Lions and tigers and bears -oh my!

Well I used my brand new annual zoo pass for the first time today. And I rode the "Coaster" down the coast to get to the zoo. My "daughter for the day" Jacinda joined me further down the track. Then a bus ride and we were there. Not too bad for 2 directionally challenged people! The San Diego Zoo is a beautiful place with a multitude of animals, great scenery, winding paths, hills and a large variety of places to eat- I have never had pad thai at a zoo before! Also outdoor escalators! A really fun way to spend a day....

My view from the coaster

This fellow was in the same enclosure with his best friend- an arctic wolf.

Yoga or pilates??

Meditating?

Definitely needs some moisturizing lotion

Young giraffe

Jacinda hanging with the gorillas!

Now that is the life!

Not the best end of the panda...apparently it was nap time

Going up the canyon

A large rambling place

Chewing on a carrot

Thought of the kids and their polar bear plunge into Lake Micchigan

Taking the "Skyfari" back to the entrance

I believe we have a house!

   If all goes well we will become true California residents in about 30 days when we sign our $$$ away on a mortgage! We first saw this house last Monday and put our offer on it last Wednesday. Then there was a counter, a counter and a counter... then we said "we yield". So through the amazing process of online document signing ( I had no idea there was such a thing) we begin the rest of the process. We haven't bought a house in 21 years! The house is on .6 acres which gives us elbow room but not so much that we need to hire a gardner ( that would be me).
  The house is in excellent shape and truly appears to be "move in" ready. As long as there are no termites already residing there. Yes, in CA termite inspection is a must! Also landscaped already although I will need to plant more new and exciting plants!
  We will be living in Fallbrook which is a beautiful more rural area away from the hustle and bustle. It is known for all it's nurseries, citrus and avocados. We have made some wonderful friends up there and can't wait to pay them back for their hospitality once we move in.

Back patio

Retreat off Master bedroom with shared fireplace

Master bedroom with patio access

Master bath

Living room

Kitchen/dinette

Dining room obviously

Front entry

Family room off kitchen-shares a fireplace with living room

  I have to admit that other than missing all our wonderful family and friends back in the Midwest I am loving CA! Of course being "retired" could have a lot to do with it too. Dave is definitely NOT retired. Business is really good which is great for job security.

Best $10 Day Ever!

Our tourist destination today was Torrey Pines State Park. Only a $10 charge to hike our heart's content and revel in the beauty. Today was a perfectly clear day and just right for hiking.  The trees you see are Torrey Pines which only grow here and on one island off the coast.

Razor Point

Really good looking guy I get to spend every day with in our cozy apartment. And that is going better than expected- a lot of togetherness!

Yucca Point

Looking north

Way up high- see how small the people look...

Looking south

A late lunch at Joe's Crab House in Pacific Beach right on the boardwalk.

Crystal Pier

You can rent these cute little houses right on the pier

Giving me the evil eye!

Dave's next car- a Lotus

Creative way to make some cash

Not sure what this guy's story is!

Sunsets and Stoplights

  I can't help myself.... when I see a sunset over the ocean I have to take photos. It just is so beautiful that it needs to be recorded. Dave doesn't understand my obsession so he was way ahead of me on our beach walk tonight! Dave's current obsession is stoplights and how much of his life is spent sitting at the red lights! There is an over abundance of stoplights and certain times of the day are really bad. But it is pretty cool how you can do u turns at most intersections- very helpful when you are just a bit lost. We have learned never to venture out very far on Friday nights. We made the mistake of returning our rental car to the airport last Friday night.... took up most of our evening. But truly enjoying the good life in CA!
 

Wading birds

Surfers

I-5 traffic on a Friday night

Strawberry Fields Forever

 Strawberries! They are very sweet and tasty now! Dave saw the sign and started talking about fresh strawberry pie. My Mom's recipe is the best and I have made these pies every year of our marriage.









Fields as far as the eye can see.... this is about 1 1/2 miles from our apartment.
















Fresh Strawberry Pie
1 1/2 quarts strawberries
1 c.  sugar
3 tbsp cornstarch
1/2 c. water
1 baked pie shell
4 oz. softened cream cheese

Mash enough strawberries to equal 1 cup. mix sugar and cornstarch in saucepan. Gradually stir in water and then mashed berries. Cook over medium heat,stirring constantly until mixture thickens and boils. Boil and stir 1 minute or until becomes clear. You can add red food coloring if you want a redder sauce. Cool until barely warm. Coat cooled pie crust with cream cheese- fingers work the best! Place whole berries points up in crust. Pour sauce over berries. Chill until set.