Poolside Tea Time

The photo shows the results of pollen from the flowering trees around the yard being filtered from our pool.  In the years before the DE cartridge filter purchase last summer, coagulating polymers had to be added to clump the small particles for the sand filter to catch them---a process typically taking several weeks with a light brown tinge to the water.  Now the DE filter easily collects pretty much anything that gets in the pool down to 2 microns in particle size (human hair is ~100 microns in diameter) and takes just hours to remove the pollen. 

Fox in the Hen House

Our pair of foxes have started a family down by the lake and have been foraging for fresh food for the kits.  

Squirrels are on the menu of course but at least three different sets of chicken feathers are also in evidence.

The parents have to travel a fairly long distance for the chicken raids--probably up to a mile to the surrounding farmlands.

First Sail

 The morning shows promise with clear skies....

Early morning sun kissed the newly applied vinyl graphics on the stern...

The First Mate motors out of Sledd Creek...Lat/Long map below

http://www.bing.com/maps/default.aspx?q=36.96917230292261+-88.2793671079799&mkt=en-US&FORM=BYFD


The morning was still a bit cool but a fairly steady breeze allowed us to attempt sailing with the headsail (I believe our headsail is a "jib") with lots of learning still to do.  We did get along at a pretty good clip at times---up to 5.7 knots.  Pretty much all downwind but next time we will attempt the mainsail and the headsail at the same time!!!

Map chip ordered so we know exactly where we are!!!

Sailorgirl is in the Captain's Seat

Took the Time and Tide out for her mechanical shakedown cruise and Moyia took the helm to show off her seamanship skills.  Life is exciting at 7 knots :)

Br'er Rabbit must have gotten away (again)

Ever eat an acorn?....some parts are edible.  A pair of foxes have made our neck of the woods their home and are getting a bit brazen (just ask the cats).  The acorns are from a large tree next to the house and have fallen upon the cover and net on the pool deck.

A for those of you who do not know who Br'er Rabbit is----

"Skin me, Br'er Fox, snatch out my eyeballs, tear out my ears by the roots, and cut off my legs, but do please, Br'er Fox, don't fling me in that briar patch!" —Br'er Rabbit

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

Premium Space

Visiting a local Target we saw that there was a basement as well as the usual first floor.  Makes sense because of the prices of property here in California  We soon saw that not only were there escalators for shoppers, but their shooping carts as well---up and down.  And of course sercurity guards were quick to note my taking photos and stopped me but not until I had one decent shot :)

Blonde at the Bay

Panorama of the mooring balls at the city marina along with a familiar blond wistfully thinking she was out on the water. 

Long way from home (makes two of us)

The first company that introduced fiberglass luxury motor yachts in the early 1960s, this Chris Craft Commander has fallen on hard times among the mooring balls in San Diego quite a way from its home port of Miami and near its Pompano Beach birthplace.

Class Act

For those of us fortunate to remember Bob Hope, he was mostly a class act and a rare celebrity that gave back--not only a few times, but throughout his entire career.  I caught his later years on televised specials and Saturday afternoon black and white movies when I was growing up.  The bronze statues pay tribute to Mr. Hope's ever present entertaining of United States troops (USO Tours)--no matter where the troops may be.  A continual soundtrack plays Mr. Hope's barrage of one liners and generally G-rated humor that made him a favorite of generations. 

Carriers--projecting power for 90 years

This obelisk, with the USS Midway in the background, is one of many monuments commemorating different aspects of the United States Navy.  On this side it lists all of the "fleet" carriers though it is short a few after the Reagan.

USS Dolphin

The USS Dolphin Navy research submarine (decommissioned) sitting at rest at the San Diego Maritime Museum.

And a more "in depth" view of the Dolphin.

A bit more info....
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Dolphin_(AGSS-555)

Downtown Shopping Mall

The center of the city has a rather unique shopping mall with an outdoor terraced theme.  Lots of the usual shops and many unusual ones as well.

Big Spender

Only the best for my girl on our anniversary :)  Actually, we had been traveling all day and we both were tired---and there was this little Mexican place just down the street with an outdoor terrace..... Great food and even better company.  And no, she didn't eat the whole burrito--maybe a third (it was huge!).

West Coast Lighthouse

I really don't think that this is a lighthouse----too far inland and not really in a place to be of much use though it may be a handy aviation aid to the U.S. Navy.  This tower is on Coronado Island across the bay from San Diego where the First Mate and I are celebrating our 23 year anniversary!!!

Brazilian Grape Arbor

The small villa where I stayed at has a large grape arbpr down by the gardens that provides shade and a great 3D shot for us shufflers.
 

Customer Feedback

A simple electronic counter shows the feedback of customers that want to participate. The device is located next to the exit but just 1 in 3 or 4 pause to make their vote count. In this case it looks like most everyone liked the meal......with a few statistical outliers :)

Family Resemblance

I noted a rather spindly flowering plant on the way back from lunch and asked the locals folks about it  They didn't have a name for the plant but there seems to be a strong family resemblance to irises and orchids.

Time to head home

I think it is time for me to start thinking about making it back to the states. Came out for breakfast this morning and one of the staff had a table setting all ready to go at the table and chair I sit at every morning and evening----even down to the large (for Brazilians) coffee cup that I get out of one of the china cabinets in the mornings along with two different styles of glasses...one for water and another for juice. A bit creepy but I'll defintely drop a note to the owner about the friendly service.

Birthday Girl

Still getting around after many a year, my maternal grandmother has seen a tremendous amount of change over the past 4 score and 11 years. From the wooded mountains of western Carolina to the early construction boomtowns of Florida.

Happy Birthday Grandma!