Lisa Hood

It’s becoming something of a family tradition: going to San Diego for Alan’s birthday. This year it was a last minute plan because Mom had points to use before the end of June.  We stayed on Shelter Island, right across from the Bay and we soaked up the view.  Friday we arrived in time for a late lunch at Anthony’s Fish Grotto. I’m the only one who enjoys seafood, but A & T each found land animals to eat. K wasn’t able to do much eating at all, considering she was just 10 days post op.  She was quite a trooper though, with only one melt down at meal time.  While we were on the Boardwalk, we also checked out the ships, shops and bought souvenirs.  Then it was off to the hotel and we all crashed, since we were operating on about 3 hours of sleep each.  

Saturday was a low key day. We drove around Point Loma and found a nice little bluff to look out on the Pacific.  The waves were awesome and we watched surfers and fishermen doing their thing.  A & I decided we are definitely going to do everything in our power to move to S.D. in a few years.  He’s already planning to set up shop on the beach, with just a table, chair and laptop, he’s in business.  The girls think I should set up on the boardwalk selling souvenirs to tourists.  I’m not too sure about that.  I think I should just lend moral support to A.  We soaked up a few rays and then headed over to Coronado Island which turned into quite an adventure.  A remembered the entrance to the bridge was hard to find, but he didn’t quite remember which exit to take (Cesar Chavez BTW).  We cruised around a few dicey neighborhoods before we found it.  We were going to do dinner at Peohe’s again, but the wait was too long, so we shopped for a bit then had BBQ. It was actually the perfect day because we took in the sights, enjoyed the cool ocean breeze and each other’s company.  

Sunday was SeaWorld.  We met Sharon and her sister Jo at the front gates.  A was having back trouble and K was just exhausted, so we were pretty mellow.  We tried to see most of the shows, but left Atlantis for another visit. It was weird because all the shows seemed shorter and kind of dull.  Amazing to think that a killer whale flying thru the air or dolphins jumping and spinning could be dull, but it was.  K, T & I did ride Shipwreck Rapids once, but none of us wanted to get soaked, so once was enough.  Plus we were all squashed together in the seat, which wasn’t pleasant. By the end of the day, we were fried: physically (sunburned) & mentally.  

Monday morning we met S & J for breakfast then took a Trolley to Seaport Village.  A & I had never been there before, which is amazing considering how many times we’ve gone to San Diego.  It’s a cute little collection of shops and restaurants.  We took the Seal tour, which is a land/water vehicle that drove us back to Shelter Island and then trolled around the bay.  The best part of the tour was a floating bait shop which attracts groups of sea lions.  The sea lions were all chillin’ out and there were several cubs in the group.  We also saw an area where the Navy trains dolphins to do reconnaissance.  All we could see of the dolphins was an occasional fin poking out of the water, but it was way more exciting than the shows at Sea World.  I know, weird huh?  

We stopped for lunch on the way out of town and talked to go back again in July.  I think we were all a little disappointed with the trip.  We were planning on taking Courtney & Chloe to Disneyland this summer, but we’ll probably take them to SW and maybe Legoland instead.  Of course if we do go back this summer I might not get A home again.  

Sadly when we got home Sadie wasn’t doing well. She didn’t greet us at the door, and she was very lethargic.  T kept her company and K brought her water.  She died at four in the morning, coming into the office to say goodbye to A.  Now some of our favorite family memories will be tainted with one of our saddest memories: losing our beloved Sadie.