

February 13, 2000, Sunday- I finally finished up the Dec and Jan web pages so that we could give a copy to Mom, and go over the highlights of the last two months.

Susan was walking today with Hobbes, and noticed our friends Mike and Shirley were getting ready to pull into this Chula Vista Park. Haven't seen them since Rayne, LA, Oct. 98. It will be good to spend some time catching up with them. Our next time together will be at the Decatur rally in June.

 

Mom with our shared desert!

We grabbed a quick dinner in the gas lamp quarter (what we found out was the proper name of the area), and then caught a 7 PM curtain for the highly charged "Triple Espresso". This production, with three standup comics, was nonstop action of singing, skits and jokes.

February 14, 2000, Monday- after much prodding, and we mean years by all family members, we convinced Mom to look at computer options. Today we cruised to a Sears and a big box store- and checked out the "web TV". At the price of some $200 to $250, and $25 per month- it seems like an inexpensive option to get into e-mail and web surfing. I don't see Mom needing lots of software, since you can't add any to the web-TV. And, with all of the graphics coming on a large screen TV, it's easier to read for her then a 13" monitor. So, the first hurdle of maybe, was achieved. Dinner was at home with some great salmon steaks- about a pound each in size, and a good bottle of wine. The only downside was that we tuned into the Westminster dog show in the Madison Square Garden after the working class was finished. So, once more, we missed the komondors. Hobbes kept looking for his family, but never found them.

February 15, 2000, Tuesday- we continued looking at computers, this time at entry level desktops. At a starting price of $800 to $900, it offered the ability to do word processing, and accounting, and printing flyers, etc., all of the things Mom doesn't want to do for some of the charitable organizations that she is trying to fade out from. So, it looks like the simpler, web TV might be the answer.

Susan, Mom and Larry at Georges at the Cove

Dinner was at one of our favorite restaurants in La Jolla, George's at the Cove. Although the menu is has kept pace with food and taste changes in the 15 years since we were last there, the food and atmosphere is second to none. As nice a the Blue Point was last Friday, I think George's is a notch above. Afterwards, we headed eastward, and found one of the local Indian Casinos. This facility, started 12 years ago, has grown by leaps and bounds. It was a great low key operation, with blackjack tables starting at $1, and slots at 5 cents. Naturally, there were higher minimum options throughout. Although it was a little smoky, the noise level was very low. Nice for a change!

February 16, 2000, Wednesday- we worked on hotel reservations today for the family at Naomi's wedding in Idaho, flight reservations for Mom between Florida, New Jersey, Boston, Denver and Idaho. She will truly be a jet setter. As a treat to lunch, we had Mom's favorite that she never makes for herself- Hebrew National hot dogs on the grill. Then we needed a notary for some car title papers- and found out that many places, including the banks, no longer do notary work. Even Merrill Lynch will only notarize Merrill Lynch documents. So, off to Mail Boxes Etc. for a $10 fee for a notary. It seems that everyone that still notarizes in the state charges this amount, the legal maximum fee. A rip-off state.

February 17, 2000, Thursday- an early morning rise, for a 7 AM departure- to get Mom to the airport. The week plus has flown by, and we will miss Mom's stories and reminiscing. Afterwards we drove to Mission Beach and walked for two hours on the boardwalk and in the sand. Hobbes was more then a mess when we got back to the car- so it was a good excuse to head back to Coronado where we found a do-it yourself doggie wash- "wag'n tails". A first rate facility with two tubs, a full range of shampoos, big fluffy towels, and for those that can use it, blower/dryers. All this for $8? We don't know how they make it on the wash part. Of course we did spend a ton more on a pad/bed for Hobbes and a few other necessities(?).

 

Larry and Hobbes at North Mission Beach

February 18, 2000, Friday- hotel changeover day….clean the house after Mom (since we were out playing each day and never home), and get ready for Laurie and Michael. A quick stop at Costco and Albertson's to re-provision, and a run to the airport to get our new company. Both arrived in great shape- and an early bird at "Bob's Seafood" by the marina provided the needed nourishment for an eight-year-old and three adults. A car drove past the motor home this afternoon, and the people jumped out an said- do you remember us- it turned out to be Ron and his wife that were parked next to us at the Rayne, LA rally in October 1998. Of course they didn't know our new coach, or us, but Hobbes was out front- and that's all they needed to know that we must be the one's. Our calling card worked again. The next time we'll see them will be at the Decatur rally in June. The small world continues- our neighbors left today for Yuma, and will be in the same park that we're going to on Tuesday.

