More San Diego Highlights

Hello Friends

Well, we arrived back home on Sunday night, but I thought I should share a few more of the San Diego highlights that my husband and I got to see.

HMS Surprise ("Master and Commander" movie ship)

If any of you are familiar with the Russell Crowe movie, "Master and Commander", the ship used for that movie, the HMS Surprise, sits docked along the San Diego Embarcadero as part of the San Diego Maritime Museum.





And right beside that is the 150 year old (!!) Star of India, the oldest ship still sailing regularly (she goes out twice a year).

Star of India by day

 Star of India by night

Both of these ships are floating museums.  And both would make any Pirate-ship-loving little boy happier than a clam!

Continuing to stroll along the San Diego Embarcadero, you come to the USS Midway......a full-sized, once-active aircraft carrier turned into a public access museum.

USS Midway

Just a "few" of the aircraft stored within the Midway

On the top deck of the Midway - surrounded by planes

 

You thought aircraft carriers "looked" big on tv or in the movies, but trust me, you have no idea just how big until you take a tour!










I do have to admit though, one of the absolute best parts of the Midway tour was the chance to listen to and speak to a vet who flew planes for over 30 years in the US.  Man oh man did he ever have some stories to tell!  He was honest and sincere about the dangers and the harrowing experiences.  But he was also entertaining and impressive when he spoke proudly of his accomplishments.  It was a pleasure to listen to his stories and an absolute honour to meet him and shake his hand!

A 30+ year war vet - who actually flew the plane we are standing in front of!

We spent all day at the water's edge (we were on the west coast, afterall!) and our evening concluded with a delicious seafood meal at Anthony's Fish Grotto.  There is no better place to watch the sun setting in the west, than on the west coast!!  What a wonderful way to end our San Diego Getaway adventure!

Sunset view from our dinner table at Anthony's Restaurant!

Of course, we returned home after a full day of travel on Sunday to find our van waiting for us at the Ottawa airport with a completely dead battery.  I mean "Dead".   :(

But that is a different adventure.....


Hope you've been enjoying a wonderful week so far.  I look forward to getting inky with my Club ladies this evening.

To all of you ---
Enjoy the rest of your day and God Bless,     ~Cynthia    <><

San Diego Getaway Pillow Gifts

No Stampin' Up! trip would be complete without the ever-present pillow gifts.  And let me tell you -- NOTHING is as exciting as coming back to your room each night to find a little something extra waiting for you.

Interesting Box

Gorgeous Pitcher

The first night we arrived at our room to find a large and interesting-looking box...and inside we found this gorgeous hand-crafted Mexican pitcher.

The second day we all got treated to Trolley tours of San Diego so that was our "pillow gift".  A little hard to wrap, but a wonderful gift nonetheless.

And tonight....well tonight we returned to our room to find the quintessential box of "crack".  

Box of "crack"

Stampin crack that is!  A stamp set, THREE ink pads, hexagon punch, embellishments and Designer Series Paper....could a girl get more of what she loves??  

And as icing on the cake, this is NOT a stamp set that I already own.  Yee haw.  Love me that Stampin' Crack!!

Now I just have to make sure I can get everything home on the plane tomorrow!

Which reminds me - time to pack then get to sleep.  Morning wake-up is going to come awfully early so I better get to work.

Have a wonderful Sunday everyone and I'll "see you" when I get back!

God Bless,    ~Cynthia    <><

San Diego - Stampin' Up! Style

Our first full day in San Diego as part of the incentive trip I earned this year -- Stampin' Up! arranged for Trolley Tours of San Diego that brought us to the Old Town.  Steeped in the colours and flavours of Mexican culture and cuisine, the Old Town was a wonderful way to spend a glorious California day.  Check it out:

Trolley Tours

Old Town is Gorgeous

The Sights & Colours of Mexicana America

Good Food......

Colourful Sights

Stampin' Up! TLC back at the room

Pecan-encrusted Trout for dinner

And the most delightful prawns.....

Lots of great food today.  Lunch and supper were both spectacular!!

And then....at the end of a long day - it was time for bed.

Loving our trip to San Diego so far!!

More later.  

Have a wonderful weekend!  
God Bless,    ~Cynthia    <><

Leavin' On A Jet Plane....

Good Morning Friends

Today is the day!  My dear hubby and I celebrate 21 years of wedded bliss today (and I am not being tongue-in-cheek.  We really are blissfully happy.  At least, *I* am!).  

At any rate, today is our anniversary and it also happens to be the day that Stampin' Up! is sending us to San Diego for 4 days on the Getaway vacation that I earned.  Gotta LOVE a job that rewards you with all-expense-paid vacations, huh?

We were up at 3 am.  Out of the house by 4 am.  And we're preparing to board our 6 am flight now.  It's an early morning - but it's the beginning of a GREAT day.

I love my husband.  And I get to spend 4 days with him in San Diego.  The 4 kids are all still at home (doubtless, still asleep too!).  I am *so* looking forward to this!

Happy Anniversary to me.  Happy Anniversary to us!  I intend to keep you posted about the wonderfulness of this Getaway.  Stay tuned....

Have a wonderful day.
God Bless!         ~Cynthia   <><