San Diego Fair

This summer I bought the $26 full fair pass. I have been twice and it is so much fun. The reason?? I do not have to rush thru, eat everything in sight and fight the crowds. When our son was growing up we had Disneyland passes. It was the same thing.
So far this year, my recommendations are:
1. in the infield: there is an outdoor area that has horses, butterflies, bees, caterpillars and more. Great area way from the crowds and more reminiscent of the county fairs we think of from days gone by.

2. Best secret inexpensive eats. In O'Brian Hall, there is Dixie's mini donuts. OMG. They make them as you wait, Hot and sprinkled with cinnamon/sugar. Only$2.50 for 6 but just pay the $5. and get a dozen. Warning, You will not want to share. (the link is to a great article about Dixie and her donuts.)

3. Parking tip. Park off site. Easy, free and less of a hassle.

4. Best thing to buy. By the exit of the garden area by the O'Brian entrance are these beautiful plates. The artist Lisa Brown is there. Leaf ART

There are some competitions that you can still sign up for.. enjoy and explore.

For today, that's all folks.

San Diego County Fair

Sycuan Casino Music Venue Live and Up Close

I just came back from my first trip to Sycuan Casino`s music venue called Live and Up Close and it is perfectly named, on the far side of El Cajon...  I was pleasantly surprised.. the trip from the coast wasn't filled with lots of winding roads but was a very nice drive thru the east county about an hour from Carlsbad,Ca... once there.. both the parking and the finding of the music venue were very easy...
I am not a gambler  but for those that are they do have a large non smoker area... if you are interested...

We were there for a concert.. and it was a great one: David Cassidy.. (but this is the subject of a different story)..
The employees, hosts and security were all extremely nice.. I did not get the feeling that it was only because we were a pretty docile group... even on the casino floor the employees were very kind...

 This is now my favorite concert venue in San Diego next to the Belly up. It's small (457 seats), comfortable, every seat is great,  the bar is separate from the performance area, so you aren't disturbed by waiters, waitresses and the bathrooms are in the theatre and easy to access. Here, the focus is on the music first. Don`t think twice about seeing a show here, it will be memorable. The acoustics are great, the seating is comfortable and plush, If you are interest in the casino you can play before or after the show.They get great acts and typically have no ticket fees. I left very impressed by this music venue that really is

 Live and Up Close.

Birch Aquarium La Jolla, Ca.

_Birch Aquarium, La Jolla

Living in Carlsbad, I get asked a lot about my opinion of Sealife in Carlsbad vs. Birch aquarium.. 

Here is my post from Trip Advisor.. that says it all.. and it isn't far from Carlsbad...

“One of San Diegos best experiences, location and activities 5 stars”

Reviewed July 10, 2012

Living in San Diego, we have been here several times.. We also travel and have been to many other aquariums.. This one is always awesome.. The views from the patio (with interactive sea life)
the multiple ever changing learning centers and the great hands on exhibits are 5 star.. The fact that UCSD is right here allows for even more research and new finds.. all of which get integrated into the exhibits... top this off with a stroll thru many of the local tide pools and this is a perfect day.
For Locals and Visitors alike.. this is a can`t miss experience.

Visited June 2012

Gaslamp Get Away!

I just got back from a wonderful time in Downtown San Diego this week... We sampled the restaurants, took in a show at the House of Blues and stayed at the Palomar Hotel.... overall it was a great get away...
I took the train down and although I chose to walk the few short blocks to the hotel, the trolley also stops close by and the Hotel does have a car at your disposal to take you anywhere with in a three mile radius.. Downtown isn't very large so this will take you where you need or want to go...

An in depth review of the hotel will be out in a few days.. I am waiting for the management to answer a few questions first so I can give a full picture and accurate information on the recent renovations and updated services.

We had a few great finds in the food and music department..
The Zanzibar, Cafe Chloe and Patricks 2 for great musicians hanging out and playing great music.

Having spent most of my time in the Gaslamp in the evenings.. coming down early on the day of check in was an interesting experience.. Also being there on a Tuesday which is a people light night was different also...
Pictures and reviews to follow.
Fair Dinkum!

