Lessons in Self Defense

Extending out on a platform from the port bow of the USS Carl Vinson, I noticed something I didn't realize were mounted on carriers---surface to air missiles.  The automated Phalanx systems are for up close defense but the newer RAM missile systems can reach out much farther.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RIM-116_Rolling_Airframe_Missile#SeaRAM_.28weapon_system.29

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phalanx_CIWS

Sub Pens

At least 4 Los Angeles class attack submarines are docked in San Diego this past week.  None with numbers to identify but one with a cover which leads one to believe it to be "Special Ops".  The entire harbor was alive with a military presence with the USS Carl Vinson at rest.  Typically, a least a couple of the subs stay with the carrier group when it deploys.  Hats off to the team for receiving Seal Team 6 a few weeks ago!!!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_class_submarine

Pretty in Pink

A recent rain made this shot easy :)

Hornets' Nest

On the north end of the Coronado peninsula, there appears to be a bone yard of Hornets-most without their radar and with the cockpits covered.  The extensive naval facility is located across the harbor from San Diego and is home to the USS Ronald Reagan and the USS Carl Vinson.  The Vinson was in port across the bay from the the USS Midway, which is decommissioned and serving as a museum.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F/A-18_Hornet

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NAS_North_Island

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Midway_(CV-41)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Carl_Vinson_(CVN-70)

"How does your garden grow?"

Lots of youngsters in the little woman's garden this past week. Bodes well for a mid to late summer bounty!

Harbor View

Photo of the waterfront looking back toward San Diego's Gas Light district.  Quite a bit of the waterfront has been transformed into a very nice walk with marinas, parks, restaurants and maritime museums that include the USS Midway.

Happy Father's Day!!!

Have a great Father's Day Dad!

And of course, nothing says "I love you, Dad" more than this heart touching video...

Have a great day, Dad!!!

Good Housekeeping Freshness Seal

A recent irrigation project pointed in the direction of multizone drippers and mini sprinklers. The inexpensive timer was purchased to energize the on/off valves controlling the zones. However when the little woman and I went to purchase an outdoor box for the timer we found it more expensive than the timer itself.....so after many ideas involving ziploc freezer bags and old Tupperware containers, a cheap (<$1) sandwich container went into service. After a few rains it is doing just fine !!!

Pink Powderpuffs

The little woman is getting more than lots of broccoli from the garden this year!

Culture Sensitivity

Canadians have a reputation are being "Nice"......I've found out their secret. They eat "Nice" cookies!!!

Back in the Big City

Sunset over the northern Toronto cityscape---building lots of new towers. In Canada this week---which makes two Clarks in the Great White North!

The Young Padawan Graduates

Like his friend Spartan, the young graduate gets his diploma and is looking forward to a summer of leisure before hitting the books this fall!

And for those of you who are unfamiliar with his friend Spartan....

http://youtu.be/Rj7gN3T6l04