February 19, 2000, Saturday- a great day with Laurie, Susan and eight year old, Michael. Perfect weather at 72 and sunny to do Legoland. Forty miles up the coast to Carlsbad, we pulled into the theme park and discovered, to our surprise, a place that was satisfying to both kids and adults. Naturally all of the park's displays were constructed of legos. And we do mean lots of legos. As an example, if one person, instead of the model team, worked on the reproduction of Grand Central Station, it would have taken that person 67 years of work. Some of the bridges needed the same expansion joints that the real bridges had- just to handle the thermal expansions. At three million or more blocks per display- it's amazing that there was enough product available to for sale! Well, I was the surrogate grandfather for Michael. It was questionable whether Michael or I had a better time. We drove boats, went on wet rides, sat through science displays, and toured reproductions of San Francisco, New Orleans, New York City, and a host of other areas. They were so well done that we recognized many of each famous area's building by name, from Lombard Steet, Café DuMonde, and the Empire State and Chrysler buildings. The place was spotless and even provided kennel space for Hobbes. Laurie and Susan enjoyed and kvelled at the male bonding!

 

Laurie, Michael Max and Hobbes in Legoland	Laurie and Susan

Larry and a new girlfriend?

Michael didn't run out of energy, so after five plus hours in Legoland, off we went to miniature golf. He takes his game very seriously. At eight years of age, he plays 9 holes with his 82 year old grandfather, and is receptive to instruction. What a pleasant eight year old to be around! Talk about being on cloud nine- he started off on the first hole with a hole in one. And just like Tiger Woods- his dip and arm swing!

We went to a nearby burger joint for a quickie bite and it turned into less, or is it more then expected. The waitress had a cold and was constantly sniffling- already making your hair stand on end? Then, the soup came out cold. After an hour the salads and burgers, or at least some came out. By the time the ketchup and mustard appeared, all was solid cold. Forget a refill on the coffee. After an hour and a half- we still couldn't get the charge card and slip back from the overworked, sick waitress. Maybe she was also the cook? Finally the owner or manager lady appeared, heard our plight- and offered free desert. Since Michael and Susan had already left to walk Hobbes, two couldn't do sweets…so she canceled the bill and asked us to please come again, and give them another chance.

Laurie & Michael Max in front of Lombard St. San Fran	Michael Max and Larry on the "drop"

February 20, 2000, Sunday- and the rains came during the night. And the rains stopped by civilized time. Perfect! Brian and Loren came over late morning to see the coach. Then they and the four of us went to Old Town for an authentic Mexican lunch. Our restaurant karma continued. Brian said "look out", as a steam of water came down through the canvas ceiling over the patio, and splashed up all over the left side of my jacket, as it was draped over my chair. So, I moved over to the right, incase any more came. Ten minutes later- a flood came down by my right shoulder. I was ready to ask for a wet suit and snorkel. From nowhere the staff appeared with mops and wiped us down with fresh cloths, and the manager offered free deserts for all. So, three times in the last month- starting in Palm Desert, we were on the wrong side of a great meal.

We saw an armored truck today and thought what a great tow vehicle. Forget the Jeep or Humvee. Wouldn't it be neat- I could forget about the dinky little safe in the coach. With solid tires, no worry about flats. As a towed vehicle- everyone would think we must be insanely rich! You could leave the dog and other valuables without worrying about being broken into.

The other night we watched a TV show on the casinos in Vegas. The stories revolved around the Rio, and the numbers were overwhelming. Over a thousand tv cameras in the casino. They employ two full-time, around the clock, employees that do nothing but change and log full videos. In order to serve 25,000 meals a day, the food staff alone exceeded 2500 people. Imagine 150 semis per day coming to the loading docks. Photos of the money counting room- where 2 to 3 million per day is counted- were impressive. Five percent goes to the bank, and the rest go to the cashiers for payoffs.

A few spaces over, a red Corvette sits with the NY plate- "I'M LUCKY". It turns out that he won the NY lottery- to the tune of $17,000,000. Not a bad payday!

February 21, 2000, Monday- heavy rains and wind again last night- but by the time we got Laurie and Michael to the airport this morning- the weather had cleared enough to keep the flights on time. So, today was errand day- but as it appears, too often, we can't go in a straight line. Over to the dry cleaners for an outfit that Susan dropped off last week. It was cleaned and all that stuff- but the string ties had all unraveled. Usually we record and then toss all of the paper charge slips. But, it was our lucky day. Upon returning to the coach Susan found the SAKS charge slip, and off we went to return the great outfit that she found in Palm Springs. No problem- a quick credit. But, since there was a space unallocated in the closet- time to fill in with a few replacement pieces. Then, on to the other stops- and in and out of thunderstorms and hail. Yes, hail, right here at the ocean. No damage, but it was a good thing that we weren't doing tomorrow's travels today. Heading east on I-8- I believe are a few mountain passes. Snows we expected above a few thousand feet of elevation.

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