Discovery Lake, San Marcos, Ca

Discovery lake is a wonderful place child friendly with a county feel, but not in the country. Here is an article written by Agnes Herman has been a Lake San Marcos resident since 1983 and posted in the North County Times May 25, 2005.. it is as true today as over 5 years ago.
.Discovery Lake is a jewel in San Marcos' crown of fine parks and lovely walking trails.
I discovered it in a moment of need almost 12 years ago. I had been babysitting Matt, our grandson, when he suddenly was screaming in pain from a severe earache. After a session at Urgent Care, I sought a calm, quiet diversion to help both of us erase the memory of his pain.
I drove around the city seeking to locate the "new" lake I had heard about. We drove up the hill off Craven Road, which runs from Discovery Street to the university, and then up Foxhall. This led us into an inviting parking area that borders a children's playground and small park and provides access to Discovery Lake.
What a "Discovery" it was! A wide, wooden bridge led us to an equally wide, paved road, and a gleaming body of water came into view. We followed the road around the lake, a three-quarter of a mile hike marked by many stops to admire the variety of trees and flowers that grow in profusion on both sides.
The lake itself was alive with ducks and other waterfowl; Matt was all smiles and chatter. I could not have designed a better way to heal the pain. We returned to the playground where this grandma was rewarded with a big hug as I permitted Matt to join the gaggle of youngsters at the spraying water fountain.
Our family has been addicted to Discovery Lake ever since. It offers us seniors, especially, an opportunity to walk several laps and brag about the accomplishment. And it affords a peaceful, contemplative moment in otherwise stressful days.
They astonish me, the variety of people who amble slowly, walk briskly, run or jog around the lake. Grandparents and young parents pushing strollers arrive after naptime. Some use walkers, some are in wheel chairs and others meander around the trail keeping tight to the right hand lane, out of the range of bikers and skaters.
Some of us are so regular in attendance that our absence causes concern. When I first walked the lake after recent surgery, a frequent walker stopped to say, "Long time no see." In the past he had been so absorbed in thought, we hardly exchanged nods. I remember the Sunday we spied our family doctor bent over a wild rose. When I called his name, without missing a beat he answered "mistaken identity."
I had invaded his private time. He was gracious, nevertheless, and stopped to chat about the health of wildflowers.

There are two other interesting trails. Discovery Creek Trail is a 2-mile round trip that follows the creek, which runs under the bridge at the Lake. For the adventuresome, there is the Double Peak Trail, five miles round trip, a moderate to difficult hike.
The myriad of area plants and flowers are best enjoyed during a leisurely walk. Willow trees and Sycamores provide umbrellalike shade; wild roses, honeysuckle, California blackberry, lemonade berry and even pussy willows abound! The many water birds include coots and mallards, herons and an occasional egret. If one is lucky, a quail leading his family will cross your path. In the quiet of the night I am told, deer, an occasional bobcat and coyotes enjoy their space. Even the lonely snake that ventures across the road as the day cools does not bother us as long as we return the courtesy.


I am off to meet a friend and fellow walker there this morning.. always bring a bit of bread for the ducks and geese :)

La Jolla Inn

While on our short get away.. we stayed at the La Jolla Inn.: for a location it can't be beat..
The room was clean and tidy and I would recommend this hotel to anyone that wanted a nice place close to all in downtown La Jolla with an ocean view..
They had a continental breakfast each morning that can be delivered to your room or rooftop terrace.
The breakfast included:
Bagels, croissants, cereal, bananas and juice. Coffee is in the library area along with hot water and the toaster to heat up the bagels. (it appears they buy in bulk from Costco) Which isn't horrible but just not fresh and what I would expect from a place in La Jolla.
The room again was clean and organized. Although it was outdated, the curtains were stained and old and the kitchenette area needed repair. They do have water in your room for $3 a bottle as well as other snacks.. I suggest putting those all in a cupboard so you don't get dinged.
The front desk has hit and miss hospitality. On the day we arrived the level of friendliness was not there.. On day two, a very nice and helpful woman was there and on day three a real grump..
Parking is great, $5 a day and once you park about a block away in underground parking, you really do not need a car.
So out of 5 Fair Dinkum stars, I would give the La Jolla Inn a 3.5
To make it a 5, update the older rooms, personalize the breakfast and increase the hospitality of the staff.
So go to the La Jolla Inn, it is a great place to stay.. located right next to the Valencia..... and just a short stroll to La Jolla Cove and the seals.